Dozens of ready meals pulled from shelves in Ireland after adult dies from listeriosis
A product recall has been issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) for dozens of ready meals due to the presence of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause 'severe foodborne disease' according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
A total of 141 different ready meals produced by Ballymaguire Foods have been recalled, including products sold in most major supermarkets across Ireland.
"The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of and is investigating the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis,' the FSAI told The Independent. It is investigating an 'extensive outbreak' after identifying nine cases.
A 'voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak,' it added.
Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can in rare cases be severe and cause 'serious complications', the FSAI said.
Pregnant women, babies, and those with weakened immune systems, including the elderly, are all more vulnerable to serious infections from the bacteria.
The incubation time - meaning the time between the infection and the appearance of the first symptoms - averages around three weeks, but can be between three and 70 days, the FSAI said.
The WHO describes listeriosis as one of the 'most serious and severe foodborne diseases', adding that it is 'relatively rare' with between 0.1 to 10 cases per million people per year, depending on the country.
Despite the small number of cases, the 'high rate of death associated with this infection makes it a significant public health concern', it says.
Products from Tesco Finest, The Happy Pear, SuperValu Signature Taste, and Centra Freshly Prepared are all among the products to have been recalled.
Ballymaguire Foods said it has 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".
The company said such incidents are 'extremely rare' and apologised to all of its customers.
"Immediately upon identifying the issue, we informed our retail and food-service customers and engaged with all relevant authorities, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Health Service Executive, and our regional Environmental Health Officer,' it said.
"Through our retail partners, all products are being withdrawn from the shelves, and a full consumer communication process is under way."
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Telegraph
11 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 8 best gym trainers to support you through every squat, jump, press and lunge
The best gym trainers should carry you through all sorts of exercise, from weightlifting and HIIT to CrossFit and short treadmill runs. As a fitness journalist, personal trainer and loyal gym-goer, I've tried my fair share of workout shoes. Just like a poorly fitting sports bra or overly-tight vest, the wrong pair of gym trainers can make motions like weighted exercises and HIIT-based moves feel uneasy and uncomfortable. This round-up will help you find the right pick. Leading gym trainer brands include Rad, Adidas, New Balance and Hoka – I tested models from all these brands and more for this guide. We've focused on options in the £70-130 price range, which tend to offer good quality at a sensible cost. You can find full reviews of my top picks below, as well as answers to any frequently asked questions. The best gym trainers: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best gym trainers Much like when you're investing in a pair of running shoes for women or men, choosing your gym trainers takes careful consideration. Stability is key. When you're doing heavy lifts such as squats or deadlifts, the last thing you need is your feet rolling side to side. With this in mind, gym trainers are a little more rigid than running trainers and have a more stable sole. Versatility is important, too. A good gym trainer should perform across different workouts such as HIIT classes, weight training and potentially even short runs on the treadmill. This does depend on which workouts you do at the gym – some wearers might prefer a specialised pair for weightlifting, for example. You should also think about durability, fit and comfort. No one wants to feel rubbing or pinching while they're powering through a set of walking lunges or going hard on the rowing machine. A final (and crucial) factor is the shoes' traction and grip. From rubber mats to polished gym floors, you need trainers that let you move without slipping or sliding. How we test gym trainers I threw on a pair of gym leggings, strapped on my fitness tracker and headed to the gym. As a daily gym-goer, I was able to wear each pair for multiple workouts over the course of three weeks. To test for stability, I wore the trainers while squatting, aiming to hit my maximum squat weight (65kg) without my feet feeling unbalanced. I also wore these trainers for various other exercises. I wanted to check whether they were suitable for HIIT workouts, or other types of gym-based training, and made sure to take note of comfort and responsiveness that didn't feel too stiff or too soft. To test the durability of each of the trainers after a few weeks of wear, I inspected their uppers, midsoles and outsoles for signs of deterioration. I also assessed how comfortable the gym trainers were during my workouts and wore the shoes on different surfaces to check their grip. