The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has moved to reassure consumers following the latest food recalls in relation to the bacteria listeria monocytogenes.

Last week, several food products (numbering well over 100), specifically prepares meals and side dishes, produced by Ballymaguire Foods, were recalled due to the possible presence of listeria.

This was linked to an outbreak of listeriosis, with the Health Service Executive (HSE) saying that nine confirmed cases of listeriosis were identified in Ireland since July 22 and that a National Outbreak Control Team was currently investigating the “extensive outbreak".

One person died from a listeriosis infection last week, according to the FSAI.

This was followed with recalls issued today (Monday, July 28) for number of spinach and mixed leaves products supplied by McCormack Family Farms due to the detection of listeria monocytogenes.

In a further update this afternoon, the FSAI said that, to date there are no cases of listeriosis associated with the spinach and mixed leaves products that are the subject of the latest recall.

There is also currently no evidence that this food recall is linked with the listeriosis outbreak related to ready-to-heat meals last week that is currently under investigation.

In a statement, the authority said: "The FSAI is aware that consumers may be feeling anxious at the news of a second recall involving listeria monocytogenes.

The FSAI said this control system "contributed to the identification of the latest need for a recall".

The FSAI advice is that anyone who has eaten any recalled foods and is feeling well does not need to do anything. However, if anyone has eaten any recalled foods and feels unwell, they should seek medical advice.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes. It is usually acquired by eating contaminated food. The listeria bacteria that can cause illness is killed by cooking food thoroughly (i.e. until piping hot throughout). Serious infection with Listeria monocytogenes is very rare.

On average each year, there are between 14 and 22 cases of listeriosis reported in Ireland. Listeria poses a particular risk to elderly people, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. 

These individuals in particular should avoid higher risk foods and ensure that they cook food thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer’s instructions.

The FSAI explained that listeria monocytogenes is widespread in the environment and gets into food via animals and plants. What sets it apart from many other harmful bacteria is its ability to survive and grow in moist cold environments, such as the conditions found in food production factories.

Producers of ready-to-eat foods are aware of the need for strict controls to ensure the safe production of food. Food producers actively control their food production environments for listeria, so that factories and equipment are designed and operated to minimise the incidence of listeria monocytogenes.

This includes minimising water usage; fixing damaged walls, floors and equipment; robust cleaning and disinfection procedures; keeping air clean; and restricting the movement of people and equipment in factory areas where food products are produced.

Producers of ready-to-eat food are required to test factory areas and equipment for listeria on a regular basis to pick up early signs that it may have contaminated their production processes. They must also test the finished food to verify that all the listeria control measures in the factory are working as designed.

The FSAI and other agencies carry out inspections of food production facilities and review all the control measures in place. This includes examining the testing regimes for listeria at the factory and also taking official control samples of food and equipment. These official control samples are tested for listeria monocytogenes in accredited laboratories run by the state.

Where listeria monocytogenes is found in any official control samples, enforcement action is taken to minimise or eliminate the risk to consumers, the FSAI said.

The control measures for listeria monocytogenes in food ensure that risk to consumers is minimised; however, the high level of testing also make recalls of food contaminated with the bacteria more likely, the FSAI explained.