Pork scratchings recalled as 12 people hospitalised after eating batch linked to salmonella

Over 170 cases of salmonella have been linked to the factory, Hannah Miller reports

At least 12 people have been hospitalised and nearly 200 have fallen ill after suffering salmonella poisoning linked to pork scratchings, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed.

Some snacks made by Tayto Group at its factory in Bolton have been tied to the outbreak, which has left 176 people suffering vomiting, diarrhoea and fevers.

The FSA has recalled packs of Mr Porky, Jay’s and The Real Pork Crackling Company - all Tayto Group's products - that expire before February next year. The cases of salmonella were reported between September 2020 and the present date, the agency said in a statement.

The illness usually causes fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically resolve themselves, however they can be more severe and lead to hospitalisation, especially in the very young and those with weakened immune systems.

The bad batch of pork scratchings are no longer on sale. The FSA advised those who have bought any of the recalled products not to eat them and return them to the shop from where they were bought for a full refund. "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,” said Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA.

Dr Lesley Larkin from 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.

“Salmonella can be spread from person to person, so anyone affected should adhere to good hygiene practices including washing your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoiding handling food for others if you have symptoms.”

Which products have been recalled?

All of the products covered by the recall have a best before date up to and including February 19, 2022.

• Mr Porky Original Scratchings - pack sizes 40g, 65g, 6x16.5g, and 5x16.5g.

• Mr Porky Crispy Strips - pack size 35g

• Mr Porky Crackles - pack size 70g

• Mr Porky Prime Cut Scratchings - pack size 35g

• Jay's Pork Scratchings - pack size 60g

• The Real Pork Crackling Company Pork Crunch - pack sizes 30g and 70g