UK supermarket giant Asda has issued an urgent product recall over a popular chicken item due to fears it could cause food poisoning. The recall, announced in coordination with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), applies to one of the chain’s best-selling chilled items after a labeling error revealed the product may have been sold past its actual safe consumption date.
Product Details and Recall Information
The recalled item is Asda’s Hot & Spicy Chicken Breast Slices (160g), specifically those marked with a use-by date of 30 May 2025. According to the official recall notice, a packaging error has led to incorrect use-by dates, raising concerns that some consumers may unknowingly eat the product beyond its safety threshold.
Improper storage and consumption of meat past its intended shelf life can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, greatly increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
Health Concerns: The Risks of Food Poisoning
Consuming expired or improperly stored chicken products can cause serious health complications. Symptoms of food poisoning may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue
The most vulnerable groups include children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the NHS, prompt medical attention is advised if symptoms become severe or prolonged.
Asda’s Response and Customer Instructions
In response, Asda has removed the affected product from its shelves and issued a full refund policy for customers. The supermarket confirmed that no receipt is required for the return. Shoppers are urged to check their refrigerators and discard the item if it matches the recall details.
A spokesperson for Asda stated via The Sun:
“We are recalling this product as a precaution. Customers are encouraged to return it to the store for a full refund.”
Food Standards Agency’s Involvement
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been closely monitoring the situation and reinforced the importance of not consuming any food item after its printed use-by date, especially meat and poultry products. The FSA emphasized that incorrect labelling can pose significant public health risks and urged consumers to act immediately if they possess the affected item.
How Consumers Can Stay Informed
Staying updated on food recalls is critical. Consumers can subscribe to the FSA’s alert service to receive direct notifications about future recalls. Additionally, food recall notices are often posted in-store and on official supermarket websites.
When shopping for chilled goods, always verify the use-by date and storage instructions, and avoid items that appear damaged or have altered packaging.
Conclusion
This urgent recall by Asda highlights the ongoing importance of food safety and consumer awareness. Whether through proper labelling or public health campaigns, retailers and agencies play a key role in protecting the public. If you’ve purchased Asda’s Hot & Spicy Chicken Breast Slices recently, double-check your packaging and return the item immediately if it matches the recall batch.
FAQs
1. What product has been recalled by Asda?
Asda has recalled its Hot & Spicy Chicken Breast Slices (160g) with a use-by date of 30 May 2025 due to incorrect date labelling.
2. Why is this recall considered urgent?
Consuming the product past its true use-by date could lead to food poisoning, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
3. What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Visit the NHS website for detailed information.
4. How do I get a refund from Asda?
Return the recalled product to any Asda store for a full refund. No receipt is required.
5. Where can I find future food safety alerts?
Visit the Food Standards Agency’s alert page or subscribe to updates via email.
