As a precautionary measure, supermarket giant Tesco has been recalling and withdrawing stocks of their brand's flavored butter, after rounds of rumor and fear that they have been contaminated with a food poisoning bug.
According to their executives, they have been voluntarily pulling out their products out of their stores' shelves because of the possibility that the said products contain the bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause food poisoning symptoms and put pregnant women, children and the elderly's health at risk.
"We have been made aware that some Tesco butters may potentially have low levels of Listeria monocytogenes present. As a precautionary measure, we are recalling affected products from customers," a Tesco representative said through an interview with Telegraph.
Listeria, in sever cases, could lead to meningitis and other brain-related illnesses and complications. Early on set symptoms include high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, caused by the body's defense to the bacteria and will be gone within a few days even without medication. Still, it should not be looked pass on and shrugged off.
Tesco's butters come in 100g packs or 10g discs. To further ensure their customers' safety and health, the company has also been pulling out products that contains the butter as one of its ingredients including Tesco Chocolate Chip & Maple Syrup Butter, Red Chilli & Lemon Butter, Roast Garlic & Herb Butter and Three Peppercorn Butter.
Meanwhile, the complimentary discs were also recalled including the Roast Garlic & Herb Butter, Peppercorn Butter Discs, Chilli Butter Discs, Mr Crumb Roast Garlic & Herb Disc and Mr Crumb Chilli Butter.
For those who have already bought the said products, the company is courteous enough to acknowledge return and refund.
"Please do not consume these products.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," Tesco's spokesperson announced.
This is not the first time Tesco has been involved in a product recall controversy. Back in January 2015, the company faced slack over their 'disgusting smelling' squash that some parents claimed made their children sick.
The Food Standards Agency has also made a preliminary investigation and claimed that no other products are affected and consumers do not need to panic.
""No other Tesco products are known to be affected. Tesco has taken the precautionary measure of recalling all products that may be affected. Tesco has published a point-of-sale notice which is attached to this notice," FSA said in their report.
"Consumers are advised not to consume any of the above products, and return the affected products to store where a full refund will be given."
