Tesco Recalls Deli-Style Sausage After Over 80 Hospitalized With Salmonella Outbreak

More than 80 individuals across Britain have been hospitalized with salmonella infections linked to a deli-style sausage sold at Tesco, triggering a nationwide recall and urgent warnings to avoid consumption. The outbreak, traced to a dry-cured product called Bastides Saucisson Sec, has prompted health officials to issue stark advisories, emphasizing the risks of fever, severe stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. The French supplier, Sacor, has halted production and pulled the product from shelves, with 200g packs bearing a best-before date of March 4, 2026 now under recall.

Health authorities first detected the outbreak late last month through genome sequencing of cases involving monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium. By early February, 84 confirmed infections had been reported, spanning England, Wales, and Scotland. Most patients—69 in England—reside in regions with the highest case counts, including 23 in the South East and 16 in the East of England. Ages range from toddlers to seniors, with 45 males and 39 females affected, though no fatalities have been recorded to date.

Investigations revealed a striking link between the illness and cured pork consumption, with 23 patients reporting ingestion of such products before falling ill. Supermarket loyalty data and epidemiological analysis zeroed in on the Tesco-sold sausage as the likely source. Though the product was removed from sale pending testing, confirmation of salmonella in a batch led to the March 2 recall. Experts now await further sequencing to confirm the bacteria's match to the outbreak strain.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged affected individuals to seek refunds at Tesco stores and avoid eating the product. Health officials stress that some contaminated sausages may already have been consumed, warning those experiencing symptoms to isolate for 48 hours post-recovery. Salmonella, a common foodborne pathogen, typically spreads through undercooked meat, raw eggs, or unpasteurized dairy. Ready-to-eat chilled foods like the recalled sausage pose particular risks when not reheated.

This outbreak follows recent salmonella scares, including a 2022 recall of chicken products from Tesco and other supermarkets, and a 2024 warning over STEC-contaminated sandwiches. Last year's data showed a sharp rise in salmonella cases, with over 33 annual deaths attributed to the bacteria in the UK. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is coordinating with international partners to investigate contamination origins, highlighting the need for robust food safety measures. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, while investigations continue to pinpoint the source of this latest crisis.

The FSA's recall notice explicitly warns: 'Do not eat the product. Return it to your nearest Tesco store for a full refund.' With no deaths reported yet, the focus remains on preventing further infections. Public health experts stress the importance of rapid recalls and consumer compliance, as even a single contaminated meal can trigger widespread illness. As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the fragility of the food supply chain and the critical role of traceability in protecting public health.