Tesco shoppers warned that popular cheese could pose 'severe' health risk

Daily Record

12-05-2025

The FSA has issued an urgent alert that affects Tesco supermarkets only.
Tesco shoppers have been warned not to eat a popular type of cheese. Possibly contaminated with a deadly bacteria, it could pose a "severe" risk to health.
Castelli UK has had to issue an urgent recall for its Le Superbe Raclette due to "the potential presence" of listeria monocytogenes, an organism that could cause flu-like symptoms, or in serious cases, meningitis.
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A food alert posted to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has advised that the recall affects Tesco stores only, with the supermarket operating more than 3,500 UK stores, making it the largest retailer in the country.
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The recall is said to be a "precautionary measure", with the affected product having a 150g pack size and a best before date of May 12, 2025.
Shoppers who have purchased the affected product have been slapped with a "do not eat" warning. Instead, they are being asked to return it to store where a full refund will be provided with no receipt needed.
For more information Tesco shoppers have also been advised to contact 01732 835446.
As a result of the recall, Castelli UK has issued point of sale notices to the stores that sell its Le Superbe Raclette. These explain to customers why the product is being recalled and what to do if it has been purchased.
What is Listeria monocytogenes and what is its effects?
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Listeria monocytogenes is a type of disease-causing bacteria that can be found in many places such as soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation, and animals.
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Since it can survive, and even grow, under refrigeration, it can contaminate food under unsanitary conditions. Anyone who consumes food with the bacteria may develop a disease called Listeria.
There are many symptoms involved with this type of organism, with many of them being similar to the flu such as high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
However, in very rare cases, the infection can be a little more severe, causing serious health complications and even meningitis.
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Who is mostly at risk?
The bacteria can affect certain groups more than others, with anyone with a weakened immune system being considered "high risk."
This includes pregnant women, as the infection can cross into the placenta and infect their unborn baby whose immune system is not fully developed and unable to fight off the infection. It can also impact babies under one month old.
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Anyone over the age of 65 is also at risk of greater health implications, as their immune system is less effective at recognizing and eliminating harmful germs that can cause infections.
Since consuming a product with the bacteria could possibly result in death for elderly groups, they are encouraged to seek medical care immediately and should tell their doctor what they ate.