Urgent 'do not eat' warning as E Coli found in popular snack

By Hanna Geissler, Health Editor

E.coli was found in a batch of the macadamia nuts (Image: Getty)

A health food brand has recalled packs of macadamia nuts over fears of contamination with E.coli. E.coli is a bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded organisms — including humans. Most strains are harmless but some can cause serious food poisoning.

Grape Tree said Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) has been found in a batch of the product. A notice issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “If you have bought the above product do not eat it.

The macadamia nuts could cause serious food poisoning (Image: Grape Tree)

“Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.”

The recall applies to 250g bags of Raw Unsalted Macadamia Nuts with a best before date of July 11, 2026 and the batch code G41 5 101 250610.

The affected product is sold in England, Scotland and Wales.

Common sources of STEC outbreaks include raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated vegetables.

Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to life-threatening illness.

Symptoms of E.coli poisoning include abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, and sometimes fever and vomiting.

The FSA notice added: “Symptoms caused by STEC organisms include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), abdominal pain, and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.”

Most patients recover within 10 days, but in rare cases it can lead to serious illness.

STEC is destroyed by thorough cooking of foods until all parts reach a temperature of 70 °C or higher.

The recall comes after SPAR Northern Ireland recalled several chicken products due to the presence of another bacteria, listeria.