Dozens sick from salmonella outbreak linked to tomatoes
Food safety watchdogs believe multiple foods, including eggs, red meat products, and tomatoes, contributed to the outbreak.
The outbreak involved Salmonella strains Blockley and Strathcona, with Blockley being particularly alarming due to its rare occurrence in Europe.
Cases linked to tomatoes were widespread across the UK, making their origin, whether domestic or imported, unclear.
Overall Salmonella cases in the UK reached a decade high in 2024, exceeding 10,000, a 17.1 per cent increase from the previous year.
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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Experts say you're meant to do this before you eat bananas
People hardly think to do this before taking a bite out of one of the nation's favourite fruits For years, people have been nonchalantly eating bananas straight from their fruit bowls without a second thought. But there's a crucial step many are skipping that they wouldn't dream of overlooking with other foods. Health experts have long said it is important to wash your bananas before eating the creamy fruit. It may strike you as weird to wash something when you're probably going to throw the freshly washed skin in the bin anyway, but this could change your mind next time you fancy a banana. The Huffington Post has previously highlighted that bananas, despite their tougher exterior, should be treated like any other fruit and given a good rinse. Tamika Sims, senior director of food technology communications at the International Food Information Council, told the publication: "You should be washing produce that has a peel with clean running water, even if you plan to discard it." She added that this hygienic habit was "best practice in safe food handling to minimise the transfer of dirt or microbes that may be on the skin to the fruit". Sims added: "Even if it feels counterintuitive, you should wash first." Despite the fact that you might peel a banana and chuck the skin, washing it is essential to get rid of any lurking dirt, bacteria, and potential pesticides from the surface, which prevents them from being transferred to your hands and subsequently into your mouth. Consuming any unwashed fruit can result in foodborne illnesses due to harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, not to mention the potential ingestion of pesticides and other contaminants. Unwashed produce might also harbour dirt, debris, and even insects which are not fit for consumption - and bananas are no different. Certain groups are more susceptible to food poisoning from unwashed produce, including: children under the age of 5 adults aged 65 and over pregnant women people with weakened immune systems Healthline reports that typical banana harvests often come with a coating of pesticides. The outlet claimed: "Pesticide exposure has been linked to several adverse effects on health and may increase the risk of conditions like autism, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia." How should you properly wash a banana? The best method is to clean a banana isn't rocket science - just hold it under cool running tap water for about 30 seconds, using your hands to brush off any visible soil. It's important to avoid soaps or detergents as they can leave harmful residues behind. Food safety specialist Trevor Craig told HuffPost readers: "If you really want to go for it, you can use a diluted vinegar solution of one part vinegar to four parts clean water to spray your food. This will help kill some bacteria and won't leave a bad taste or possibly dangerous chemicals on your food." The expert also recommended that for those eager to ensure their fruits are spotless, using a brush on thicker-skinned fruits and vegetables, like avocados, could be beneficial. He said: "Skins are often textured and have lots of space for things to fit in that you don't want to be in your finished product." Once you've finished washing, pat the banana dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
Supermarket vegetable linked to terrifying outbreak as FDA warns of hospitalizations
A popular sprouting vegetable has been recalled nationwide after it hospitalized four people and sickened 11. The FDA issued the alert for Deep brand frozen sprouts, which routine tests showed were contaminated with Salmonella. The recall affects Deep Sprouted Mat and Deep Sprouted Moong 16-oz packets, made by Chetak LLC, sold in stores and by mail order. The products have been removed from shelves, but officials remain concerned that some may still be in customers' refrigerators. Salmonella poses a serious risk to pregnant women and the elderly, who are more likely to suffer serious infections and have the bacteria enter their bloodstreams. In most cases, Salmonella causes fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain with symptoms resolving in a few days. People have been advised to throw out the frozen peas immediately or return them to the sellers for a full refund. Illnesses have been reported across ten states, mostly in the Northeast, within the last year, prompting a major investigation from health authorities. The CDC, which is investigating the outbreak, has warned that the true number of sicknesses is likely much higher, as many people have recovered without being tested. The agency said in the alert: 'The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. 