Supermarkets forced to recall thousands of pots of Old El Paso guacamole dip over deadly salmonella warning
Stores including Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose warn shoppers not to eat popular Mix 'n' Mex chilled dip as it could contain potentially-lethal bacteria
MAJOR supermarkets have been forced to recall thousands of pots of Old El Paso guacamole dips over fears the products could contain SALMONELLA.
Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose and the Co-op have warned shoppers not to eat a variety of the company's products bought from their stores that contain the dip.
The guacamole product recall includes the Old El Paso 'Mix 'n' Mex' chilled dip which is only available at Sainsbury's.
Tesco, Co-op, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's have all had to recall pots of their own brand guacamole dip amid fears over salmonella as well as the Old El Paso products.
The lethal bacteria can cause severe fevers, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
Most people recover without treatment, but dehydration caused by the illness can sometimes be life-threatening.
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The Ol Del Paso guacamole comes in pots on its own as well as in Tex Mex Dip selections.
All customers have been asked to return items with "use by" dates up to and including July 2.
A spokesperson from Bakkavor, the company that owns Ol Del Paso, said: "Food safety is of paramount importance to Bakkavor.
"We can confirm that, following routine product testing, we identified an issue with a raw material supplied to us.
"Bakkavor notified the appropriate customers and the FSA and, as a precautionary measure, the products affected are being recalled.
"As recommended by the FSA alert, any consumers who have bought the products listed should return them to the store where purchased as soon as possible.
"Bakkavor apologises for any inconvenience caused."
What is salmonella?
Salmonella bacteria can cause food poisoning, with diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting as symptoms.
It takes 12 to 72 hours on average for the symptoms to develop after swallowing salmonella.
The effects tend to last four to seven days, and most people recover without needing treatment.
The dehydration caused by the illness means it can be life-threatening.
Anyone can get salmonella, but young kids and elderly people are at greater risk of becoming severely ill.
A Food Standards Agency spokesman said: "All have 'use by' dates up to and including 2 July 2016.
"Product recall notices have been displayed in stores that sell the product, explaining to customers the reason for recall and the actions they can take if they have bought the affected product.
"If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead take it back to the retailer where you will be given a full refund."