Primula cheese sold in all major supermarkets recalled as it may contain a bacteria that could cause paralysis
PRIMULA cheese has been recalled from shelves because it might be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum.
These dangerous bacteria can cause a serious form of food poisoning called Botulism - a very rare but life-threatening condition.
The NHS says that the toxins are some of the most powerful known to science - they attack the nervous system and cause paralysis.
Early symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and cramps.
Some of the symptoms of paralysis are drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing and slurred speech.
If you display any symptoms you should call 999 immediately or head to A&E.
Which cheeses are being recalled
The Primula recall comes after one of Primula’s products was found to contain a source of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria during routine testing.
But the manufacturer is recalling all Primula cheeses - including those ranges that are not known to be affected - as a precaution.
It has also temporarily stopped product distribution of its cheese, meaning you won't be able to get new packs for the time being.
The cheese tubes are sold in most major supermarkets including Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury's.
Prices vary by supermarket, but you would typically be charged around £1.50 for a 150g tube.
The full list of recalled Primula cheeses
The specific products being recalled are:
- Primula Plain Original Cheese Spread
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 25, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Cheese Spread with Smoked Paprika
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 25, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Cheese Spread with Jalapeno
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 5, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Light Cheese Spread
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 25, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Cheese Spread with Ham
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 25, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Cheese Spread with Chive
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 25, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Cheese Spread with Prawn
Pack size: 150g
Best before: December 25, 2020 to January 28, 2021 - Primula Original Cheese Spread (ambient)
Pack size: 100g
Best before: October 30, 2020 to December 10, 2020 - Primula Cheese Spread with Ham (ambient)
Pack size: 100g
Best before: October 30, 2020 to December 10, 2020 - Primula Cheese spread with Chives (ambient)
Pack size: 100g
Best before: October 30, 2020 to December 10, 2020
What to do if you've bought a Primula tube
The cheeses will be stripped from shelves until the issue is resolved.
Any customers that have already bought a Primula tube should not eat any of the cheese.
Instead, you should contact the company for a full refund.
You can contact Primula on 0800 716 551 or [email protected] to arrange to get your money back.
If you are making an essential trip to the store where you bought the tube you can return the cheese then for a refund too.
You do not need your receipt to get your money back.
The symptoms of botulism poisoning and when to seek treatment
The NHS says that anyone showing symptoms of Botulism poisoning should seek treatment immediately. Here's what to watch out for:
The time it takes to develop symptoms can vary from a few hours to several days after exposure to the Clostridium botulinum bacteria or their toxins.
Depending on the type of botulism, early symptoms can include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting),
- stomach cramps
- diarrhoea
- constipation
Without treatment, botulism eventually causes paralysis that spreads down the body from the head to the legs.
Symptoms of this include:
- drooping eyelids
- blurred or double vision
- facial muscle weakness
- difficulty swallowing
- slurred speech
- breathing difficulties
- Affected babies may also have a weak cry, find it difficult to feed, and have a floppy head, neck and limbs.
When to get medical advice
Botulism is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Go to your nearest A&E department or immediately dial 999 if you or someone you know has symptoms of botulism.
Treatment is more effective the earlier it's started.
Most people will make a full recovery with treatment, but the paralysis can spread to the muscles that control breathing if it isn't treated quickly.
This is fatal in around five to 10 per cent of cases.
Primula said: "As a precaution, we have stopped all product distribution.
"We have also instructed retailers to remove Primula tubes from shelves with immediate effect. "Customers are also advised not to eat any Primula Cheese tubes they have already purchased.
"We would also like to apologise to those who won’t be able to get their hands on our cheese for a short period of time while we work hard to resolve the issue."
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