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best gym trainers of 2025 1. Best Buy Gym Trainers: Reebok Nano X5 I've been a fan of Reebok Nanos for years. They've always been reliable, sturdy and comfortable gym shoes. The Nano X5 is the line's 15th iteration, and I'd agree with Reebok's claim that this is the most comfortable Nano to date. The interior is soft and cushioned, while the firm sole gives a grounded, stable feel that's suited to squats and deadlifts. I didn't once feel unbalanced as I took to the squat rack. The heel features a firmer foam that adds support without sacrificing responsiveness. I had no issues with jumps or dynamic movements. The toe box isn't too hard either, so the forefoot doesn't feel stiff and it has plenty of flexibility for lunges and burpees. There's enough room for toe splay, which allowed me to press into the floor during lifts. Other exercises such as plyometric moves are also comfortable in these. Running is so-so. I could handle short treadmill runs but any further felt quite tough, with minimal bounce from the trainers. The Reebok Nano X5 has decent arch support, which worked well for me as someone with a natural arch. Flatter feet might not suit it so well. Grip-wise, I have zero complaints. The sole gave solid traction on all surfaces and felt durable throughout testing. My only real gripe is with the laces. They're a little long and tend to overhang. It's also important to note that the sizing runs large. I usually wear a 6.5, but could've easily gone down half a size. Key specifications Weight: 340g (UK size 8) Heel to toe drop: 7mm Fit advice: Runs large 2. Best Value Gym Trainers: Puma PWR Hybrid Although these are the cheapest gym trainers I tested at £70, they offered performance and comfort to rival many of the pricier options. They had great cushioning while also being supportive. The ProFoam midsole delivers softness without compromising stability, which makes them versatile enough to cover short runs, strength training and dynamic workouts involving plyometric moves. The wide heel gives good stability, and there's also a TPU clip for added support. During my heavy squat test, my feet felt grounded and didn't once shift from side to side. I found the padded collar helped to lock my feet in securely, although I did think the collar felt a little high and it may have rubbed slightly if I wasn't wearing good socks. Although the amply-sized toe area feels slightly reinforced, there's still plenty of flexibility. When I stepped back to do lunges or while jumping, my feet didn't feel too rigid. Meanwhile, the breathable mesh upper stopped my feet from feeling too hot. I noticed that the PumaGrip outsole tech lives up to its name, with decent grip on all sorts of surfaces. I didn't notice these trainers wear down at any point and there were minimal scuffs and marks after my frequent workouts. Sizing-wise, these run a little large. I had too much of a gap between my toes and the tip of the shoe. Aside from this, and annoyingly long laces, which is a bugbear of mine, I cannot fault these great-value trainers. Key specifications Weight: 335g (UK size 8) Heel to toe drop: 6mm Fit advice: Runs large 3. Best Durable Gym Trainer: Nike Metcon 10 I remember the first release of the Nike Metcon like it was yesterday. Since then, they've remained a fairly reliable gym trainer, now in its 10th iteration. I tested out theis pair, which launched in July 2025, during a gym class. During the rowing, lunges, burpees and wall balls, my feet felt comfortable and fully supported. The back felt as though it would rub slightly had it not been for my thick gym socks, but other than that, the shoes fit well. The toe box of these shoes is reinforced but maintains enough flexibility to make moves such as lunges comfortable. I also wore these for a heavy weight session. The tough sole ensures these trainers offer full stability and I wasn't rocky or unbalanced when I took to the squat rack. Plus, they have fantastic grip on all different surfaces. If you love a rope climb, these are also a good choice of trainers as there's a rope guard on the instep of the shoe which helps with grip. While I only wore these for a few workouts, the shoes remained immaculate. The rubber outsole runs along the entirety of the shoe, which I feel adds to their durability factor. In terms of versatility, these are great as they're flexible enough for different movements. That being said, running in these is less comfortable and I wouldn't want to run for more than a few minutes as the tough sole offers little bounce. Key specifications 4. Best Gym Trainers for Men: Rad One V2 Rad footwear has soared in popularity over