Strawberry Alert Issued for Households Buying at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s or M&S

A strawberry alert issued for households buying at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s or M&S has sparked widespread concern among shoppers across the UK. Health authorities and major retailers are urging customers to stay informed and cautious following the identification of a potential contamination issue linked to specific strawberry batches sold in these popular supermarket chains.

This alert, issued in May 2025, is a critical food safety update that all consumers need to be aware of, particularly those who have recently purchased strawberries from these leading grocery stores. Here’s what you need to know about the alert, its causes, the risks involved, and the recommended actions for consumers.

What Triggered the Strawberry Alert

The alert was issued following a collaborative investigation between the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and public health authorities after several reports of illness were traced back to contaminated strawberries. Preliminary findings indicate that a specific batch of imported strawberries may be carrying hepatitis A, a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation and lead to serious health complications.

Routine testing and traceability measures flagged the issue, prompting immediate action by suppliers and supermarkets. The strawberries in question were reportedly distributed across various regions and may have been on shelves at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer (M&S) between 10th May and 20th May 2025.

Products Affected

While a full list of product codes and packaging details has been published by the FSA, the alert primarily affects:

Pre-packaged strawberries sold in plastic containers.

Mixed fruit packs containing strawberries.

Some “ready to eat” dessert pots and salads.

Consumers are urged to check batch numbers, expiration dates, and source origin labels, which are usually found on the packaging. Affected items are generally imported from a European supplier under investigation.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms may take 2 to 7 weeks to appear and can include:

Fatigue

Nausea and vomiting

Abdominal pain

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Fever

Dark urine

In most cases, the condition resolves on its own, but it can become severe, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions. If you or someone in your household experiences any of these symptoms after consuming strawberries recently purchased from the affected stores, seek medical advice promptly.

Action Taken by Supermarkets

In response to the alert, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and M&S have taken swift measures, including:

Immediate withdrawal of the affected batches from shelves.

Issuing in-store and online notices advising customers of the recall.

Offering full refunds for returned products.

Cooperating with health authorities to trace the source and prevent further distribution.

These supermarkets are also conducting internal reviews of their supply chains and strengthening their safety checks to ensure this kind of issue does not recur.

What Should Consumers Do

If you have recently bought strawberries from any of the named supermarkets, here’s what you should do:

Check Your Packaging: Look for batch numbers and best-before dates that fall within the alert period.

Do Not Consume: If your strawberries are part of the affected batch, do not eat them, even if they appear fresh.

Dispose or Return: You can safely dispose of the strawberries or return them to the store for a refund.

Monitor for Symptoms: Keep an eye on any possible signs of hepatitis A, especially if the fruit was consumed before the alert was issued.

Consult a GP: If you feel unwell, visit your doctor and mention the potential exposure to hepatitis A via strawberries.

Safety and Prevention

Food safety experts remind consumers that while such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of washing fresh produce thoroughly, even if it’s pre-packaged or labelled as “ready to eat.” Using a clean colander and running water can remove dirt, bacteria, and even some viral particles.

Cooking strawberries (e.g., in sauces or baked goods) also reduces the risk of infection, as heat can kill most pathogens. However, this method does not apply if the contamination is already internal or if the virus is particularly resistant.

FAQs

What are the health risks associated with the contaminated strawberries?

The main risk is exposure to hepatitis A, a virus that causes liver inflammation. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 7 weeks after infection and include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), and fever. While many recover fully, hepatitis A can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Are all strawberries from these supermarkets affected?

No, the recall applies only to specific batches linked to the alert. Other strawberry products not matching the batch codes are considered safe. Supermarkets have removed affected batches from shelves to prevent further risk.

How are supermarkets responding to this issue?

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and M&S have acted swiftly to withdraw affected strawberries, issue warnings in stores and online, and offer refunds to customers. They are also cooperating with authorities to trace the contamination source and ensure supply chain safety going forward.

Can washing strawberries reduce the risk?

Washing strawberries under running water can help remove dirt and some surface bacteria, but it may not eliminate viruses like hepatitis A completely. It’s safest to avoid eating strawberries from the recalled batches altogether.

What is being done to prevent future contamination?

Supermarkets and suppliers are reviewing and strengthening their safety and quality control measures. The Food Standards Agency continues to monitor produce safety rigorously to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses.

To Conclude

The strawberry alert issued for households buying at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s or M&S serves as an important reminder of the critical role food safety plays in public health. While health officials and supermarkets are working diligently to resolve the issue, consumer awareness and prompt action are key to minimizing any health risks. Stay informed through official updates from the Food Standards Agency and always practice good hygiene when handling fresh produce.

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