Marks & Spencer has issued an urgent recall of two of its chicken products in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after salmonella was found in them.
The “Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Burgers” and “2 Chicken Kyivs” started being recalled on Friday, with Marks & Spencer (M&S) telling customers to avoid eating them and return them to their nearest stores.
The Southern Fried Chicken Burgers in question have the use by dates 26, 30, 31 January and 1 February, and the 2 Chicken Kyivs have a 26 January expiry date.
The Food Standards Agency said point of sale notices would be displayed in all retail stores that are selling the affected products, explaining to customers why they are being recalled and telling them what to do if they have bought them.
The product recall issued by M&S. Pic: FSA
The product recall only relates to those sold in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland M&S stores.
In a statement, M&S said: “Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer and we take all issues regarding the productions of our foods extremely seriously.
“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.”
Salmonella is a common bacterial disease normally found in raw meat, undercooked poultry, eggs or unpasteurised milk.
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In a statement, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said: “People infected with salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours.
“The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.
“Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.”