Carrefour has issued an urgent recall of its own-brand boiled chicken due to concerns about potential salmonella contamination. The move comes just a day after Delhaize initiated a similar recall for the same type of product, heightening consumer anxiety over food safety in Belgium.
The affected item is Carrefour’s fresh boiling hen, identified by the EAN code 2726224000000, with use-by dates of 4, 5, and 6 March 2025.
All impacted products have been removed from shelves, and the retailer is urging customers who purchased the chicken to return it to stores for a full refund. Carrefour has assured consumers that no other products are involved in the recall.
In a statement, Carrefour emphasised the precautionary nature of the recall, aiming to safeguard public health amid concerns of salmonella contamination.
Customers seeking further information have been directed to contact Carrefour Belgium’s customer service at the toll-free number 0800.9.10.11, available from 08:30 am to 20:00, Monday to Saturday.
The recall follows a similar alert from Delhaize, which pulled its own boiled chicken from shelves on Tuesday, citing identical concerns.
The back-to-back recalls have sparked unease among consumers, with some calling for enhanced safety checks and transparency in the food supply chain.
Salmonella infection, which can occur after consuming contaminated products, often leads to symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
The onset of symptoms typically appears within 12 to 72 hours after ingestion. While most healthy adults recover without requiring medical treatment, the infection poses a greater risk to young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.
In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to manage dehydration and other complications.
Food safety experts have advised consumers to remain vigilant and to ensure that poultry is thoroughly cooked before consumption, as high temperatures can eliminate harmful bacteria.
Additionally, they recommend maintaining proper hygiene practices in the kitchen to prevent cross-contamination.
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) has been notified and is reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
In recent months, the agency has intensified its inspections following a rise in reported cases of foodborne illnesses linked to contaminated poultry products across the country.
Consumer advocacy groups have also voiced concerns, urging both retailers and regulators to increase testing frequencies and improve traceability measures within the supply chain.
“This isn’t just about one or two recalls. It’s about restoring consumer confidence and ensuring that every step, from farm to shelf, is closely monitored,” said a spokesperson for a leading consumer rights organisation.
As investigations continue, Carrefour has apologised for the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to food safety and customer wellbeing.
Customers are advised to check their refrigerators and return any affected products to the nearest store for a refund, with or without a receipt.
