A leading food manufacturer has halted production and enlisted a public health specialist after a listeria outbreak linked to its ready-made meals resulted in one fatality and several confirmed cases.
Authorities have issued a sweeping recall of hundreds of chilled food products sold under various brand names in major supermarkets, including Tesco, Aldi, and SuperValu. The affected items range from chicken curry and lasagne to side dishes like mashed potatoes and pilau rice. Consumers are being urged not to consume these products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria.
The company involved has acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that it is working closely with health officials to address the issue. A former head of food safety oversight in Ireland has been brought in to lead the response, focusing on containment, enhanced safety measures, and long-term prevention.
While the majority of the recalled products were sold in Ireland, a small number were also distributed to stores in Northern Ireland before being pulled from shelves.
Listeriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria, poses significant risks to pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like discomfort to severe gastrointestinal distress, with potential life-threatening complications in rare cases.
Health officials advise anyone who has purchased the affected items to return them immediately for a full refund. Investigations into the source of the outbreak are ongoing.
