Health

Popular festive cheeses has been recalled due to the presence of hazardous listeria contamination

December, 24, 2024-03:22

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Popular festive cheeses has been recalled due to the presence of hazardous listeria contamination

A selection of popular family cheeses has been removed from supermarket shelves by the food safety authority due to concerns regarding contamination with a potentially lethal bacteria.

The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning regarding cheeses produced by Wick low Farmhouse, including varieties such as brie and cheddar, which are available in independent retailers as well as Aldi stores in Ireland. These products are subject to recall due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.This bacterium is responsible for listeriosis, a disease that typically manifests in most individuals with flu-like symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea.

In rare instances, it can lead to severe conditions such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. Individuals at heightened risk include the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients. Pregnant women are also at increased risk, with nearly 20% of those who contract listeriosis experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth. The recall encompasses brands such as Ballykilty Baking Brie, St Killian Cheese, Baking St Killian Cheese, Wicklow Ban, Wicklow Blue Brie, St Killians, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheddar Wedge, Wicklow Gold Tomato & Herb, and Drunken Saint. These cheeses are distributed across various outlets in Ireland. The recall affects 150g portions of the specified cheese brands, with all use-by dates being implicated.

Additionally, several cheeses included in Christmas hampers have been urgently recalled due to contamination concerns with a potentially deadly bacteria. Food safety officials have alerted the public that multiple cheeses produced by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese must be removed from sale or discarded due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and infants. For the general population, listeria infection may present symptoms akin to the flu, such as elevated temperature, muscle aches, chills, and nausea. Typically, these symptoms resolve within a few days; however, certain at-risk groups may experience severe complications, including sepsis and meningitis.