Members of the public have been to warned to be on alert following a major recall of two popular cheese products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes
Dunnes Stores(Image: Facebook)
An urgent warning has been issued to Irish shoppers as two popular food products sold in Dunnes Stores supermarkets across the country were pulled from shelves amid concerns they could pose a serious health risk to customers.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is warning anyone who purchased the affected item to stop eating it immediately, and return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
The food safety watchdog announced that on Friday that an urgent recall has been issued for specific batches of Dunnes Stores Velvety & Mild French Brie and Traditional Cheese Company French brie.
The two popular cheese products are being recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeria monocytogenes is the species of pathogenic bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. Listeriosis is a rare infection that should go away on its own but it can others to be seriously ill.
The FSAI said recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale. The following batches have been recalled:
The above batches of Dunnes Stores Velvety & Mild French Brie and Traditional Cheese Company French brie is being recalled due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes
Retailers have been requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Wholesalers / distributors are also requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batches and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.
Shoppers who may have purchased the cheese are being urged not to eat it and instead to return it for a full refund. No receipt is required.
Dunnes Stores French Brie 170g
“We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused,” a Dunnes Stores spokesperson said in a statement.
Those feeling unwell after consuming the products should seek medical advice, especially if they fall into a high-risk group.
Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications.
Traditional Cheese Company French Brie
Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly.
The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.
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