Urgent Cheese Recall Hits Tesco and Spar Over Listeria Fears
A major food safety scare has erupted after 18 cheese products sold in Tesco and Spar were urgently recalled for possible listeria contamination. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned shoppers to ditch any affected cheese immediately.
What’s the Danger? Listeria Explained
The culprit is Listeria monocytogenes, a nasty bacteria that can cause severe illness. It leads to flu-like symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
For vulnerable groups — including pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems — listeria can cause life-threatening complications like meningitis.
FSA Warning: “If you have bought any of the affected products, do not eat them. Return them to the store for a full refund.”
The Full List: Which Cheeses Are at Risk?
The recall mostly targets the Old Irish Creamery cheddar cheese range made by JOD Food Products. Tesco Ireland has highlighted the risk and pulled the products from shelves.
Recalled Tesco Ireland cheeses include:
- Old Irish Creamery Cheddar with Whiskey (150g)
- Old Irish Creamery Cheddar with Porter (150g) – Best before May 15, 2025
Other Old Irish Creamery varieties recalled:
- 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 products recalled:
- Claddagh Bo Irish Cheddar with Porter Beer
- Irish Cheddar with Murphy’s Stout
- Horgans Irish Smoked Cheddar
Always check “use by” and “best before” dates. For full batch details, visit the 123
