A major food safety alert has been issued after several cheese products sold in Tesco and Spar were urgently recalled due to potential listeria contamination.
The uk/news/uk/Food" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Food" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="145963">Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned customers not to consume any of the 18 recalled cheeses, produced by JOD Food Products, as they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe illness.
Potential Health Risks
Listeria infection can lead to symptoms similar to the flu, including:
- High temperature
- Muscle aches or pain
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
In more serious cases, especially among vulnerable individuals, the infection can cause life-threatening complications like meningitis.
The FSA emphasized that pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness from Listeria.
Warning to Customers:
“If you have bought any of the affected products, do not eat them. Return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund,” the FSA stated.
Recalled Cheese Products
The majority of the recalled items come from the Old Irish Creamery line of cheddar/">cheddar cheeses. Tesco Ireland, which stocks many of these products, has issued its own alert highlighting the health risk.
Tesco Ireland specifically recalled:
- Old Irish Creamery Cheese Cheddar with Whiskey (150g)
- Old Irish Creamery Cheese Cheddar with Porter (150g)
Best before: May 15, 2025
Other Old Irish Creamery cheese variants included in the recall:
- Chilli Cheddar
- Red Wine Cheddar
- Sriracha Cheddar
- Pepper Cheese
- Irish Sage Cheddar
- Caesar Salad Cheddar
- Coffee Cheddar
- Oak Smoked Cheddar
- Chives Cheddar
- Cranberries Cheddar
- Garlic & Herbs Cheddar
Additional recalled products:
- Claddagh Bo Irish Cheddar Cheese with Porter Beer
- Irish Cheddar with Murphy’s Stout
- Horgans Irish Smoked Cheddar
Shoppers are urged to check packaging for “use by” and “best before” dates and consult the FDA or FSA websites for full batch details.
Retailer Responses
Tesco Ireland stated:
“We are recalling the specific batches of Old Irish Creamery cheeses due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, which poses a health risk if consumed.”
Spar also pulled affected products from shelves and is assisting customers with refunds.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can contaminate food, particularly chilled or ready-to-eat products. While healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, it poses significant risks for vulnerable groups.
According to the FSA, Listeria can lead to listeriosis, which, in severe cases, may result in:
- Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women
What To Do If You Bought These Products
- Do not eat the cheese.
- Return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund — no receipt required.
- Dispose of the product safely if returning is not possible.
- Contact JOD Food Products with any questions at 00353 6371209.
Customer Reactions
Many customers expressed concern on social media. One shopper wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“I bought that whiskey cheddar last week! So scary to think something so simple could be so dangerous.”
Another added:
“Thank you for the swift recall. I hope everyone who bought these products stays safe.”
Stay Informed
For more updates on this recall and other food safety alerts, visit:
If you are experiencing symptoms of listeriosis after consuming any of the recalled products, contact your GP or visit your nearest A&E immediately.
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