Listeriosis Outbreak in Ireland: Precautionary Recall of Ready-Made Products

The recent reported death of an adult along with the identification of nine cases of listeriosis has led to a 'voluntary precautionary recall' of over 200 ready-made products due to a link with the outbreak. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed the death of an adult from the rare bacterial infection, with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) investigating the incident. The recalled products are sold in various outlets including Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, and Aldi.

The affected meals include chicken curries, lasagnes, bolognaises, pasta bakes, cottage pies, chow meins, as well as side dishes like readymade mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, green cabbage, and pilau rice. Consumers are advised not to consume these products as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled products are manufactured by Ballymaguire Foods and are marketed under the private label brands of its customers. The FSAI has provided a full list of the recalled products and has requested retailers to remove them from sale. They have also advised caterers not to use these products.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, usually acquired by consuming contaminated food. Certain groups such as pregnant women, newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, and the elderly are at higher risk of infection. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to severe conditions like meningitis and septicaemia.

Infection mainly occurs through contaminated food, with an average incubation period of about three weeks. Listeria monocytogenes can be found in soil, water, and animals, leading to contamination of various foods. The WHO reports that foodborne listeriosis is a serious disease with a high rate of death, especially in vulnerable populations.

To protect against listeriosis, individuals are advised to follow food safety measures such as cooking food thoroughly, keeping uncooked meats separate from other foods, and ensuring proper refrigeration. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid high-risk foods like raw milk, soft cheeses, and deli meats.

If any of the recalled products are in your possession, it is recommended to discard them immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional if needed.

According to the source: The Journal.