London: Sainsbury’s has recalled some of its own-brand hummus after it was found that certain batches could contain potentially deadly E. coli bacteria.
The affected items include JS Classic Houmous 315g tubs with a use-by date of 13 September and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous 200g packets dated 14 September, the supermarket chain confirmed. Customers have been advised not to eat the products and may return them to stores for a full refund.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated that the recalled batches could contain Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), which can lead to gastroenteritis. Symptoms range from mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration. In serious cases, STEC infections can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that may result in kidney failure.
STEC bacteria are spread through contact with animals or their faeces, consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), infections in England rose by 26 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, with more than 2,500 culture-confirmed cases, and children aged 1 to 4 years were the most affected.
Global E. coli outbreaks
Factors such as lower immunity, underdeveloped hygiene practices, and exposure to farm animals, particularly at petting farms, were cited as contributing risks to E. coli.
Earlier this year, high levels of E. coli were detected in the River Thames shortly before the annual Boat Race. Campaign group River Action reported that almost a third of water samples (29.5 percent) exceeded safe limits. One of the Oxford team’s rowers complained about ‘poo in the water’ and claimed that illness caused by E. coli contributed to their defeat.
Globally, E. coli outbreaks continue to pose risks. In November 2024, one person died and dozens fell ill in the United States after contracting E. coli from carrots, underscoring the ongoing threat of contaminated food.
Sainsbury’s has apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged customers to follow guidance and return affected products to stores for a refund.
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