Several cheese products sold in stores across Ireland have been recalled following concerns that they are potentially contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.
Soft cheeses are among the common high-risk foods for listeria monocytogenes contamination – the bacteria can cause symptoms similar to the flu, such as high temperatures, muscle aches, chills or vomiting.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), it can also result in severe infections in rare cases, leading to more serious complications, such as meningitis.
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In the north, Dunnes Stores has issued a recall notice for nine of its products manufactured by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese – these include some of the shop’s ‘Simply Better range’ cheeses.
Meanwhile, a recall notice in the Republic includes cheeses produced by the same manufacturer in shops including Dunnes, SuperValu and Spar.
The FSA and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advise customers not to consume any impacted products.
The FSA has added that anyone who may have already purchased a recalled product should return it to the shop they bought it from to request a full refund.
Those most vulnerable to listeria infections include those over 65, pregnant women and unborn babies as well as babies under a month old and those with weakened immune systems.
The full list of recalled products for Northern Ireland can be found on the FSA website, while recalled products in the Republic are listed on the FSAI website
