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Fatal Listeriosis Case Linked to Major Ready-Meal Recall in Ireland

Fatal Listeriosis Case Linked to Major Ready-Meal Recall in Ireland

Key Development

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed the death of an adult from listeriosis, a rare but severe bacterial infection. The Health Service Executive’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is investigating the case, marking a significant public health alert. The fatality comes amid an “extensive outbreak” of listeriosis that has already seen nine confirmed cases. In response, the FSAI announced a voluntary precautionary recall of 141 ready-to-eat products linked to the outbreak across Ireland.

Massive Recall Across Leading Supermarkets

The recalled products, produced by Ballymaguire Foods, include a wide range of ready meals and side dishes such as:

  • Chicken curries, lasagnes, bolognaises, pasta bakes, cottage pies, and chow mein

  • Mashed potatoes, carrots and peas, cabbage, and pilau rice

These items were sold under multiple private-label brands across Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and Aldi, including ranges like Tesco Finest, Meals Made Easy, SuperValu Signature Taste, Centra Freshly Prepared, and Aldi’s Inspired Cuisine and Specially Selected. Ballymaguire Foods stated it initiated the recall after detecting Listeria monocytogenes during a quality control check. “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us,” a company spokesperson said, adding that production at the affected facility has been temporarily suspended.

Why It’s Dangerous

Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is typically contracted by eating contaminated food. While thorough cooking kills the bacteria, ready-to-eat chilled meals pose a higher risk if contaminated during processing. For healthy adults, symptoms may resemble mild flu or stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

However, in vulnerable groups—pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immunity—the infection can lead to meningitis, septicaemia, premature labour, or even death. The incubation period averages three weeks but can extend up to 70 days, making early detection challenging. Ireland recorded 18 cases in 2023 (including one death) and 22 in 2024. So far in 2025, seven cases have been reported before this outbreak. Despite low case numbers, the high mortality rate makes listeriosis a significant health concern, the HPSC noted.

What Should Consumers Do?

  • Do not consume any recalled products.

  • Retailers have been instructed to remove affected items and display recall notices.

  • Wholesalers and distributors must notify customers and provide point-of-sale alerts.

FSAI emphasized that Listeria is destroyed by thorough cooking, but contamination risk remains in chilled ready meals intended for direct consumption. For a full list of recalled products, visit the FSAI website.

Bottom Line

This outbreak underscores the importance of strict food safety standards in ready-to-eat products. Consumers are urged to check their fridges and dispose of affected items immediately.

Source: The Irish Times 

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