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Waitrose has recalled cartons of its oat ‘milk’ over fears of contamination with harmful bacteria that could cause food poisoning.
The supermarket said a breakdown in temperature control may mean that the oat drink is not safe to consume.
Consuming food stored at the wrong temperature can allow potentially harmful bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of potentially dangerous infections.
Symptoms usually start within a few hours or days of consuming spoiled produce, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and a high temperature.
It is usually caused by campylobacter bacteria – the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK – salmonella or E. coli bacteria, which thrive in warm conditions.
Food safety officials are urging customers not to drink the unsweetened oat product and instead return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund.
The recall affects 1 litre cartons of Waitrose Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink, with all use by dates between August 14 and October 29 2026, purchased between September 2nd and 21st.
In a notice issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Waitrose warned customers not to consume the drink due to the potential presence of microbiological contamination.
Waitrose has recalled cartons of its unsweetened oat drink
Instead affected products should be returned to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.
The supermarket apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Point-of-sale notices are being displayed in stores to alert customers to the recall.
Customers can also contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 (option four) for further information.
The FSA said recalls are issued when a product should not be sold because it may pose a risk to consumers.
Earlier this month, the supermarket pulled its Essential Pitted Black Olives from its shelves, over fears they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium.
