Waitrose recalls black olives due to Listeria contamination

Waitrose has issued an urgent “do not eat” warning and product recall for 120g packs of Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected products have use-by dates of September 13, September 18, and September 27, 2026. Listeria can survive under refrigeration and may cause listeriosis, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and headaches. In rare instances, the infection can lead to serious complications such as meningitis. Vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, individuals over 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk.

Customers who purchased the affected olives are advised not to consume them and to return the product to their nearest Waitrose store for a full refund. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that point-of-sale notices will be displayed in retail stores to inform customers of the recall.