The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent food recall alert issued for popular chicken fillets after the detection of salmonella, a bacterial contamination that poses a significant health risk to consumers. The recall specifically targets Pettitt’s Cook at Home Basil and Pesto Chicken Fillets, which are being withdrawn from retail shelves to prevent potential illness.
The affected product, priced at €5.49, carries a apply-by date of 30/03/2026. While this date has already passed, the FSAI has highlighted a critical detail for households: because these ready-to-cook fillets are suitable for home freezing, they may still be present in consumer freezers despite the expired date.
Health officials are urging shoppers to immediately inspect their freezers for the implicated batch. The agency has confirmed that recall notices will be prominently displayed at the point of sale to alert customers who may have purchased the product.
Raw chicken breast (Image: Getty Images)
Understanding the Risks of Salmonella Contamination
Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the presence of this bacteria in food products necessitates immediate withdrawal to protect public health. The infection typically manifests within 12 to 36 hours after consumption, although the window can vary from 6 to 72 hours.
The most frequent symptom is diarrhea, which in some instances may contain blood. Other common signs of infection include fever, headache, and stomach cramps. While the condition generally persists for four to seven days, the severity can vary significantly based on the individual’s health status.
Medical experts warn that certain populations are at a much higher risk of severe illness. This includes elderly individuals, infants, and those with compromised immune systems. In severe cases, the resulting dehydration and illness can be significant enough to require hospitalization.
Pettitt’s Cook at Home Basil & Pesto Chicken Fillets(Image: FSAI)
Separate Recall: Tesco Dessert Plastic Contamination
In a separate safety action, the FSAI has as well issued a recall for batches of the Tesco Finest Summer Edition Chocolate Affogato Dessert. Unlike the chicken fillet recall, which is based on bacterial contamination, the dessert recall is due to the potential presence of plastic fragments within the product.
The scope of this recall is broad, encompassing every batch with a best-before date up to and including April 2027. Consumers who have purchased this dessert are strongly urged to avoid eating it and to return the product to the store.
Tesco has indicated that notices regarding the recall will be prominently displayed at the point of sale across all its stores to ensure customers are aware of the risk.
Tesco Finest Summer Edition Chocolate Affogato Dessert(Image: FSAI)
Summary of Current Food Recalls
| Product | Issue | Affected Batch/Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pettitt’s Basil & Pesto Chicken | Salmonella | Use-by: 30/03/2026 |
| Tesco Finest Chocolate Affogato | Plastic Contamination | Best-before: Up to April 2027 |
What Consumers Should Do Next
If you find the affected Pettitt’s chicken fillets in your freezer or the Tesco Affogato dessert in your refrigerator, the safest course of action is to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Do not attempt to cook the contaminated chicken to “kill” the bacteria, as the FSAI’s primary advice is to avoid consumption entirely.
For those who may have already consumed these products and are experiencing symptoms such as fever or severe gastrointestinal distress, it is recommended to contact a healthcare provider. Here’s particularly urgent for high-risk groups, including the elderly, and infants.
The European Food Safety Authority and national bodies like the FSAI maintain updated databases of all active recalls. Consumers can check these official portals for the most current information on food safety alerts across the region.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
The FSAI will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the source of the contamination. Further notices may be issued if additional batches are found to be affected.
We invite our readers to share this alert with friends and family to ensure the safety of others. Please exit your comments below if you have further questions regarding these recalls.
