Supermarket chain Waitrose has issued an urgent warning not to eat an item because it may be contaminated.

It is recalling Waitrose and Partners Egg and Spinach Protein Pot because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is a potentially very serious infection and the Food Standards Authority last night told people to not eat the health food product and return it immediately.

The FSA said: “Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school, or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.”

The product concerned is

Salmonella symptoms typically include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after infection and can last for 4 to 7 days. In some cases, individuals may also experience chills, headache, or blood in their stool. Notices are being put into Waitrose stores where the product has been sold to alert customers.

Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe illness from Salmonella, including: 

• Children under 5 years old: Kids Health says their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible. 
• Elderly individuals: Food Standards Scotland says their immune systems may be weaker. 
• People with weakened immune systems: NHS inform says this could be due to medications, HIV, or other illnesses

Waitrose said: “We are recalling Waitrose and Partners Egg and Spinach Protein Pot as a precautionary measure due to the potential presence of Salmonella which may cause illness if consumed.”

It told customers:

• Do not consume
• Package up item
• Return the product to a Waitrose brance for a refund

It added: “We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and the inconvenience caused.”

The FSA said: ” If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. For further information, please contact Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4.”