Butter recalled over meningitis-causing bug

Its own brand butters are sold in 100g packs or 10g discs given out at the fish and meat counters of its stores’ deli counters but may contain bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), this can cause food poisoning with pregnant women, children and the elderly most at risk.

In most people, listeriosis is mild and causes symptoms including a high temperature , vomiting and diarrhoea which usually pass within three days without the need for treatment.

However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe and spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications such as meningitis.

The packs are Tesco Chocolate Chip and Maple Syrup Butter, Red Chilli and Lemon Butter, Roast Garlic and Herb Butter and Three Peppercorn Butter.

The complimentary butter discs are Roast Garlic and Herb Butter, Peppercorn Butter Discs, Chilli Butter Discs, Mr Crumb Roast Garlic and Herb Disc and Mr Crumb Chilli Butter.

Tesco said: “We have been made aware that some Tesco butters may potentially have low levels of Listeria monocytogenes present.

“As a precautionary measure, we are recalling affected products from customers.

“The complimentary butter discs are offered to customers at the fresh meat and fish counters. Customers are advised to discard them.

“Please do not consume these products.

“Please return the affected products to store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

“Tesco apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”

The FSA said no other Tesco products are known to be affected.