Warning: Baronet Semi-Soft Cheese Recalled Over Deadly Listeria Risk
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a stark warning: don’t eat recalled Baronet semi-soft cheeses. Some batches are contaminated with listeria at shockingly high levels.
How to Check If Your Cheese Is Affected
Baronet cheese is sold as small rounds and 1kg wheels, often sliced in deli counters. This means it’s not always clear if you’ve bought an affected batch. If you’re unsure, contact the retailer immediately. Keep the cheese away from your table until you know for certain.
Three Linked Cases Confirmed – One Death
UKHSA’s Whole Genome Sequencing traced three listeriosis cases back to these cheeses. Tragically, one person has died. The recall was triggered as a result.
Know the Symptoms – Who’s Most At Risk?
Symptoms of listeriosis mimic flu and include:
- High temperature
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
Serious complications like meningitis can occur, especially in vulnerable groups:
- Over-65s
- Pregnant women and unborn babies
- Babies under one month old
- People with weakened immune systems (cancer, HIV, liver/kidney disease, immunosuppression)
Officials Urge Caution
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at FSA, said: “Due to the listeria outbreak linked to Baronet cheese, we urge vulnerable consumers—pregnant women and those with weak immune systems—to follow recall advice closely. Please check in with elderly relatives who may be at risk.”
Richard Elson, Head of Incidents and Response at UKHSA, added: “Listeriosis is rare and usually mild, but certain groups face severe symptoms. Visit the NHS website for guidance on foods to avoid and what to do if you fall ill.”
Other High-Risk Foods to Watch
- Soft cheeses
- Pâté
- Smoked fish
- Chilled sliced meats
- Other chilled ready-to-eat products
Anyone who experiences symptoms should visit the NHS website and report illness to their local authority.
The FSA and UKHSA are working closely with local authorities and may expand recalls if more affected products are found.
For more details on the recall, visit the FSA website.
