A MAJOR UK supermarket has announced an urgent recall on its olives over fears they contain a rare, invasive bacteria.
Waitrose issued the alert after finding listeria monocytogenes in 120g packs of its Essential Pitted Black Olives with a use-by date of September 13, 18 and 27.
Customers who bought these packs are being advised not to eat them.
They have been told they will receive a full refund when they return them to a Waitrose store.
The Food Standards Agency has said symptoms of listeriosis resemble the flu, including soaring temperatures, muscle ache, chills, nausea and diarrhoea.
Healthy adults will often recover from the infection in a few days, without the need for antibiotics.
Read more News
‘MURDER SHOCK’
Teen ‘stabbed housemate, 19, in heart after dead mouse ruse to pay for taxi’
SMASH DRAG
Moment teen yells ‘help’ as he’s dragged along on roof of car
In rarer cases, the infection can cause major complications, like meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane in the brain.
Severe literiosis has a high mortality rate, at about 20 to 30 per cent, especially among newborns and the elderly.
Unlike many other foodborne bacteria, it can grow and thrive even at fridge temperature.
Waitrose apologised for the recall and inconvenience caused.
Most read in The Sun
BREAKING BAD
Five Mexicans charged with running major meth lab in quiet UK countryside
PRICE SHOCK
Oil prices soar as Houthis capture port in fresh threat to vital supply route
ANGRY CLASHES
Charlie Kirk statue sparks Times Square chaos as far-right activist PUNCHED
TAKE THE PIPS
Labour making disability benefits ‘EASIER’ to claim as welfare bill balloons
It comes as Sainsbury also issued a recall on its pitted black olives three days ago, after the same bacteria was discovered in its product.