Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives Recalled Over Listeria

Waitrose is recalling Essential Pitted Black Olives in England, Scotland and Wales after Listeria monocytogenes was detected. The recall covers 120g packs with three September use-by dates.

What’s Affected

• Product: Waitrose Essential Pitted Black Olives
• Pack size: 120g
• Use by: 13, 18 or 27 September 2026

What You Should Do

Do not eat the affected olives. Take them to your nearest Waitrose store for a full refund. Waitrose Customer Care can be reached on 0800 188 884, option 4. Listeria can cause serious illness, with pregnant people, older adults and those with weakened immune systems particularly vulnerable.

Why a Small Pack Still Needs Checking

The notice covers three separate use-by dates, rather than a continuous date range. Read the date on every 120g pack you bought, including packs purchased together. If you emptied olives into a serving bowl or another container, keep the original label available so you can identify which pack they came from.

The return advice applies to everyone with an affected pack. The FSA highlights groups at greater risk of serious listeria infection, but that does not make the recalled olives suitable for other customers.

How This Relates to the Sainsbury’s Recall

Sainsbury’s pitted black olives were also recalled in September. They have a different product name and different use-by dates. The Waitrose notice does not establish a shared supplier or cause, so treat the alerts as separate pack checks.

The NHS listeriosis guide explains symptoms and when to seek urgent help, especially during pregnancy or with a weakened immune system.

Read the official FSA notice for the recall details and any further updates.