Pork scratching salmonella fears sees people hospitalised amid urgent recall

25 August 2021, 10:56 | Updated: 25 August 2021, 11:00

The FSA have recalled several products
The FSA have recalled several products. Picture: Alamy
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

An infected batch of pork scratchings has left at least 12 people in hospital with salmonella and more than 100 ill.

A total of 176 UK cases of food poisoning have been linked to snack companies, with food experts urging people to avoid the iconic pub snack.

Three brands of pub favourite pork scratchings have been recalled by authorities over salmonella contamination fears.

Read more: Warning over Christmas pigs in blankets shortage due to post-Brexit supply problems

But, now it has been reported dozens of people have fallen ill with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and fever after eating the Mr Porky products.

The Food Standards Agency [FSA] said six products in all were affected and they were all made by the Tayto Group Ltd.

The FSA has issued an urgent recall of pork scratchings from three different brands over the contamination fears.

Six products are affected in total and they are all made by the Tayto Group Ltd, which is the largest British-owned crisp and snack manufacturer, and stocked in major supermarkets.

It is taking the precautionary step of recalling some Mr Porky, Jay's and The Real Pork Crackling Company products because they might be contaminated with Salmonella.

All the snacks being recalled have best before dates up to and including February 19, 2022.

The products affected are:

  • Mr Porky Original Scratchings - Pack size: 40 and 65g, 6 x 16.5g, and 5 x 16.5g
  • Mr Porky Crispy Strip - Pack size: 35g
  • Mr Porky Crackle - 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 size: 30g and 70g

All the snacks being recalled have best before dates up to and including February 19, 2022.

Public Health England said 176 people had fallen ill with salmonella poisoning and that a third needed hospital treatment.

The cases are said to have occurred all over the country.

Rachael Newberry, 53, of South London, told The Sun: “A few days after I ate them, my stomach was gurgling and I felt awful.

“I was on the toilet all that night. I have been ill for about a week now and have only just started to feel better.

“I’ve been completely put off pork scratchings for life.”

Tayto Group were reported to have said: “We apologise for any inconvenience.”

The FSA added: "If you have bought any of these products, do not eat them and return them to the shop where you bought them for a full refund."

People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection.

The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps.

The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, although the diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission.

The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Russia bombed Ukrainian infrastructure overnight

Russia launches 'massive attack' on Ukraine's power supplies, with 'energy security under growing threat'

Newry Magistrates' Court

Man, 61, charged with non-recent sexual offences in Northern Ireland

Drivers queuing in Dover on Friday morning

Holidaymakers hit with 2-hour Dover ferry waits amid strong winds, as 2.6m hit the roads for Good Friday getaway

The attack happened on a train in south London

Teenager charged with attempted murder after south London train stabbing, with victim still in critical condition

Mother Natalie Pinnell

Mother left in tears after daughter with complex needs 'erased' from school photo

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard have both been nominated to the Garrick Club

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard among seven women nominated for membership of all-male Garrick Club

Exclusive
Anneliese Dodds said Labour would make sure local people have 'skin in the game' with tackling inequality

'Rebuild has to start from ground up,' Labour's Anneliese Dodds says, and 'local people must have skin in the game'

Mohamed Mansour has been awarded a knighthood

Conservatives accused of 'cronyism' after donor who gave £5 million awarded knighthood in surprise honours list

Exclusive
Justin Welby recalled his experience of coping with his father's drinking as a teenager.

‘It was utterly isolating’: Archbishop of Canterbury recalls harrowing childhood with alcoholic father

More than 2 million drivers are set to hit the road on Good Friday.

Easter Carmageddon: Over two million drivers to hit the road on Good Friday after Storm Nelson travel chaos

Michael Gove has slammed the water firm as a 'disgrace'.

Thames Water bosses branded a ‘disgrace’ as Michael Gove tells firm ‘not to punish consumers’ for its failings

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban

Israel Palestinians Britain Aid

UN top court orders Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza

Greece Confidence Vote

Greece’s government survives no-confidence motion called over rail disaster

A council has had to apologise following the incident.

Fury as parents offered version of school class photo without complex needs pupils