recent years, and I can see why. This pair of Rad One V2s ticked pretty much all the boxes for a decent pair of all-round training shoes. My feet felt stable as I squatted with a heavy load on my back, and they didn't slip at all on the platform when I was lunging. The shoe isn't overly stiff thanks to the flexible upper mesh, which makes them fairly versatile. Plyometric exercises were comfortable thanks to the SwellFoam springy EVA midsole technology, and even a short treadmill run didn't feel too clunky. However, I wouldn't rely on these as running trainers as the soles are predominantly made for weighted exercises. If you're after a pair of runners, I would recommend the Nike Pegasus 41 or Hoka Clifton 10. In terms of comfort, I can't fault the Rad One V2s. The cushioning is soft and my feet felt well supported, while the laces tie nicely. They have a reinforced toe bumper, so exercises such as burpees and toes to bar shouldn't leave you with battered toes. The durability of these shoes, however, is questionable. They scuffed after 30 minutes of wear, with visible marks on the spongy section around the toe area. Key specifications 5. Best CrossFit Trainers: New Balance Minimus TR V2 From the moment I put on these light, shallow-heeled training shoes, I felt well connected to the ground – a bit like being barefoot. The heel is secure and tough. I had complete stability through all exercises, from heavy squats through to plyometric moves. And despite that sturdiness, these still work well for short runs as well as other cardio. The classic New Balance FuelCell midsole foam drove me forward on a treadmill run and the shoes are so light, I didn't feel weighed down at all. The downside is that my toes felt quite restrained. The top of the toe box pressed down quite hard on my big toe and I felt a slight pinching. This might be due to my foot shape, but I don't believe I have large big toes. These shoes also have a prominent arch, so flatter feet might find them uncomfortable. The toe box is slightly reinforced which protected my feet and helped to avoid the fabric from ripping. These trainers have great traction on all floor surfaces. Plus, they are breathable and my feet didn't overheat at any point during my lifts, jumps or runs. However, if you're in the market for a pair of New Balance running trainers suitable for longer runs, check out our New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 review. Key specifications 6. Best Weightlifting Trainers: Adidas Dropset 3 The Adidas Dropset 3 are among the most attractive pairs of gym trainers I tested for this guide – it turns out, their performance is as impressive as their looks. These were comfortable as soon as I put them on, with cushioning around the ankle and ample space in the toe box. The solid Dropset heel is great for weightlifting as it doesn't compress under load, so I felt grounded during squats, lunges and deadlifts. At the heel, the Geofit Sensepods stabilising foams prevent any wobble during lifts. For anyone who has wide feet or whose feet swell when warm, these gym trainers are a great option as they come in a slightly wider fit. Plus, the breathable upper is good for keeping feet cool. Durability-wise, these are solid. The reinforced toe cap held up well after scuffing and repeated wear, and the outsole looked like new after several gym sessions. The Traxion outsole had excellent grip across different surfaces, offering stability even during explosive plyometric moves. I wouldn't run (or walk far) in these trainers as the rubber toe box isn't particularly flexible and the heel is tough, so I can't imagine my joints would be too grateful. This does mean that you'd need another pair of trainers for walking or running on the treadmill, but for weight-based exercises and most HIIT workouts, the Adidas Dropset 3 are a powerhouse. Key specifications 7. Best HIIT Trainers: Skechers Slip-ins Max Cushioning Glide-Step Even before I even put these on, I knew these would be comfortable. The chunky, bouncy-looking sole is a giveaway. Though the sizing ran a touch large, these were an absolute joy to wear. Skechers has long been known for its comfort technology, and I now understand the hype. They're the kind of trainer you can wear all day. Plus, they're designed to slip on hands-free, which is helpful when you're dashing out or simply changing your shoes in the gym. Stability is where I found these trainers slightly lacking. The thick sole and Skechers Max Cushioning platform enhance shock absorption and energy return, which is good for comfort but not for squat support. So, I wouldn't wear these for weighted moves, but they're well suited to HIIT workouts, classes, casual runs, and even walking (although walking boots are better for long hikes). The Natural Rocker Technology allows for a smooth heel-to-toe transition, plus the bouncy sole is great for plyometric-based moves. The Goodyear sole delivered excellent grip across surfaces and the rubber felt durable enough to handle daily wear. Key specifications 8. Best Gym Trainers