Shoppers across the United Kingdom have been urged to check their fridges after Tesco, the country’s largest supermarket chain, issued an urgent recall of its Grape & Berry Medley fruit snack. The recall, announced on February 16, 2026, came after routine testing detected the presence of Salmonella, a bacteria that poses serious health risks, especially to vulnerable groups.
The affected product, a 230g pack of Tesco Grape & Berry Medley, carries use-by dates of February 16 and 17, 2026. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), customers who purchased these packs should not eat them under any circumstances. Instead, they are advised to return the product to any Tesco store for a full refund—no receipt required. Tesco has made it clear that no other products in its range are affected by this recall.
Salmonella, the culprit behind this recall, is a common bacterial infection that targets the intestinal system. It’s most often transmitted through contaminated food or water and thrives in animal and human intestines, being shed through faeces. Symptoms of infection typically emerge within six hours to six days after exposure and can last from four to seven days, as reported by The Sun and other outlets. The main symptoms include fever, diarrhoea (which can sometimes be bloody), stomach cramps, chills, headache, and nausea. Dehydration can be a significant risk, especially for children and older adults, due to the fluid loss from diarrhoea and vomiting.
The FSA, in its official statement, emphasized, “Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.” This guidance is particularly important given that Salmonella can be especially dangerous for young children, expectant mothers, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or compromised immune systems.
While most healthy adults recover from Salmonella infection with supportive care—mainly rest and staying hydrated—some cases can become severe. According to the FSA and NHS guidelines, anyone experiencing symptoms that last more than a few days, a high fever (over 39°C), signs of dehydration (such as dark urine, dry mouth, or dizziness), or blood in their stool should seek medical attention promptly.
Tesco responded quickly to the contamination, removing all affected Grape & Berry Medley packs from its shelves and placing prominent recall notices throughout its stores. The supermarket has apologized to customers for the inconvenience, stating, “No other Tesco products are affected by this recall. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.” Customers seeking further information are encouraged to visit the company’s customer service page at tesco.com/help/contact.
The recall process is a well-established protocol in the UK food industry. If a product is found to be unsafe, it may be ‘withdrawn’ from sale (removed from shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product for a refund). The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices and, in more serious cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ to inform both consumers and local authorities about the risks and the steps to be taken. In this case, the FSA issued a Product Recall Information Notice to alert the public and local councils to the potential danger posed by the contaminated fruit.
This incident isn’t the first time Tesco has faced food safety concerns in recent months. As reported by The Express, in January 2026, the supermarket chain recalled its 350g Special Fried Rice packs with a use-by date of February 2, 2026, after discovering undeclared wheat in the product. That recall triggered an Allergy Alert from the FSA due to the risks posed to individuals with wheat allergies, gluten intolerance, or coeliac disease. The back-to-back recalls have prompted questions about Tesco’s quality control procedures and the broader challenges facing food retailers in maintaining safety across their vast supply chains.
Salmonella outbreaks are not uncommon in the food industry, but they are always taken seriously due to the potential for widespread illness. According to the NHS and FSA, most Salmonella infections in the UK are linked to raw or undercooked poultry, unwashed produce, eggs, and unpasteurised milk. However, outbreaks linked to fruit products, such as this Tesco recall, serve as a reminder that even seemingly healthy snacks are not immune to contamination risks.
For those wondering why the recall is so urgent, it’s important to remember just how quickly Salmonella can spread. The bacteria can be passed from person to person, particularly in settings like nurseries, schools, and care homes. That’s why the FSA and Tesco are urging anyone with symptoms to remain at home until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. This precaution helps to break the chain of transmission and protect those most at risk.
In addition to the fruit medley recall, shoppers are being warned about other recent food safety issues. Brioche Pasquier has also recalled a specific code of its Pitch Chocolate Brioche 6-pack, sold in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons, due to the possible presence of hard white plastic. Such recalls highlight the importance of vigilance and transparency in the food retail sector.
The Tesco recall has sparked concern among consumers, particularly given the timing—right after another high-profile food safety incident. While the supermarket has acted swiftly and communicated clearly, the events have underscored the challenges of ensuring food safety in a complex, globalized supply chain.
For now, Tesco customers are advised to check their fridges for the Grape & Berry Medley 230g packs with use-by dates of February 16 and 17, 2026. If found, the product should not be eaten under any circumstances and should be returned to any Tesco store for a full refund. No receipt is needed, and further information is available on Tesco’s website.
Ultimately, the recall serves as a sobering reminder that even the biggest and most trusted supermarket chains can face unexpected food safety challenges. For shoppers, vigilance and adherence to recall notices remain the best defense against foodborne illness.