Asda has issued an urgent product recall for a selection of its pre-packed sandwich fillers and wraps after a suspected E. coli outbreak linked to a third-party supplier. The products, manufactured by Greencore Group, may be contaminated with a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) — a bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are investigating a rise in E. coli infections across the UK, which have been linked to pre-packed sandwiches and wraps sold in major supermarkets.
📦 List of Recalled Asda Products
All with use-by dates up to and including 15 June 2024:
- Asda Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Asda Chicken & Bacon Club Sandwich
- Asda Brie, Bacon and Chilli Chutney Sandwich
- Asda BLT Sandwich
- Asda Southern Fried Chicken Wrap
- Asda Southern Fried Chicken Triple Wrap
- Asda Tuna Crunch Sub Roll
- Asda Vegan No Chick’n Caesar Wrap
➡️ Note: This recall also affects similar products in Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Boots, all supplied by Greencore.
⚠️ Why Is This Serious?
The concern is not minor. STEC E. coli can cause:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- In rare cases, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and be life-threatening
According to health officials, at least 200+ cases of E. coli have been reported since early May, with many individuals requiring hospitalization.
🛍️ What Should You Do If You Bought These Products?
- Do not eat the products, even if they look or smell fine.
- Return them to any Asda store for a full refund.
- No receipt is needed.
- Contact Asda customer services on 0800 952 0101 for queries.
🏥 Have There Been Any Health Impacts?
Yes. The UKHSA has confirmed an increase in cases of E. coli illness, including some patients requiring hospital treatment. If you consumed any of these products and develop symptoms, contact your GP immediately.
🧼 E. coli Prevention Tips
To stay safe and prevent infection:
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling or eating food.
- Cook food to appropriate internal temperatures.
- Avoid cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat items.
❓ FAQs
❓ How do I know if my product is affected?
Check the product name and the use-by date. If it’s listed above and dated 15 June 2024 or earlier, it should not be consumed. Even if it’s unopened or refrigerated properly, discard or return it.
❓ Are other supermarkets affected?
Yes. Products made by Greencore have also been pulled from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Boots, and Co-op shelves. Check respective recall announcements if you bought similar items elsewhere.
❓ What is STEC E. coli?
STEC stands for Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli. It’s a dangerous strain of E. coli that can produce toxins leading to bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, kidney damage.
❓ Can I get sick just from touching the product?
It’s unlikely, but possible if cross-contamination occurs (e.g., touching the packaging and then eating something with unwashed hands). Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling potentially contaminated items.
❓ What if I already ate one and feel fine?
Symptoms may develop 1–10 days after exposure. If you experience cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea — especially bloody stool — seek medical help immediately and mention possible E. coli exposure.
❓ Will I still be able to get a refund without a receipt?
Yes. Asda has confirmed that customers can return affected products without a receipt and receive a full refund as part of their food safety recall policy.
❓ How can I protect my children or elderly relatives?
Children and older adults are more vulnerable to E. coli complications. Ensure they do not consume any listed products, and keep them informed about symptoms to watch for.
