'Do not eat': Sprouts sold at Waitrose and Sainsbury's recalled over salmonella risk

Retail outlets stocking the affected sprouts will display notices at the point of sale informing customers about the recall and providing guidance on next steps.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a Product Recall Information Notice alerting both consumers and local authorities to the potential contamination risk associated with the sprouted greens product.

Shoppers who have purchased the product should take the sprouts back to the retailer where they bought it for a full refund.

"If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to where you bought it. For more information, you can contact info@good4u.ie," the FSA said.

When food products pose a safety concern, they may be withdrawn from shelves or formally recalled, with the latter requiring customers to return items they have already bought.

The FSA may also issue a Food Alert for Action in certain cases, directing local authorities to take specific measures to protect consumers.

Salmonella typically triggers symptoms including a raised temperature, loose bowel movements and stomach cramps.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most individuals develop these signs between eight and 72 hours following exposure to the bacteria.

The health organisation notes that while some infected people experience no symptoms at all, the majority of healthy adults recover within several days to a week without requiring specific medical treatment.

However, severe dehydration from diarrhoea can necessitate urgent medical care, and potentially fatal complications may arise if the infection spreads beyond the digestive system.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should remain away from work, school or nursery for at least 48 hours after recovery to prevent transmission.

The recall echoes a similar incident in Australia last year, when health officials ordered a nationwide withdrawal of alfalfa sprouts produced by Parilla Fresh.

That alert followed a joint investigation by interstate health and food regulatory bodies after at least 44 people across the country became infected with an unusual Salmonella strain.

Cases were reported across multiple states, with 18 infections in New South Wales, 15 in Queensland and nine in Victoria.

The Australian recall affected 125g packets of various sprout products sold in supermarkets and grocers nationwide, covering items with use-by dates up to 20 November 2025.