Investigation ongoing as one person confirmed dead with listeriosis - FSAI
One person has died from a listeriosis infection according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
The infection is usually acquired as a result of eating contaminated food.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently investigating the death of the adult.
The HSE said that nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have now been identified in Ireland since yesterday (Tuesday, July 22) and that a National Outbreak Control Team is currently investigating the "extensive outbreak of listeriosis".
According to the FSAI "a voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak".
The FSAI has issued several recall notices on more than 140 prepared meals and side dishes produced by Ballymaguire Foods "due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes".
These meals and side dishes include certain products for Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, Aldi, the Happy Pear and other brands.
The FSAI has published a full list of the recalled products on its website and has requested retailers “to remove the implicated products from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale”.
It has also advised wholesalers/distributors to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated products and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.
Caterers should not use the implicated products, the FSAI added.
It has highlighted that 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,” the FSAI stated.
In a statement issued today (Wednesday, July 23) Ballymaguire Foods said it had “initiated a full precautionary recall of all products produced at one of our facilities following the identification of listeria bacteria as part of a quality control check”.
It stated: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us. We are treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly.
“Immediately upon identifying the issue, we informed our retail and foodservice customers and engaged with all relevant authorities, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and our regional Environmental Health Officer.
“Through our retail partners, all products are being withdrawn from the shelves, and a full consumer communication process is underway.”
The company has also detailed it made the decision on Saturday (July 19) to temporarily suspend all production at the affected facility.
“Our internal team, supported by independent external experts, conducted a comprehensive assessment and implemented immediate corrective actions.
“These included a full pharmaceutical-grade clean down of the facility. In consultation with the relevant statutory bodies and our customers, we will resume production once it is confirmed safe to do so.
“We sincerely apologise to our customers and consumers for the concern this may cause,” Ballymaguire Foods stated.