for Women: Hoka Kawana 2 Made for running in the streets and training in the gym, the versatile Hoka Kawana 2 gym trainers work well for a range of activities. The sole is quite chunky and it has a slight bounce, which made these unsuitable for my heavy weightlifting. I actually took them off so I could squat in my socks. That said, lighter weighted moves are comfortable in these because they do offer good stability, and the soles are tough as well as chunky. If you enjoy a casual treadmill run, these have plenty of cushioning and feel just like running trainers. This also makes them suited to HIIT-based movements such as high knees and mountain climbers, as well as plyometric moves which are much more comfortable when there's a softer landing. There is plenty of flexibility in the upper of the shoe for easy movement. Traction on these is good, and holes in the fabric allow for breathability. As for durability, I didn't notice any damage to the shoes after my testing. The end of the toe box is slightly reinforced, and the upper seems quite thick and able to stand up to brutal gym workouts. I did notice the arch of the shoe seemed to dig into my foot slightly. This might not be a problem for other wearers but I found it uncomfortable, at least to start with. Other than that, these are a great pick and will carry you through many gym workouts. Key specifications Gym trainers FAQs
Daily Mail
11 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Is this 'Viagra for women'? New cream promises to bring back joy of sex for millions battling midlife libido slump
Millions of women in midlife and beyond could soon benefit from a new all-natural intimate cream being hailed as a female version of Viagra. Makers of the plant-based formula—called Myregyna—insist it can restore vulval health and 'bring back the joy of sex' for women over 50, all without the use of hormones. Inventor Dr Iona Weir claims trials have shown the cream improves sexual response and function in women dealing with the effects of menopause. It's applied to the intimate area nightly and taken alongside a daily supplement, with results expected in as little as a month. The cream is designed to reverse the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)—a condition caused by declining oestrogen levels that affects millions worldwide. Common symptoms include intimate dryness, incontinence, discomfort and pain during sex—all of which can severely impact quality of life. Myregyna claims to work by naturally renewing cells in the vaginal wall, without relying on synthetic hormones. Research shows fewer than one in four women over 50 in the UK are sexually active—and just three per cent say they're happy with their sex life. Previous research revealed that less than a quarter of postmenopausal UK women are sexually active and a mere 3 per cent are happy with their sex life Viagra, also known by its generic name sildenafil, was originally developed as a heart medication but quickly became famous for its unexpected side effect — improving blood flow to the penis and helping men achieve and maintain an erection. It was approved for use in the late 1990s and remains one of the most well-known drugs for treating erectile dysfunction. In the UK, NHS figures suggest that over four million prescriptions for sildenafil are written each year—a number that rose sharply after it became available over the counter in 2018. In the US, millions of men use Viagra or its generic equivalent annually, with sildenafil consistently ranking among the top-prescribed medications for men over 40. The little blue pill works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing circulation to specific areas of the body. It doesn't increase sexual desire but helps men with erectile issues respond to sexual stimulation more effectively. Viagra typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for up to four hours. Although there is no direct equivalent for women, there are a number of hormonal treatments and over-the-counter moisturisers available to help with vaginal dryness. Around six in ten women over 50 experience vaginal dryness—yet just one in ten seek prescription medication to manage it. Dr Weir says her new product could help close that gap. In a clinical trial involving women in New Zealand aged over 55, some participants who hadn't had sex in years reported having regular, pain-free intercourse and orgasms after using Myregyna. The cream is made using plant cell technology and hyaluronic acid—a powerful moisturising ingredient commonly found in high-end skincare products. 'It actually boosts natural hydration,' said Dr Weir. 'Men got Viagra, but women got nothing, right? This is going to be the first non-hormonal treatment that will give you your sex life back.' Her company, Weir Science, predicts the plant-based product could generate more than £7.5 billion a year in global sales. Dr Weir is currently in talks with two major pharmaceutical companies and is in the process of registering Myregyna with the US Food and Drug Administration.
