Following a routine product testing that revealed salmonella, Lidl recalled packages of the festive stuffed date packets.
Food Standards Agency issued a national health advisory to all customers who purchased this festive treat.
Dates, a Christmas treat, are often filled with nuts and marzipan.
Lidl is recalling its 240g packets of Deluxe Stuffed Dates, priced at £4.99 per box, with a best before date of January 21, 2022.
After salmonella contamination in routine product checks, Lidl recalls a batch their Christmas favourite Deluxe Stuffed Dates. Batch number 21391/196. Best before 21/01/2022.
FSA issued a statement saying: “Lidl is recalling this product.
All retail outlets that sell this product will display ‘Point-of-sale notices.
These notices inform customers about the recall and what they can do to resolve the situation if the product was purchased.
Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhoea, and cramps in the abdomen.
Lidl spokeswoman said that customers should not consume this product due to possible illness.
“If you’ve purchased the product, do not consume it. Return it instead to the place where you bought it for a complete refund.
Customer Services can be reached at 0370444 1234 if customers have any questions.
Lidl spokesperson stated that Deluxe Stuffed Dates (240g) are being recall due to Salmonella contamination in routine product tests.
Customers should not consume this product because of the possible risk for illness.
“We immediately took action to eliminate the affected product.
“We recommend customers that they return any product to Lidl for a refund in full with or without a receipt.
You could choose from a variety of fillings for the festive box of stuffed date, including walnut, pistachio or mixed peel.
‘This recall affects only Lidl GB products. We apologize for any inconvenience.
“Any customer with questions or concerns about our Customer Services department should contact us.”
The box contained dates with mixed peel, walnut, marzipan, pistachio and marzipan.
How can you tell if Salmonella is present?
Salmonella is found in animal and human intestinals. They are also shed via feces.
One group of bacteria known as Salmonella can infect your gut.
They can live in human and animal intestines.
Most often, contaminated food or water can cause infection in humans. If raw and cooked food are kept together, contamination can occur.
Salmonella infection symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.
After swallowing salmonella, symptoms can take anywhere from 12 to 72 hours to manifest.
These symptoms usually last between four and seven days, with most patients able to recover on their own.
If you are seriously ill you might need to be admitted to hospital. The dehydration can prove fatal.
Source: NHS Borders & Food Standards Agency