Tesco has recalled one of its everyday cooking ingredients because it “may contain small pieces of plastic.”

The popular supermarket has issued a recall for the Tesco British Cooking Salt as the possible presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat.

The particular item affected is the Tesco British Cooking Salt with a pack size of 1.5kg and batch number 3200.

What should customers who have bought Tesco British Cooking Salt do?

Worcester News: Tesco British Cooking Salt with the batch code 3200 should be returned to your nearest storeTesco British Cooking Salt with the batch code 3200 should be returned to your nearest store (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)

It has provided a notice to its customers, explaining why the salt product is being recalled and offers advice on what to do if they have bought it.

Tesco said: “We have been made aware that a specific batch of Tesco Cooking Salt 1.5kg may have been contaminated with small pieces of plastic. This could potentially pose a risk if ingested.

“Please do not consume this product and return it to store where a full refund will be given.

“No receipt is required. Tesco apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused.

"If you require further details, please contact Customer Services directly on 0800 505 555.”

The Food Standard Agency (FSA) also shared its advice, commenting: “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 receipt is required. For further details, please contact Tesco Customer Services directly on: 0800 505 555.”

What are product recalls and withdrawals?

The FSA adds: “If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product).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 action to be taken on behalf of consumers."