Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's shoppers who buy 'pre washed vegetables' warned

Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's shoppers who buy "pre washed" vegetables have been warned. Customers at the UK's largest supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, as well as Asda, have been warned over the findings from a study in the UK.

A "deeply unpleasant" diarrhoea bug has been found in pre-washed supermarket vegetables. The bug recently led to at least 46 illnesses in Devon after it was detected in drinking water and now scientists have found it in supermarket food.

Researchers from the University of Kent’s School of Biosciences discovered cryptosporidium in more than half of food samples. Cryptosporidium is a tiny parasite that lives in the intestines of infected humans and animals.

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Dr Anastasios Tsaousis, reader in molecular and evolutionary parasitology at the University of Kent’s School of Biosciences, warned nearly 60 per cent of pre-washed salad pack samples were PCR-positive for cryptosporidium.

Dr Tsaousis explained: “The presence of cryptosporidium in pre-washed vegetables could mean revisiting the sanitation methods employed by suppliers along the chain of production such as improved hygiene measures during harvesting, processing, packaging, transportation and storage.

“There is also a need for increased awareness among consumers on the adequate storage of vegetables and handwashing before eating.” The UKHSA recommends wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially before eating, after going to the toilet, and after contact with pets/animals.

Wash and peel all fruits and vegetables, avoid drinking untreated water and don't swallow swimming pool or lake water, it added. Be careful with handwashing after any animal contact on farms and stay home from work/school until 48 hours after symptoms stop.

It adds: “In the unusual case of an outbreak affecting UK drinking water, follow the advice of the local water company, which will usually involve boiling water to be used for drinking, cooking, preparing food or brushing teeth.”