Product recallFSA
Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink recalled over poor temperature control
Waitrose is recalling Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink due to the risk of microbiological contamination and spoilage because there has been a breakdown in temperature control which may make these products unsafe to drink.
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.
Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink 1 litre
- Affected
- All dates between 14 August and 29 October 2026 purchased between 2 September and 21 September 2026
What to do now
A problem with hygiene or processing means Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink may contain bacteria that could make people ill.
- Do not eat it, and do not try to make it safe by cooking or reheating.
- Clean the place it was stored and wash your hands after handling it.
- Return it to Waitrose for a refund. Shops normally accept recalled food without a receipt.
- Look for other packs at home: the recall covers every pack that matches the details below.
Why it matters. Bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus or Campylobacter can cause food poisoning. Some make toxins that survive cooking, so reheating is not a fix.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- feeling sick or being sick
- diarrhoea
- stomach cramps
- a high temperature
- feeling generally unwell, tired or achy
Get help urgently
- signs of dehydration, such as passing little or no pee, feeling dizzy or very thirsty
- blood in your poo or bleeding from the bottom
- symptoms that are not improving after a few days, or keep coming back
- a baby, a young child, someone pregnant, someone older or someone with a weakened immune system is unwell
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
The quickest route is to take the pack, or a photo of its label, back to the shop. Most retailers refund recalled products without proof of purchase.
If a shop refuses, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Consumerline in Northern Ireland (0300 123 6262) can tell you what to do next.
From the official notice
Published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA-PRIN-45-2026). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Waitrose is recalling Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink due to the risk of microbiological contamination and spoilage because there has been a breakdown in temperature control which may make these products unsafe to drink.
The risk
Waitrose recalls Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink due to the risk of microbiological contamination and spoilage.
Action taken
Waitrose 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 products are 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 any of the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink been recalled?
A problem with hygiene or processing means Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink may contain bacteria that could make people ill. Bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus or Campylobacter can cause food poisoning. Some make toxins that survive cooking, so reheating is not a fix.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Do not eat it, and do not try to make it safe by cooking or reheating. Clean the place it was stored and wash your hands after handling it.
Can I get a refund?
The quickest route is to take the pack, or a photo of its label, back to the shop. Most retailers refund recalled products without proof of purchase. If a shop refuses, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133), Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) or Consumerline in Northern Ireland (0300 123 6262) can tell you what to do next.
Where was Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink sold?
The notice names Waitrose. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
