Tesco has recently issued a significant warning to its customers due to a packaging error with its popular Japanese-inspired chicken Tsukune skewers. The affected products were the 280g eight-pack of meatballs, batch number 241025, where the incorrect use-by date of 23/12/2024 was printed instead of 10/12/2024. Full refunds are available to affected customers without the need for a receipt.

Product Recalls and Their Impact

Waitrose has also recalled its Chinese takeaway bag for two due to undeclared molluscs, which may cause adverse reactions in some consumers. Although product recalls are not common, they do occur from time to time and can involve various items such as food, electrical goods, and toys. In the case of food, common issues include incorrect packaging, undeclared allergens, and contamination.

Importance of Taking Product Recalls Seriously

All product recalls should be treated seriously, especially food recalls. It is crucial that customers do not consume compromised products. Alongside recalled goods, we should also be cautious about consuming out-of-date food.

Use-by Date vs. Best-before Date

"Best-before" dates indicate how long foods will remain of good quality, while "use-by" dates specify when the item must be consumed. Generally, it is safe to eat foods after their best-before date, but consuming products past their use-by date can lead to illness and adverse reactions.

Potential Health Risks of Eating Out-of-Date Foods

Dr. Hana Patel, a GP and health specialist with Superdrug Online Doctor, warns that perishable items like poultry are prone to bacterial growth when not handled properly, potentially causing serious foodborne illnesses. Some common side effects of consuming gone-off food include nausea and vomiting. Symptoms such as these often occur within hours of ingestion, especially if the food contains toxins produced by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. While these symptoms are unpleasant, they usually resolve within a day or two.In some cases, more severe issues can arise, such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. "Diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe, is frequently caused by bacteria like salmonella or campylobacter, which are commonly associated with poultry," says Dr. Patel. "In some cases, diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems."You may also experience a fever if you've eaten gone-off food. "Fever is another symptom to watch for," Dr. Patel warns, "as it may indicate that bacteria like listeria or salmonella have spread beyond the gut into the bloodstream, causing a systemic infection."

How to Minimise the Risk

To minimise the risk of foodborne illness, always store perishable items in a fridge set below 5°C and avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods. If you suspect that you've consumed contaminated food and experience severe or persistent symptoms, such as high fever, prolonged diarrhoea, or signs of dehydration, seek medical advice promptly. Simple measures like staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter medications like antidiarrheals can alleviate mild symptoms, but professional evaluation is essential for more severe cases.Read more about food safety to stay informed and protect your health.