Everyone loves a picnic. Getting out in the fresh air, digging into some picky bits and maybe a cheeky bottle of fizz, and having a little sunbathe while you're at it - what's not to love?
Well, food poisoning. Not only does sharing finger food increase the risk of getting sick, especially if fellow diners aren't washing their hands properly before eating, but food kept outdoors in the sun will also spoil quicker and attract bacteria-spreading flies.
But that's not all - a picnic staple has been recalled in the UK due to salmonella contamination. Those who contract a salmonella infection can expect diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach pains, and while it's usually caused by eating raw or under-cooked meat, other foods can be contaminated with the bacteria.
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A scotch egg is a go-to for British picnics, its delicious eggy filling wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs making a delightful treat. However, those planning to pack some from a particular brand should bear in mind that they have been recalled for potential salmonella contamination, and instead of being eaten they should be returned to the store they were bought from for a full refund.
Wall’s The Classic Scotch Egg and Wall’s 2 Classic Scotch Eggs have been recalled by The Compleat Food Group because salmonella has been found in the products, the Food Standards Agency has said.
The recall affects products with a use by date of July 2, 2025, and any customers with questions about the recall are advised to contact [email protected].
The news comes amid something of a food poisoning crisis in Britain, as confirmed cases of salmonella and other pathogens are at their highest levels in a decade. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), salmonella infections rose 17.1 percent from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024, reaching the highest total since at least 2014.
Government bodies including the FSA and UKHSA are investigating the underlying causes, but it's a good idea for all of us to keep an eye on product recalls and ensure that we're not eating any products that may have been contaminated.
When it comes to safe food preparation, the FSA says people should follow the 'four Cs' of food hygiene - that's chilling, cleaning, cooking and avoiding cross‑contamination - as well as making sure hands are washed properly throughout the preparation and eating process, especially after handling raw meat.
Anyone who experiences food poisoning symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain or fever, especially after eating recalled products, should seek medical advice.
Rachael Davis