Morrisons recall beef slices infected with bacteria more deadly than salmonella

Listeriosis is responsible for more UK deaths than any other food-borne bacteria

150g Ready To Eat Peppered Beef Slices recalled by Morrisons over infection risk have 21 February sell-by date (Morrisons)

Morrisons has recalled its Ready to Eat Peppered Beef Slices, saying they are infected with a bug which could cause meningitis.

The affected product is a 150g packet with a use-by date of 21 February, and is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food Standards Agency.

Listeriosis, the infection caused by the disease, is responsible for an estimated 260 deaths in the United States each year, as well as 1600 illnesses. In the EU, it caused 210 deaths and 2160 illnesses in 2014.

It's responsible for more deaths in the UK than any other food-borne bacteria, such as salmonella.

Most cases result in flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, muscle aches and pans, chills, vomiting and diarrhoea.

But members of vulnerable groups are at particular risk of serious or lethal complications. Listeriosis is the third-most common cause of meningitis in newborns, and the elderly, pregnant mothers, young infants and people with weakened immune systems are all also at risk.

One in three infection cases among these at-risk groups can prove lethal.

In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or premature delivery.

This is why pregnant mothers are advised not to eat soft cheeses or pâté, which are known to harbour the bacteria.

The Food Standards Agency advise: "If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund."

All other Morrisons products remain safe for consumption.