Waitrose has recalled one of its ready-to-eat snack pots over fears it may be contaminated with salmonella, a dangerous bacteria known to cause food poisoning.

The item affected is the Waitrose and Partners Egg and Spinach Protein Pot, which comes in a 90g plastic tub and is sold in stores nationwide.

Two batches are involved in the alert—those with use-by dates of July 31 and August 1, 2025.

The supermarket has pulled the product from shelves and is urging customers who have already bought it not to eat it.

Instead, they should return it to store for a full refund, no receipt necessary.

Point-of-sale notices have been displayed in affected stores warning shoppers of the risk. 

These explain the reason for the recall and what steps customers should take if they have purchased the item.

A spokesperson for the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which issued the alert, said: ‘The presence of salmonella in this product poses a risk to health… and can be particularly dangerous for the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.’

The item affected is the Waitrose and Partners Egg and Spinach Protein Pot, which comes in a 90g plastic tub and is sold in stores nationwide

The supermarket has pulled the product from shelves and is urging customers who have already bought it not to eat it

Salmonella infection—known as salmonellosis—typically develops within six to 72 hours of consuming contaminated food. 

While many cases are mild and resolve within a few days without treatment, more severe infections can lead to dehydration, hospitalisation, and in rare cases, death. 

People suffering symptoms are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids. 

Crucially, public health chiefs say they should stay away from work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped, to reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria to others.

The product recall is part of routine food safety checks carried out by both manufacturers and regulators. 

According to the FSA, food may be withdrawn (taken off shelves) or recalled (when customers are asked to return the product) if it is found to pose a risk to public health.

The affected protein pot is one of several ready-to-eat meals offered by Waitrose for customers looking for a quick, high-protein snack. 

It typically contains two boiled eggs and spinach leaves and is stored in chilled cabinets.

Waitrose has recalled one of its ready-to-eat snack pots over fears it may be contaminated with salmonella, a dangerous bacteria known to cause food poisoning

The affected protein pot is one of several ready-to-eat meals offered by Waitrose for customers looking for a quick, high-protein snack

Waitrose has not confirmed how the contamination occurred.

Customers seeking more information are advised to contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 (Option 4).

Foodborne illnesses caused by salmonella remain a significant public health concern in the UK. 

While the number of outbreaks has declined in recent years thanks to stricter hygiene standards, cases still occur—often linked to undercooked meat, raw eggs, or unwashed vegetables.

Standard health guidance to those who have fallen ill with suspected food poisoning is to seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or prolonged.

The NHS advises people to call 999 or go to A&E if they begin to vomit blood, have green vomit, have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights, or suffer a sudden, severe headache.