Mr Porky, Jay’s and The Real Pork Crackling Company products in recall over salmonella fears

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said that testing has found a link to 176 reported cases of salmonella poisoning across the UK between September 2020 and the present date. 

Tayto has recalled some of its brands as a ‘precautionary measure’. These include some Mr Porky, Jay’s and The Real Pork Crackling Company products with best before dates up to and including 19 February 2022. 

Voluntary suspension

Production was voluntary halted at the factory linked to the outbreak once a possible link was first identified earlier this month. 

There has been no reports of a direct link to the pub sector but the products have been available to purchase since February. Point of sale notices are to be displayed in all retail stores that have sold the specific products.

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: "The food business involved has voluntarily suspended its production to put additional controls in place to improve the safety of their products and they have decided on a voluntary basis to withdraw and recall all of the products within shelf-life produced at this site.”

Link established

Dr Lesley Larkin, surveillance lead, Gastrointestinal Pathogens Unit at Public Health England, said: “We have established a link between the 176 cases based on the analysis of data obtained through whole genome sequencing and epidemiological investigations.

“These investigations, together with those carried out by local authorities, have indicated the source of infection is pork scratchings produced by a single company in the UK.” 

Symptoms of salmonellosis typically resolve themselves and include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. However, symptoms can be more severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.