Sainsbury’s recalls olive product potentially contaminated with listeria

The supermarket is urging anyone who has purchased 120 gram packs of ‘Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives’ not to consume the product

Sainsbury’s is recalling packets of pitted black olives over fears they may be contaminated with listeria.

The supermarket is urging anyone who has purchased 120 gram packs of ‘Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives’ not to consume the product and to return it to the nearest store for a full refund.

In an alert the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said on its website the product was being recalled ‘because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product’.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

The FSA bulletin continued: “Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

“Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.”

The recall is for packs with ‘use by’ dates of 6, 7 and 10 September 2026.

Sainsbury’s said in its own alert: “Sainsbury’s are recalling the above product due to a possible presence of Listeria Monocytogenes. We are asking customers that have purchased the above product not to consume it and to return the product to their nearest Sainsbury’s store, where they will receive a full refund.”

Listeria is a bacteria which can cause listeriosis. The NHS website says: “It usually goes away on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill.