Product recallFSA
Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad recalled over E. coli
Tesco is recalling Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad 215g, because of possible contamination with E. coli (STEC).
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.
Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad 215g
- Use byOn the lid, sleeve or label.
- 25 August 2026
- 26 August 2026
- 27 August 2026
What to do now
STEC, a harmful type of E. coli, is the reason for this recall. The illness is harsher than ordinary food poisoning and children are the most at risk of complications.
- Do not eat any of it, and do not try to rinse it clean — that does not make it safe.
- Clean the fridge and anything the product touched, then wash your hands well.
- Take it back to Tesco 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. STEC can cause bloody diarrhoea and, in a small number of cases, a kidney complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, most often in young children. Washing salad leaves at home does not reliably remove it.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- diarrhoea, which may be bloody
- stomach cramps
- feeling or being sick
- a high temperature
Get help urgently
- blood in your poo — get urgent advice from NHS 111 or your GP the same day
- a child who is passing much less pee than usual, looks pale or is unusually tired after a stomach bug
- signs of dehydration or symptoms that are getting worse
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-41-2026). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Tesco is recalling Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad 215g, because of possible contamination with E. coli (STEC).
The risk
The possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli STEC in the product listed above.
Symptoms caused by STEC organisms include severe diarrhoea with or without blood in the stool, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.
Action taken
Tesco is recalling the above product and has issued a recall notice to alert customers. 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 any Tesco store for a full refund. For further information, please visit Tesco’s customer services at: tesco.com/help/contact.
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad been recalled?
STEC, a harmful type of E. coli, is the reason for this recall. The illness is harsher than ordinary food poisoning and children are the most at risk of complications. STEC can cause bloody diarrhoea and, in a small number of cases, a kidney complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, most often in young children. Washing salad leaves at home does not reliably remove it.
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 any of it, and do not try to rinse it clean — that does not make it safe. Clean the fridge and anything the product touched, then wash your hands well.
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.
Where was Tesco Finest Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad sold?
The notice names Tesco. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
