This article provides a clear roadmap on navigating the Tesco fruit recall salmonella crisis. We will show you exactly how to identify the affected batch. You will learn how to protect your family from illness and secure your refund without unnecessary hassle.

Identifying the Affected Product During the Tesco Fruit Recall Salmonella

Shoppers must check their fridges immediately for the specific product named in the product recall notice. The recall exclusively targets the Tesco Grape & Berry Medley. This product is sold in a 230g pack size.

According to the official Food Standards Agency (FSA) Alert FSA-PRIN-10-2026, the contamination is isolated to specific batches. You must check the use-by dates printed on the front of the packaging.

Here are the exact details of the recalled item:

• Product Name: Tesco Grape & Berry Medley
• Pack Size: 230g
• Affected Use-By Dates: 16 February 2026 and 17 February 2026
• Reason for Recall: Presence of Salmonella bacteria

Tesco has confirmed through their official channels that no other products in their fruit range are affected by this specific UK supermarket recall. You do not need to discard other Tesco-branded fruits or salads.

Recognising the Key Food Poisoning Symptoms

Consuming food contaminated with this bacteria can lead to a severe bacterial infection. Public health officials urge consumers to monitor for food poisoning symptoms if they have eaten the affected Grape & Berry Medley.

The most common symptoms include a sudden high fever and severe diarrhoea. Patients frequently experience sharp abdominal cramps. These symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and rapidly cause dehydration.

Consumer Pro-Tip: Do not panic if you ate the fruit an hour ago and feel fine. The incubation period for this infection typically ranges from 6 hours to 6 days. You must monitor your family members closely for several days after suspected consumption.

Seek medical advice via NHS 111 if your symptoms become severe or if you are concerned about a vulnerable family member. Young children and the elderly face a higher risk of complications from dehydration.

What to Do If You Have Already Consumed the Fruit

Many shoppers consume pre-packaged fruit shortly after purchase. You might have already eaten the recalled item before seeing the food safety alerts.

First, stop eating the product immediately. Secure any remaining fruit in a sealed plastic bag. Do not throw it straight into the open kitchen bin where pets or wildlife might access it.

Drink plenty of water to prepare your body in case symptoms develop. Keep a close eye on your temperature and digestive health over the next 72 hours.

The Critical 48-Hour Isolation Rule

You must follow strict public health guidelines if you develop any signs of illness. Transmission prevention is highly critical during a bacterial outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency mandates a specific isolation period for gastrointestinal infections. You must stay away from work, school, or nursery until you have been completely symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

Returning to normal daily activities too early puts the wider community at risk. This 48-hour rule is the most effective way to stop the infection from spreading through shared spaces and facilities.

The Fridge Audit: Preventing Cross-Contamination at Home

Bacteria can survive on surfaces inside your refrigerator. You must perform a thorough fridge audit if you stored the contaminated 230g pack inside your home. Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria transfer from the packaging to other foods or shelves.

Follow this exact step-by-step process to sanitise your kitchen:

1. Isolate the item: Remove the Tesco Grape & Berry Medley from the fridge carefully. Place it directly into a secondary plastic bag.
2. Empty the shelf: Remove all other food items stored on the same shelf or in the same drawer.
3. Wash the area: Use hot soapy water to vigorously scrub the shelf, the walls of the fridge, and the handles.
4. Sanitise: Apply a food-safe antibacterial spray to the cleaned areas. Leave it to dry completely before replacing your other groceries.
5. Clean containers: Wash any Tupperware or loose vegetables that came into direct contact with the recalled punnet.

Proper hygiene completely neutralises the threat of lingering bacteria. Do not skip these steps if the recalled product touched your fridge shelves.

How to Claim Your Full Refund During the Tesco Fruit Recall Salmonella

You are legally entitled to your money back. Tesco has activated a streamlined refund process across all UK branches to handle this incident efficiently.

Take the affected product to the customer service desk at your nearest store. The staff will process a full refund immediately. You do not need your original receipt. You do not need to present the Clubcard you used during the purchase.

Handling an online delivery requires a different approach. Do not hand contaminated food back to your delivery driver. Doing so creates a massive cross-contamination risk for the driver and other customers’ groceries.

Instead, log into your online grocery account or the supermarket app. Navigate to your recent orders and select the “Request a Refund” option for the Grape & Berry Medley. You can also call the dedicated customer service helpline to process the refund remotely. You should then dispose of the sealed product safely in your outside bin.

FAQs

What Tesco fruit is currently being recalled for salmonella?

The supermarket has urgently recalled the Tesco Grape & Berry Medley. This action was taken after routine testing discovered bacterial contamination in specific batches. No other fruit lines or berry mixes are included in this current alert.

Do I need a receipt to return the recalled Tesco fruit?

No receipt is required to secure your money back. You simply need to return the affected item to the customer service desk at any store. Staff are fully briefed on the situation and will process a full refund immediately.

What is the exact use-by date of the recalled Grape & Berry Medley?

The contaminated products display use-by dates of 16 February 2026 and 17 February 2026. You will find these dates printed clearly on the front label of the 230g plastic punnet. You should discard or return the item if your package matches these dates.

How long does it take for salmonella symptoms to appear after eating?

Symptoms do not always appear immediately. The standard incubation period ranges from 6 hours to 6 days after consuming contaminated food. You should remain vigilant and monitor your health for nearly a week if you suspect you ate the recalled fruit.

What is the 48-hour isolation rule for food poisoning?

Public health bodies strictly advise anyone suffering from sickness or diarrhoea to stay at home. You must not return to work, school, or nursery until you have been completely free of all symptoms for a minimum of 48 hours to prevent spreading the infection.

Can I get a refund for my Tesco online delivery if I received this fruit?

Yes, online customers are fully covered. Do not attempt to give the contaminated product back to your delivery driver. You should process the refund directly through the mobile app or by calling customer support.

Are any other Tesco products affected by this specific salmonella recall?

The retailer has categorically stated that no other items are affected by this particular event. Your other salads, vegetables, and fruit punnets are safe to consume as normal. This incident is isolated entirely to the 230g Grape & Berry Medley.

How should I safely clean my fridge after storing recalled fruit?

You must thoroughly wash the specific shelf or drawer where the fruit was kept. Use hot soapy water to scrub the surfaces clean. Follow this by applying a food-safe antibacterial cleaner to kill any remaining bacteria and prevent cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts

A national food safety alert naturally causes alarm among shoppers. However, the rapid identification of this issue proves that routine testing protocols are functioning correctly to protect the public.

The Tesco fruit recall salmonella incident is contained to specific dates and one exact product line. Check your fridge for the 230g Grape & Berry Medley showing the dates 16 February 2026 or 17 February 2026. Follow the hygiene steps outlined above to protect your household.

Please share this vital information with family and friends who regularly shop at this supermarket to ensure the wider community remains safe.