Range of cheese products recalled in NI shops due to fears of presence of dangerous bacteria

There are concerns that a range of products manufactured by or containing ingredients from Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese have been contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.

The firm is based in the Republic of Ireland in the village of Arklow, with its products sold in NI by Dunnes Stores.

Flu-like symptoms such as a fever, muscle ache, chills, nausea and diarrhoea are among the symptoms caused by the bacteria.

However the infection can be more severe and cause serious complications including meningitis.

Retailers on both sides of the border, including Spar and SuperValu, have also recalled the products after authorities warned the public not to consume them.

The Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have issued guidance and published a full list of recalled products.

“Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems,” they said.

“The time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing is on average three weeks but can range between three and 70 days.”

Items listed include Dunnes Stores Wicklow Smoked Cheddar, Dunnes Stores Wicklow Blue Brie, Simply Better Irish Brie Cheese & Cranberry Quiche and Simply Better Farmhouse Irish Cheese Selection.

Dunnes Stores will be displaying point of sale notices in all its NI stores which sell the products to explain to customers why the items are being recalled and offering advice on what to do if they have bought the products.

“Do not eat affected products,” the notices warn.

“Instead return it to a Dunnes Stores store where a full refund will be given.

“No receipt is required.”

News Catch up – Thursday 19 December