Marks & Spencer has issued an urgent recall of two of its chicken products due to the potential presence of salmonella bacteria, which was detected during routine testing. The affected products, Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burgers and 2 Chicken Kyivs, have prompted the supermarket to advise customers not to consume them and to return them to their nearest store for refunds.
Starting January 26, 2025, Marks & Spencer alerted shoppers to the recall, which exclusively concerns products sold at stores located in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The specific details of the recall include the Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burgers, which come in 282g packs with several use-by dates: January 26, 30, 31, and February 1, 2025. The 2 Chicken Kyivs, sold in 320g packs, also have one use-by date of January 26, 2025.
According to the Food Standards Agency, salmonella can lead to food poisoning, exhibiting symptoms including fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically manifest between 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food, but can show up anywhere from 6 to 72 hours later. "The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody," stated the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, reflecting the seriousness of the bacteria’s impact on health.
Marks & Spencer has displayed point of sale notices in all affected retail stores to inform customers about the recall and steer them toward appropriate action, explaining their commitment to customer safety. "Customer safety is of Paramount importance to Marks & Spencer and we take all issues Regarding the Production of our Foods Extremely Seriously," Marks & Spencer stated. They assured consumers, "Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store where a full refund will be issued. Only the displayed date codes are impacted. No other M&S products are affected. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused."
If you or someone you know have purchased these products, it's advised to act swiftly, as salmonella can cause significant digestive distress. People typically recover from symptoms such as vomiting and stomach cramps within about 4 to 7 days, but severe cases may require hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The recall is part of Marks & Spencer's broader effort to maintain food safety and quality assurance. The supermarket chain's swift response demonstrates their proactive approach toward safeguarding consumer health. While the risk is described as very low, it serves as a reminder of the vigilance required within food production and retail sectors.
To find more information about the recall, customers can contact Marks & Spencer directly at 033301 48555. The company reassures its patrons, stating their determination to rectify any potential issues as they arise.
This recall incident follows similar safety alerts issued within Northern Ireland for varied products, highlighting the continual monitoring and compliance measures being implemented to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses.
For regular updates and possible health impacts related to food recalls, the Food Standards Agency advises consumers to frequently check their official website and to remain attentive to notices within retail establishments.
Overall, the Marks & Spencer chicken product recall is a significant move aimed at ensuring consumer safety, reflecting the company’s responsiveness to health risks associated with food contamination.