SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has recalled its flavoured butters over fears they are contaminated with a food poisoning bug which can cause meningitis in rare cases. 

The chain said it has taken the precautionary step of recalling some flavoured butter products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

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Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, particularly among pregnant women, unborn and newborn babies, those over 60 years old, and anyone with reduced immunity. 

In most people, listeriosis is mild and causes symptoms including a high temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea and usually pass within three days without the need for treatment.

However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe and spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

The UK recall from consumers concerns only the products below:

All packs and all ‘use-by’ dates of the following Tesco butters are being recalled:

  • Tesco Chocolate Chip & Maple Syrup Butter 100g
  • Tesco Red Chilli & Lemon Butter 100g
  • Tesco Roast Garlic & Herb Butter 100g
  • Tesco Three Peppercorn Butter 100g

The following complimentary butter discs, which are offered to customers at the fresh meat and fish counters, are also affected. Customers are advised to throw them away.

  • Counters Roast Garlic & Herb Butter Discs 10g 
  • Counters Peppercorn Butter Discs 10g
  • Counters Chilli Butter Discs 10g
  • Counters Mr Crumb Roast Garlic & Herb Disc 10g
  • Counters Mr Crumb Chilli Butter Disc 10g

No other Tesco products are known to be affected.

A statement said: "Please return the affected products to store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required. Tesco apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

If you require further details, please contact Customer Services directly on UK 0800 505 555.