Health

Urgent alert regarding Christmas cheese

December, 24, 2024-01:26

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Urgent alert regarding Christmas cheese - festive favorites recalled due to hazardous listeria contamination

 

The food safety authority has removed a range of popular family cheeses from supermarket shelves due to concerns over contamination with a potentially lethal bacterium. The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning regarding cheeses produced by Wicklow Farmhouse, including brie and cheddar, which are available in independent retailers as well as Aldi stores in Ireland. These products must be recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium is responsible for listeriosis, which typically manifests in most individuals as flu-like symptoms, along with vomiting and diarrhea.

 

In rare instances, it can lead to severe conditions such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, young children, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients. Pregnant women are particularly at 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 listed cheese brands, with all use-by dates included.

 Dunnes Stores Wicklow Nettle & Chive Cheddar – 150g

Dunnes Stores Wicklow Blue Brie – 150g

Simply Better Irish Brie Cheese & Cranberry Quiche – 800g

Simply Better Wicklow Ban in Ceramic Dish – 150g

Simply Better Double Cream Wicklow Ban – 150g

Simply Better Farmhouse Irish Cheese Selection – 735g

Simply Better & Neven Maguire Cheese Selection – 705g

The Food Safety Agency has indicated that the recall specifically pertains to consumers in Northern Ireland. Notices will be displayed at points of sale in retail stores in Northern Ireland that carry these products. Customers who have purchased the affected cheeses are encouraged to return them to the store for a refund, with no receipt required. This announcement follows a recent recall of several other Christmas dinner staples due to similar health concerns, including cabbage, cooked meats, and various cheeses produced by Dunnes in Ireland, also linked to potential listeria contamination. Recent statistics indicate 177 cases of listeriosis.