SPAR NI recalls several chicken products over listeria contamination risk

SPAR Northern Ireland has recalled three of its “Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken” products after Listeria monocytogenes, a food poisoning bug that can lead to serious health complications, was detected.

The affected items are:

• SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Pieces (150g)
• SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Slices (150g)
• SPAR Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken Fillets (300g)

All packs carry the batch code 5126 and a use-by date of 21 May 2025.

Point-of-sale notices are being displayed in stores where the affected products were sold, advising consumers of the recall and return process.

SPAR UK has also issued the following statement:

This recall issue affects three specific “Enjoy Local Cooked Chicken” lines which are only stocked by the Henderson Group in SPAR Northern Ireland.

The supplier and Hendersons have worked directly with the Food Standards Agency and the affected stores in NI to initiate the product recall as quickly as possible.

No SPAR UK stores in England, Scotland or Wales are affected by this recall or any other SPAR products beyond those identified in the FSA announcement.”

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) added: “If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return the products to where they were bought for a full refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact SPAR Customer Services on 0289 034 2733.”

Listeria risks and side effects

Listeria contamination is a well-documented risk in chilled, ready-to-eat foods, which require strict temperature control and hygiene standards.

Common sources include:

• Cold, cooked sliced meats and cured meats
• Smoked and cured fish (including sushi)
• Soft cheeses like camembert and brie
• Pre-prepared sandwiches and salads

Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis and pose a serious risk to vulnerable groups including over-65s, pregnant women and their unborn babies, infants under one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

This recall follows Castelli UK Ltd’s withdrawal of Le Superbe Raclette from Tesco last week due to a similar contamination issue.