The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent recall of several cheese products due to fears of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially life-threatening bacterium. These cheeses, produced by Wicklow Farmhouse and sold across major Irish supermarkets including Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Aldi, and Spar, pose a significant health risk if consumed.
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Health Risks of Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an illness with symptoms resembling the flu, such as fever, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may lead to bloodstream infections, meningitis, or life-threatening sepsis. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at the highest risk. Among pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
“The incubation period for Listeria can vary widely,” an FSAI spokesperson explained. “Symptoms can appear within three days to up to 70 days after exposure.”
Products Under Recall
The following products have been removed from shelves:
- Wicklow Gold Beechwood Smoked Mild Cheddar (all pack sizes; use-by date 28/02/2025).
- Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese Products:
- Wicklow Blue Brie
- Wicklow Bán Brie
- Wicklow Gold Tomato & Herb Cheddar Style Cheese
- Wicklow Gold Nettle & Chive Cheddar Style Cheese
- Wicklow Gold Cheddar Style Cheese
- Dunnes Stores Simply Better Range:
- Irish Brie Cheese, Rocket, and Cranberry Quiche (all batches and expiry dates)
- Beechwood Smoked Wicklow Cheddar
- Farmhouse Irish Cheese Selection
- Neven Maguire Cheese Selection
- Other Brands Affected:
- Spar Select Ballykilty Baking Brie
- St. Killian Carrigbyrne Farmhouse Camembert
- Sheridans Cheesemongers Wicklow Bán Cheese
- Chrissy’s Cookies and Cream Cheesecake (Batch 337, use-by 19/12/2024)
What to Do If You’ve Purchased These Cheeses
The FSAI advises customers to check their purchases immediately. Consumers should:
- Avoid Consumption: Do not eat the affected products under any circumstances.
- Return for Refund: Bring the implicated products back to the store where purchased for a full refund.
- Monitor Symptoms: Anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis after consuming these cheeses should contact a healthcare provider without delay.
Retailer and Caterer Responsibilities
Retailers have been instructed to:
- Remove all affected products from sale immediately.
- Display recall notices prominently at points of sale.
- Inform customers about the potential risks.
Caterers are advised to refrain from using any implicated cheeses and to follow the recall notice carefully.
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FSAI’s Message to the Public
A spokesperson for the FSAI emphasized the urgency of this recall:
“Listeria monocytogenes infection is rare but can be extremely serious. Consumers, especially those in vulnerable groups, should heed this recall and avoid the affected products. Public health and safety are our top priorities.”
A Safe Holiday Season is the Goal
The recall has cast a shadow over festive celebrations as many of these products were popular holiday staples. The public is urged to prioritize safety and take immediate action if they have purchased the recalled items.
For additional information, visit the FSAI website or contact your local supermarket. Stay vigilant and ensure this festive season is both joyful and safe for you and your loved ones.
