On April 30, 2026, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) issued a nationwide recall alert after detecting Salmonella. in Carrefour Classic germinated sprouts.
The details of the recalled product are –
- Product: Beansprouts (glass jar)
- Batch: L-12Q03
- Expiry: 12 March 2029
- Distribution: Nationwide
The alert was rapidly circulated through Spain’s rapid alert system (SCIRI), triggering coordinated withdrawal across all regions. Consumers were instructed not to consume the product and to return or dispose of it immediately.
Recent recalls due to salmonella detection and why it keeps happening
Just weeks before the Carrefour alert, authorities issued another significant recall involving ready-to-eat meat, a trace found in a vegan protein powder and another in another plant based product.
Food safety investigations point to three main causes. Firstly contamination at the source. Raw materials such as seeds, meat, or plant products may carry bacteria before processing. Secondly bacterial growth during processing. Conditions like sprouting or improper storage allow Salmonella to multiply rapidly. Finally Complex supply chain. Wide distribution means contaminated products can reach large numbers of consumers quickly.
Is this a high number of recalls compared to other countries?
The short answer is no. The number of recalls in Spain is thankfully within normal EU levels. Countries like France, the Netherlands, and Poland often report equal or higher numbers. What is does show is how effective and well reported the recalls are before they hit the consumer.
What to do if you have a product that has an alert
If you have purchased any of the affected products, do not consume them under any circumstances, return them to the store or dispose of them safely. If you may have already eaten the product, monitor your health closely over the next 6 to 72 hours, when symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear.
These commonly include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, and general weakness. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, but young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications. You should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms are severe, persistent (lasting more than 2–3 days), or include signs of dehydration such as dizziness or reduced urination.
