Tesco shoppers have been issued a “do not eat” warning as a product sold at the supermarket may be contaminated with salmonella.

Sacor is recalling the Bastides Saucisson Sec, sold exclusively in Tesco stores, because salmonella has been found in the product.

The recalled products come in packs of 200g and have a best before date of March 4.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency said: “Sacor is recalling the above product and have issued a recall notice to alert customers These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest Tesco store for a full refund. For more information email customercare@compleatfood.com .”

The FSA added: “Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.

“If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.”

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.