MORRISONS has recalled its peppered beef product due to fears it could cause meningitis if eaten.

Customers who bought the ‘ready to eat’ peppered beef slices, with the February 21 use by date, are being urged to return the packet to the store.

During a routine check, the beef was found to contain listeria monocytogenes, which the Food Standards Agency says causes flu-like symptoms and in rare cases can cause meningitis.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency said: “Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

“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.”

No other Morrisons products are known to be affected.

In a notice to recall the product, a Morrisons spokesman said: “Our routine testing has identified the presence of low levels of Listeria in this product.

“We are asking all customers who have bought this Use By date of this product not to consume it and to return it to their nearest Morrisons store where they will receive a full refund.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standard of product quality and safety.”