Potential legal action following Hepatitis A risk in Sainsbury’s Medjool dates

The supermarket issued a recall on the product last week stating that its Taste the Difference Medjool dates, ranging in 200g and 500g packs with the code K0014 EW on the packaging, had been recalled and should not be eaten as they may be contaminated with Hepatitis A.

Following consumption of the Medjool dates, at least one woman has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Public Health England are now investigating a potential link between Hepatitis A cases and consumption of the Medjool dates from Sainsbury’s.

The food safety team at law firm Leigh Day are now looking into a potential legal action. They believe there may be many more people affected.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. The Hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food. Symptoms can include feeling tired and generally unwell, joint and muscle pain, a raised temperature and pain in the upper right part of your tummy.

Food safety lawyer Michelle Victor at Leigh Day said:

“Leigh Day were contacted by a woman (aged 64) who began experiencing flu-like symptoms on 27 February 2021 which she initially attributed to side effects from having a COVID-19 vaccine. Her symptoms included extreme fatigue, an unsteady balance, a raised temperature, headache and pins and needles in her arms and face. By 6 March 2021 her symptoms deteriorated to such an extent that she was hospitalised for one week. During her stay in hospital she also suffered abdominal discomfort and chest pain before receiving a diagnosis of Hepatitis A. After googling the disease, she noted it’s prevalence in the Middle East and she herself made the association that the Medjool Dates may be the source of contamination. After talking to Public Health England, she remains of the view that her condition was caused by the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Medjool dates. She remains severely ill and now faces the possibility of having to undergo surgical intervention for the removal of her Gall Bladder which she feels has been caused by this incident.

“We believe a lot more people could be affected and urge everyone who has bought the dates to return them to store for a full refund following Sainsbury’s recall.

“Food safety is of paramount importance. We are now looking into this link and potential legal action.”