Waitrose issues 'emergency' alert and tells shoppers 'pack away item'

Waitrose has issued an urgent warning to shoppers who buy olives. Waitrose, which is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, has warned it is urgently withdrawing its Waitrose Pitted Spanish Queen Olives Drained 113g from shelves.

The pack size affected is 113g. In a statement, Waitrose explained the best before and use by date was December 2025. It said: "We are recalling a selected date of the above product due to possible glass contamination."

"Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund. Contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4. We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused."

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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has also issued a notice over the withdrawal of the product. It said: "If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. For more information contact Waitrose customer care team on 0800 188 884, Option 4."

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers. The move from Waitrose follows similar moves from Marks and Spencer, which has recalled items this week, as well as Morrisons and rivals like Tesco.

Among the items being recalled are M&S pies and Viennetta desserts sold at Tesco stores. The product notice from Waitrose, which is rivalled by the likes of M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury's and more, comes amid the Cost of Living crisis and the supermarket giant and posh upmarket retailer issued the alert today.