McCormack Family Farms has recalled spinach and mixed leaves because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food Standards Agency
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Listeria: Food poisoning illness explained
A recall has been issued for spinach and mixed leaves in Northern Ireland from a producer.
Spinach and mixed leaves products have been recalled as a precaution following the detection of listeria in the country. At least one person has died following the outbreak, which has affected ready meals sold at major supermarkets.
McCormack Family Farms, who supply to Lidl stores, Dunnes Stores and Musgrave Ltd in Northern Ireland, has now recalled the spinach and mixed leaves products. Lidl alone has 43 stores in Northern Ireland.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it has been “working closely” with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and local retailers to assess the distribution of these products in Northern Ireland. It said point of sale notices are to be displayed in all retail stores selling these products to explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.
The Food Standards Agency added on its website: “Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications such as meningitis.
“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.” The watchdog has advised consumers who have purchased the products to not eat them and they can get a full refund if they return them to the store.
In relation to product recalls, Lidl says: “At Lidl, your safety is important to us, which is why we have strict procedures in place to ensure the highest quality and safety of all our products. Below you’ll find our most recent product recalls. Affected products can be returned to store for a full refund, with or without a receipt.”
Last week’s ready meals recall was linked to one death and nine listeriosis cases. After the adult died days after falling ill from eating a contaminated ready meal, supermarket bosses scrambled to remove at risk dishes on supermarket shelves amid growing concerns for public safety. A range of ready meals by the brand Ballymaguire Foods, which sells products at both Aldi and Tesco in Ireland, was affected.
It is not clear which ready meal the person ate before they tragically died. Dozens of products by the food company have been included in a long list of recalled items. The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed this death is currently under investigation but further details cannot be shared due to patient privacy.
In a statement, The HSE said: “A voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak. The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of and is investigating the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis. To ensure medical confidentiality, no further information on this patient can be disclosed.”