Olive warning: Second major supermarket pulls jars from shelves over contamination with listeria
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Waitrose has recalled batches of its Essential range pitted black olives amid concerns the tubs could be contaminated with potentially deadly bacteria.
The premium supermarket said the olives may cause illness if consumed and urged customers not to eat them.
Food safety officials said Listeria monocytogenes 'has been found in the product'.
Consuming the bacteria can trigger the infection listeriosis, which may lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis or meningitis.
Symptoms can be similar to the flu, including a high temperature, muscle aches or pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
However, in rare cases the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications such as meningitis.
The recall affects 120g packs of Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives, with use by dates of 13, 18 and September 27, 2026.
In a notice issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Waitrose warned customers not to consume the olives – due to the potential presence of listeria.
Waitrose is recalling its black pitted olives amid fears they are contaminated with potentially deadly listeria
Instead affected products should be returned to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.
The supermarket apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Point-of-sale notices are being displayed in stores to alert customers to the recall.
Customers can also contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 (option four) for further information.
The FSA said recalls are issued when a product should not be sold because it may pose a risk to consumers.
Earlier this week, Sainsbury's pulled its Inspired to Cook Pitted Black Olives from its shelves, over fears they may be contaminated with the same dangerous bacteria.
Some people, including those over 65, pregnant women, newborn babies, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to listeria infections.
When the infection spreads to the bloodstream and brain it can trigger sepsis or meningitis.
The bacteria is usually killed during pasteurisation, meaning it is commonly associated with raw dairy products as well as ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats, smoked fish and pre-packaged sandwiches.
Many foods can harbour the organism and contaminated produce may not look or smell spoiled.
UK Health Security Agency figures show 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024, with 28 deaths recorded among non-pregnancy-related cases.
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