Daily Mail
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Painkiller taken by millions could trigger HEART FAILURE - experts sound the alarm: 'Doctors must act now'
Doctors have been urged to reassess the use of a painkiller prescribed to millions, after alarming new research linked it to a significantly increased risk of heart failure. Pregabalin—an anti-seizure drug often used to treat chronic nerve pain, anxiety and epilepsy—was associated with a 48 per cent increased risk of developing heart failure, according to a major new study. The risk was even greater in those with a history of heart disease. In these patients, taking pregabalin raised the risk of heart failure by a staggering 85 per cent compared to those prescribed gabapentin—a similar drug used to manage chronic pain. Researchers are now calling for clinicians to carefully weigh up cardiovascular risks before prescribing the drug, especially in older or vulnerable patients. Chronic pain affects up to 30 per cent of adults over the age of 65, and pregabalin is commonly used to manage this by blocking pain signals travelling through the brain and spinal cord. However, the NHS already lists a range of potential side effects for the drug—including hallucinations, blood in the urine and weight gain—and now experts are warning that heart health must also be taken into serious consideration. The NHS also warns that pregabalin can, in rare cases, trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis—a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Now, researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center say the drug may also contribute to—or worsen—heart failure, particularly in older individuals. In the study, scientists analysed data from 246,237 Medicare patients aged 65 to 89 over a four-year period. All had chronic non-cancer pain—defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks or beyond the normal healing time—and none had a previous history of heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart becomes too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively around the body. It's a long-term condition that is commonly seen in heart attack survivors, and is far more common in older people. In the study, during the four-year period examined, 1,470 patients were admitted to hospital with heart failure. Researchers found that for every 1,000 people taking pregabalin, there were around six additional cases of heart failure each year, compared with those not taking the drug. After adjusting for potential variables, including age, sex and pre-existing health issues, they concluded patients taking pregabalin are 1.5 times more likely to suffer heart failure. Currently there is no cure for the condition which usually worsens over time causing breathlessness, fatigue, syncope, and swollen ankles and legs. Some people also experience a persistent cough and a faster than usual heart rate. The researchers, led by Dr Elizabeth Park, concluded that their findings support current advice from the European Medicines Agency to exercise caution when prescribing pregabalin to older adults with heart disease. Dr Robert Zhang, a leading cardiologist who was not involved in the study, said the findings have 'immediate clinical implications.' Together with other experts in the field, he wrote: 'Clinicians should weigh the potential cardiovascular risks associated with pregabalin against its benefits.' Experts say the findings are timely given the growing use of the drug in older populations to manage chronic main. They added: 'If pregabalin use is associated with new-onset heart failure, it raises the possibility that the drug may unmask underlying heart disease, which suggests a need for careful cardiac evaluation prior to prescribing this medication. 'The study serves as an important reminder that not all gabapentinoids are created equal and that in the pursuit of safer pain control, vigilance for unintended harms remains paramount.' It comes as concerning figures suggest the nation's heart health has declined more quickly at the start of the 202s than any other decade for more than 50 years. Analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) found rising deaths among working-age adults from cardiovascular disease, increasing heart failure and growing risks from obesity and diabetes. Cardiovascular deaths in working age adults have risen by 18 per cent in the UK since 2019, from 18,693 to 21,975 in 2023, averaging 420 a week.
