LONDON: British supermarket Sainsbury’s has recalled packs of its Medjool dates over concerns they might be contaminated with hepatitis A.
“The safety of our products is our highest priority,” said a spokesperson for the company. “We are asking customers not to consume these products and return them to their nearest store for a refund.”
Sainsbury’s added that it is investigating the suspected contamination with its supplier in Jordan.
The warning comes just days after the start of Ramadan. During the holy month, Muslims commonly eat dates at sunset to break the day’s fast.
The Muslim Association of Britain issued a warning that urged people to “check the label this Ramadan, and remember the Palestinian people and those who are oppressed around the world in your duas (prayers).”
Muslim Labour MP Zarah Sultana, who represents the constituency of Coventry South, echoed the warnings, saying: “Sainsbury’s has recalled its Taste the Difference Medjool dates (200g and 500g), with supplier/site code K0014 EW, due to a potential hepatitis A contamination. If you’ve purchased them, do not eat them. Return them to a Sainsbury’s store for a refund.”
There is a high recovery rate from hepatitis A — usually within a few weeks — but the virus can lead to liver failure. A vaccine is available for those at high risk of infection.
Dates, the staple of every Ramadan table in Saudi Arabia