Waitrose Recalls Unsweetened Oat Drink Over Bacteria Contamination Fears Waitrose recalls 1-litre cartons of Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink due to possible microbiological contamination from a temperature control breakdown. Customers urged to return for refund. Waitrose has recalled 1-litre cartons of its Essential Unsweetened Oat Drink over fears of contamination with harmful bacteria that could cause food poisoning. The recall affects cartons with all use-by dates between August 14 and October 29 2026, purchased between September 2 and 21. The supermarket said a breakdown in temperature control may mean the oat drink is not safe to consume, and food safety officials are urging customers not to drink the product. Cause and Risks of ContaminationConsuming food stored at the wrong temperature can allow potentially harmful bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of dangerous infections. Symptoms usually start within a few hours or days of consuming spoiled produce, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and a high temperature.It is usually caused by campylobacter bacteria – the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK – salmonella or E. coli bacteria, which thrive in warm conditions.Recall Details and Customer ActionsIn a notice issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Waitrose warned customers not to consume the drink due to the potential presence of microbiological contamination. Instead, affected products should be returned to a local Waitrose & Partners branch for a full refund.The supermarket apologised for any inconvenience caused. Point-of-sale notices are being displayed in stores to alert customers to the recall.Customers can also contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 (option four) for further information. The FSA said recalls are issued when a product should not be sold because it may pose a risk to consumers.Previous Recall of Black OlivesEarlier this month, Waitrose pulled its Essential Pitted Black Olives from its shelves over fears they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium.This recall follows a pattern of product withdrawals by the supermarket chain as it responds to potential health risks. The FSA continues to monitor food safety incidents and advises consumers to stay informed about recalls.Waitrose has not disclosed how many cartons are affected by the oat drink recall, but the use-by dates indicate a wide distribution period. The recall is a precautionary measure to prevent any illness.Food safety experts emphasise the importance of proper temperature control in the supply chain to prevent bacterial growth. Consumers who have purchased the product should check the use-by date and return it if it falls within the affected range.For more information, customers can visit the FSA website or contact Waitrose Customer Care. The recall is ongoing, and Waitrose is working with the FSA to ensure the product is removed from sale.