Waitrose is recalling Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said in a food alert published on 10 September 2026. The alert applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
The product is sold in 120g packs. Three use by dates are affected: 13 September 2026, 18 September 2026 and 27 September 20261.
| Product | Pack size | Use by dates |
|---|---|---|
| Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives | 120g | 13 September 2026, 18 September 2026, 27 September 2026 |
The FSA's risk statement gives the reason for the recall as "The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the product listed above." The agency says symptoms caused by the bacterium can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. In rare cases, it says, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications such as meningitis. It lists people over 65, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems as more vulnerable to Listeria infections1.
Waitrose is recalling the product and point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores selling it. The FSA says these notices explain why the product is being recalled and what to do if it has been bought1.
"If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest Waitrose store where you will be given a full refund."
The FSA gives Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884, Option 4, for further information. The alert carries the reference FSA-PRIN-44-2026 and was last modified on 10 September 2026 at 20:201.
Why it matters for households
The recall covers households in England, Scotland and Wales that have bought the 120g packs with the three use by dates listed. Because the affected dates run to 27 September 2026, packs may still be in cupboards and fridges. The FSA's advice is not to eat the product and to return it to a Waitrose store for a full refund. The agency identifies people over 65, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems as more vulnerable to Listeria infections. The FSA's food safety guidance sets out how food alerts and recalls are handled.
What happens next
Point of sale notices are to be displayed in all retail stores selling the product, setting out the reason for the recall and what customers should do. Waitrose Customer Care can be reached on 0800 188 884, Option 41. No further dates have been reported.
