Supermarket giant Lidl has issued an urgent product recall for its Braemoor Red Hen Ham and Cheese Chicken Kievs after salmonella contamination was detected, posing serious health risks to vulnerable consumers including children, pregnant women and the elderly.
The discount retailer is pulling all 500g boxes of the frozen chicken product with a best-before date of October 2026 and batch code 25190B from shelves nationwide. Customers who have purchased the affected items are warned not to consume them under any circumstances.
Health officials have confirmed that salmonella was found in testing of the four-pack chicken kievs, prompting immediate action to protect public safety. The Food Standards Agency warns that consumption could lead to severe gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms typically developing within 12 to 36 hours of infection.
Serious Health Implications
The presence of salmonella in food products poses particular dangers to vulnerable groups. Young children, pregnant women, older adults and those with weakened immune systems from conditions such as cancer, diabetes or liver and kidney disease face heightened risks of severe complications.
“People infected with salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours,” according to food safety authorities. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody, accompanied by fever, headaches and abdominal cramps.
The illness usually lasts four to seven days, though diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. In vulnerable populations, salmonella infections can lead to serious complications including dehydration and, in rare cases, can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream.
Full Refund Offered
Lidl has moved swiftly to address the contamination issue, instructing all stores to remove the implicated batch from sale immediately and display prominent recall notices at points of purchase. The retailer is offering full refunds to any customers who return the product, with or without a receipt.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this recall and thank customers for their cooperation,” a Lidl spokesperson stated. The company has emphasised that no other Red Hen products or chicken kiev varieties are affected by this specific recall.
Customers seeking additional information about the recall can contact Lidl’s customer care team via email at customer.care@lidl.co.uk or by telephone on 0203 966 5566. The supermarket chain has assured shoppers that stringent quality control measures are in place to prevent such incidents.
Manufacturing Investigation
The contaminated chicken kievs are manufactured by Glenhaven Foods, which has initiated a full investigation into how salmonella entered the production process. The company is working closely with food safety authorities to identify the source of contamination and implement preventive measures.
Industry experts note that salmonella contamination in poultry products can occur at various stages of production, from farm to packaging. Common sources include contaminated feed, inadequate cooking temperatures during processing, or cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities.
The recall affects Lidl stores across the UK and Ireland, where the Braemoor brand is widely distributed. Wholesalers and distributors have been instructed to contact their customers and ensure all affected products are removed from the supply chain.
Previous Safety Concerns
This marks the second food safety incident for Lidl this month. Earlier in August, the retailer issued a “do not eat” warning for its 80g Red Hen 4 Tempura Chicken Steaks after milk was found in the product without proper labelling, creating risks for customers with dairy allergies or intolerances.
The German-owned discount chain, which operates over 960 stores across Britain, has faced increasing scrutiny over product quality as it expands its market share. Food safety recalls have become more common across the retail sector as testing procedures improve and regulatory oversight increases.
Consumer watchdogs advise shoppers to regularly check the Food Standards Agency website for the latest product recalls and safety alerts. With foodborne illnesses affecting millions annually, vigilance in food safety remains crucial for public health.
Expert Safety Advice
Food safety experts emphasise the importance of proper handling and cooking of poultry products to prevent salmonella infection. All chicken products should be cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) to kill harmful bacteria.
Dr Sarah Mitchell, a food safety consultant, advises: “Consumers should always check recall notices carefully and never take chances with potentially contaminated products. Salmonella is particularly dangerous because contaminated food often looks, smells and tastes normal.”
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include persistent diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms after consuming the recalled product should seek medical attention immediately, particularly if they belong to a vulnerable group.
Industry-Wide Challenge
The recall highlights ongoing challenges in the food industry to maintain safety standards whilst meeting consumer demand for convenient, affordable products. Pre-prepared items like chicken kievs require multiple processing steps, each presenting potential contamination risks.
Food manufacturers invest millions in safety protocols, but occasional breaches demonstrate the need for constant vigilance. Regular testing, strict hygiene standards and rapid response systems are essential to protect public health.
As Lidl works to restore consumer confidence, the incident serves as a reminder for all shoppers to stay informed about food recalls and take them seriously. The consequences of consuming contaminated products can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening illness, making prompt action essential.
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