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Irish consumers are being warned about how to safely prepare ‘ready to heat’ meals due to health concerns.
New advice from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) follows last summer’s outbreak of listeriosis, during which one person with a confirmed case died.
Listeria is a bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness that can have severe health effects. It poses a particular risk to older people, those with certain underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women.
The FSAI is urging consumers to carefully follow preparation instructions on ‘ready to heat’ meals, ensuring they are cooked thoroughly until piping hot.
The outbreak last year was linked to these types of meals, as was another similar incident in the United States.
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The authority said these outbreaks highlight the risks associated with such products if proper food safety controls are not followed.
Manufacturers have also been instructed to provide “clear labelling, including prominent cooking instructions and a warning on the front of pack to cook meals thoroughly”.
While the meals are fully cooked during production, they still require proper reheating by consumers to ensure they are safe to eat. Although they are not classified as ready-to-eat under EU law, food businesses are responsible for ensuring their safety.
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The FSAI warned that some of these meals may still pose risks if contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, even when cooking guidance is provided.
Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive of the FSAI, said:
“Listeriosis is a rare but potentially serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which poses a particular risk to older people, people with certain existing medical conditions, and pregnant women.
It is essential that consumers ensure that they handle these ready-to-heat meals as instructed on the pack and cook them thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer’s instructions.”