'This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.' The FDA said that production of the beans had now been halted while investigators determined the source of the contamination. Customers can check whether their sprouted beans are part of the recall by checking the lot code printed on the back of the packaging. The FDA has provided a list of codes for products in the recall on its website. It is unclear how the products were contaminated, but in previous cases this has been linked to some seeds being exposed to water that has been mixed with animal feces, which could contain the bacteria. Sprouting seeds companies do disinfect their seeds, but this process is not always effective. Two of the patients sickened in the outbreak were based in Massachusetts. There has also been one case each reported in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. About half of the patients are female and have an average age of 43 years. All are of Asian backgrounds. It comes amid an FDA warning over two foodborne outbreaks including one linked to salmonella that has sickened 18 people and another linked to a microscopic parasite that has sickened 24 people to date. In both cases, the agency is interviewing patients in order to establish the source of the illnesses and warn other customers of the danger.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Lidl, Asda, Amazon, TK Maxx & more issue UK recall warnings
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a number of recalls, including on products sold at some of the UK's biggest retailers. We have rounded up the recalls you should be aware of. If you have purchased any of the products below, please stop using them immediately, and contact your retailer, or see the full recall notices for more information. TK Maxx shoppers have been warned to stop using one of the stores products immediately after it was revealed that it contained a potentially harmful chemical. The Byblos Blu eua de toillete perfume contains Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, also known as Lyral or HICC. The compound is not authorised for use in cosmetics manufacturers in Europe due to the risk of allergic reactions in sensitised individuals. The recall affects the perfumes with TJK style numbers of 898378,898370 and 898365. (Image: TK Maxx) The Byblos Blu eua de toillete perfume was sold in TK Maxx stores between January and March 2025. A spokesman for the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said: 'The product presents a risk to consumers health due to the fact it contains Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, also known as Lyral or HICC. 'This is not authorised for use in cosmetics manufactured in Europe due to the risk of allergic reaction in sensitised individuals. Recommended Reading: Asda, Matalan and Amazon recalls as shoppers told 'stop using them immediately' FSA issues 'do not eat' warning over chocolate that may be a 'food safety risk' 'Do not eat' warning issued as 'unsafe to eat' sweets recalled 'The product has been recalled from end users by TK Maxx. ⚠️ Product Recall: Byblos Blu Happy Hour Eau De Toilette sold by TK Maxx (2503-0192) presenting a risk to consumers health as it contains Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, also known as Lyral or HICC.⚠️ #ProductRecall 'If you have purchased this product, please stop using it immediately and return to any TK Maxx store.' A TK Maxx spokesman added: 'If you have purchased this product, please stop using it immediately and return to any TK Maxx store. 'You can get a full refund or replacement.' There are two recalls for products sold by Amazon. The first is an updated alert, issued by the FSA for Orgenism Eggshell Membrane Capsules, because Salmonella has been found in the product. Their update this week said: "This update is to make consumers aware that the Salmonella found in this product has been linked to human illness after consumption of the product. The Salmonella found is resistant to several antibiotics, therefore particular disposal routes are required. "This update is to make consumers aware of additional online platforms selling this product. The product is sold on Amazon and on the Orgenism website." Thursday 3 July 2025. Update 2 - Orgenism recalls Eggshell Membrane Capsules because of contamination with Salmonella #FoodAlert The second recall is for a piece of jewellery sold via Amazon. This has been removed from sale because it contains a 'serious chemical risk' which could cause cancer. The affected jewellery is a Dervivea metal ring and earings with Amazon codes B0CT21SWWY (Ring) and B0DHV43HC3 (Earrings). The product presents a 'serious risk chemical risk' as it contains butylphenyl methylpropional, which is prohibited in cosmetic products. An OPSS spokesman said: 'The products present a serious chemical risk as the cadmium content was found to be greater than the maximum permissible limit in both the metal ring and metal earrings. 'Cadmium is harmful to human health as it accumulates in the body, can damage organs and may cause cancer. 'Owners of the product are advised to contact the distributor they purchased from to request redress. The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Amazon).' (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire) Lidl has issued an urgent recall as a popular air fryer sold at the supermarket could be a potential 'fire hazard'. The supermarket is recalling the Tower eight litre dual basket air fryer which is sold in its stores. The affected air fryers have a product code of T17129L. No other Tower products sold at Lidl stores are impacted by the recall. Tower is recalling the products 'due to risk of overheating', the retailer said. It added that this could ultimately 'present a fire hazard' to shoppers who bought the item. 'If you own one of the affected models, please stop using it immediately,' Lidl said in the recall notice. Customers who bought affected air fryers have been urged to contact the supplier directly through They will then be able to see if their particular product has been affected and can access instructions for returning it. The retailer added: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.' Three popular products sold at Sainsbury's supermarkets across the UK have been recalled, as shoppers were told to 'stop using them immediately'. All of the recalled products present a fire risk, the recall warnings state. The Bosch Styline Toaster has been recalled due to a technical fault which can cause the electronics to overheat and could cause a toaster fire. