Product recallFSA
Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives recalled over Listeria
Sainsbury’s is recalling Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product.
Point-of-sale notice published with the recall
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives 120g
- Use byOn the lid, sleeve or label.
- 06 September 2026
- 07 September 2026
- 10 September 2026
What to do now
This recall is about Listeria monocytogenes. Chilling does not stop it and there is no smell or change in colour to warn you, so treat the affected Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives as contaminated.
- Do not eat it, even cooked or reheated, and do not give it to anyone else.
- Wipe down everything the pack touched in the fridge and on the worktop, then wash your hands. Cold surfaces are where Listeria lingers.
- Take it back to Sainsbury’s for a full refund, or throw it away if you prefer. You do not usually need a receipt.
- If you froze some or put it into another container, check those portions too.
Why it matters. Listeriosis can take a long time to show itself, sometimes weeks after eating. In pregnancy it can harm the baby even when the mother only feels mildly unwell, which is why the FSA treats any Listeria finding in ready-to-eat food as a reason to clear the shelves.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- a high temperature
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
Get help urgently
- you are pregnant and have eaten the product, even if you feel well — speak to your midwife, GP or NHS 111
- a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion or a severe headache — call 999 or go to A&E
- a newborn baby who is unwell, floppy or not feeding
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Shops selling the product will display a point-of-sale notice and accept returns. You are entitled to your money back; you are not obliged to accept a voucher or replacement unless you want one.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, food must be of satisfactory quality and as described. A recalled product does not meet that standard.
From the official notice
Published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA-PRIN-43-2026). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Sainsbury’s is recalling Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product.
The risk
The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product listed above.
Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.
Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
Action taken
Sainsbury’s is recalling the above product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. Please see the attached notice.
Advice to consumers
If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest Sainsbury’s store from where you will be given a full refund. For further information, please visit the Sainsbury’s website at Sainsburys.co.uk/help or contact their careline on 0800 028 8303.
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives been recalled?
This recall is about Listeria monocytogenes. Chilling does not stop it and there is no smell or change in colour to warn you, so treat the affected Inspired to Cook by Sainsbury’s Pitted Black Olives as contaminated. Listeriosis can take a long time to show itself, sometimes weeks after eating. In pregnancy it can harm the baby even when the mother only feels mildly unwell, which is why the FSA treats any Listeria finding in ready-to-eat food as a reason to clear the shelves.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the use by on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Do not eat it, even cooked or reheated, and do not give it to anyone else. Wipe down everything the pack touched in the fridge and on the worktop, then wash your hands. Cold surfaces are where Listeria lingers.
Can I get a refund?
Shops selling the product will display a point-of-sale notice and accept returns. You are entitled to your money back; you are not obliged to accept a voucher or replacement unless you want one. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, food must be of satisfactory quality and as described. A recalled product does not meet that standard.
I have already eaten some. What now?
Most people who eat food with Listeria do not become ill. Keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms over the coming weeks. If you are pregnant, over 65 or have a weakened immune system, tell your GP, midwife or NHS 111 that you ate a recalled product, even if you feel fine.
