Public health expert appointed by Ballymaguire Foods
Ballymaguire Foods has announced today (Thursday, July 24) that it has appointed a public health expert to lead its response following confirmation of "listeria bacteria" at one of its facilities.
Dr. Patrick Wall, a former chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), former chair of the European Food Safety Authority, and former Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin, will lead the Ballymaguire Food's response team.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) yesterday (Wednesday, July 23) confirmed that one person has died from a listeriosis infection. 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.
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 since last Friday (July 18) on more than 140 prepared meals and side dishes produced by Ballymaguire Foods “due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes”.
The latest recall issued today by the FSAI was for Tesco Finest Creamed Spinach "produced by Ballymaguire Foods due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes".
In a statement released today, Ballymaguire Foods stated that it was "deeply aware that people have been impacted by consuming its freshly prepared meals".
"We acknowledge the concern and anxiety that this has caused and are treating it with the utmost seriousness.
"Since our foundation in 2008, protecting our customers has been, and remains, our highest priority.
"We recognise the trust placed in us by consumers and are committed to doing everything necessary to responsibly and transparently address this, in full collaboration with the public health authorities," the company said.
It has detailed that its top priority since it identified "listeria bacteria as part of a quality control check" at one of its facilities has been a "swift, responsible, health-led response and remains so".
The company stated: "As a precautionary measure, all products have been withdrawn.
"Clear consumer information is being provided through our retail partners. We suspended all production and have taken corrective actions, including a full pharmaceutical-grade clean-down of the site".
Ballymaguire Foods said its response team is working in close collaboration with the relevant public health authorities and has said that "incidents of this nature are exceptionally rare".
"We understand the public has questions and we are continuing to address these openly and responsibly.
"Where appropriate, we are referring queries to the relevant authorities. We recognise the vital role of the FSAI as the primary body in addressing public queries and its guidance to consumers on food safety and best practice.
"We sincerely apologise for the concern this may cause. We are acting decisively and transparently to protect public health which is of paramount importance to us," it added.
