Asda Recalls Pickled Beetroot Over Botulism Warning

Customers who have bought jars of pickled beetroot from Asda have been warned not to eat them over fears they contain the deadly botulism bacteria.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued a warning about the risk while the supermarket giant has urged customers to return any jars to the stores.

They advise anyone who has bought the 710g jars of ‘Asda Chosen By You Pickled Crinkle Cut Beetroot’ to not eat the contents.

The affected batch has the barcode 505407035908, batch code 4340 and ‘Best before’ date of 6 December 2016.

The FSA said the recall was necessary as a “precautionary measure”.

They said: “Asda is recalling a batch of its Asda Chosen By You Pickled Crinkle Cut Beetroot 710g as there may be a potential risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination.

“Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning.

“Manufacturing controls that could potentially affect the safety of this batch could not be demonstrated satisfactorily.

“The issue relates to controlling factors to prevent the growth and toxin production of Clostridium botulinum.

“The botulinum toxin may cause a serious form of food poisoning called botulism. A recall from customers is being carried out as a precautionary measure.”

It is not known how the bacteria may have found its way into the jars.

Botulism attacks the nervous system and the bacteria produces some of the most powerful toxins known to science, according to the NHS website.

Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, blurred vision and paralysis which, if not treated, can cause fatal respiratory failure in up to one in every 10 people.

Asda have put up notices in their stores about the suspected contamination, although no other products are thought to be affected.

Pics: Rex/Asda