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) The affected products have codes of TAT8613GB and TAT8611GB, and the recall affects the white and black versions of the toaster. A recall statement from producers Bosch, said: 'Bosch (BSH) is voluntarily recalling the above Styline Toaster models produced from October 2021 to April 2023 as the quality checks have revealed a technical fault which can cause the electronics to overheat and could cause a toaster fire. 'To minimize safety risks, please disconnect any affected toaster from the mains supply immediately and do not use it. 'For further details or if you have any questions, you can contact the customer care team on 01536 436236. 'Or if you would like to request a call back please email your contact details at bosch-toaster-action@ and one of Bosch team members will contact you. 'Bosch thank you for your understanding.' ⚠️Here is our monthly recall roundup for June⚠️ Visit for more information.#ProductRecalls #UkRecallsAndAlerts Sainsbury's warned shoppers that they had been informed of an issue affecting specific units of rechargeable blenders from Nutribullet. A spokesman said: 'A small number of units have been identified as having a battery defect that could overheat during charging, creating a potential fire risk. 'Please stop using the item immediately, and check if you have an affected product by locating the serial number on the base of the blender. 'Please visit to verify if your blender is potentially affected and if so, register to receive a replacement product free of charge." The Air Fryers affected by the Tower recall have SKUs of 141407023 and 139987372, and both the 2.2 litre and 4 litre Tower Air Fryer are included in the recall. A Sainsbury's spokesman said: 'We have been requested by Tower to alert you to a product recall impacting three Tower branded air fryers produced between January 2022 to April 2023. 'A small number of units have been identified as having a potential manufacturing default that could cause the air fryer to overheat and pose a fire risk. 'Please stop using the item immediately, and check if you have an affected product by locating the product number on the base of the air fryer. 'Once you have identified that your product is impacted. Please visit to see if the batch number means it is included in the recall. 'If it is, follow the instruction on how to return your affected product. We take the quality and safety of our products extremely seriously and would like to apologise to customers affected for any inconvenience this may cause. 'No other batches are affected by this recall.' Recommended Reading: Asda, Matalan and Amazon recalls as shoppers told 'stop using them immediately' FSA issues 'do not eat' warning over chocolate that may be a 'food safety risk' 'Do not eat' warning issued as 'unsafe to eat' sweets recalled A George at Asda product has been recalled from all stores across the UK, and anyone who has purchased it has been urged to 'stop using it immediately'. The supermarket giant has pulled the product from its stores and is asking anyone who owns it to return it to a store for a full refund. The Office for Product Safety and Standards warned that the George Baby 3-Pack Rompers with Zip sold by Asda presents a 'risk of injuries'. The recall affects all sizes of the rompers up to 24 months and impacts the following barcodes: 5059201506212, 5059201505772,5059201506137, 5059201506151, 5059201506175, 5059201505796, 5059201506113, 5059201506199, 5059201505772, 5059201506137, 5059201506151, 5059201506175, 5059201505796, 5059201506113, 5059201506199. ⚠️Here is our monthly recall roundup for May⚠️ Visit for more information.#ProductRecalls #UkRecallsAndAlerts A warning from The Office for Product Safety and Standards says: 'The product presents a risk of injuries as some of the zips have sharp edges. This may lead to babies becoming scratched and injured during use. "The product does not meet the requirement of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. "Consumers are advised to return the product to their nearest ASDA store for a full refund." Recommended Reading: Asda apology to customers as product recalled 'Rare Queen Elizabeth II banknote sells for £150,000 at auction 'Do not eat': Lidl recall as popular snack may contain 'pieces of plastic' An Asda spokesman added: 'George Baby 3PK Zip Rompers (all sizes up to 24 months) has been identified with a manufacturing issue. "Some of the zips may contain sharp edges, which poses a risk of injury. This issue affects ALL sizes. "If you have purchased the George Baby 3PK Zip Rompers from Asda, please stop using immediately. "Bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. "If you would like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0800 952 010" Matalan has recalled a product which could cause 'strangulation' as customers have been told to 'stop using it immediately'. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirmed that Matalan was recalling some its boys' swimwear due a 'risk of entrapment and strangulation due to the length of the functional draw cords'. These are the affected product names and item numbers: A Matalan spokesman said: 'It has come to our attention that the above Boy's swim shorts do not meet our usual high standards for quality and safety. (Image: Matalan) "If you have bought any of the swim shorts shown, please do not use and return immediately.' An OPSS spokesman added: 'The products present a risk of entrapment and strangulation due to the length of the functional draw cords. 'The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. 'If you have purchased any of the affected boys' swimwear, please stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Matalan store for a full refund. 'You will not need to produce a receipt.'
