Listeriosis outbreak: What we know so far and full list of foods recalled from supermarkets

BreakingNews.ie

24-07-2025

A person has died after contracting a rare bacterial infection called listeriosis amid an "extensive" outbreak in Ireland.
The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) has recalled dozens of ready meals and food products as a precaution.
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The prepared meals and side dishes are produced by
Ballymaguire Foods
and sold at retailers Tesco, Supervalu, Centra and Aldi.
Here is everything we know so far about the outbreak and the risk to Irish consumers.
What is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a rare infection that is caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria.
Most people affected by listeriosis will have no symptoms or experience mild diarrhoea which subsides in a few days, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
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Those who are more vulnerable, such as pregnant women and older people, can be at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis.
Listeria bacteria are widespread in the environment and can be found in soil and water. Photo: AFP via Getty
Listeriosis in pregnancy can cause very serious illness in mothers and their babies, and in babies up to one month old.
What causes listeriosis?
Listeria can contaminate a wide range of foods, but most infections are caused by eating raw, chilled, ready-to-eat foods and ready meals.
The listeria bacteria are widespread in the environment and can be found in soil and water. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or from manure used as fertilizer.
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Animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill, and meat or dairy products from these animals can be contaminated.
According to the HPSC, the foods most often associated with infection are ready-to-eat refrigerated and processed foods such as:
pre-prepared cooked and chilled meals
soft cheeses
cold cuts of meat
pâtés
smoked fish
Outbreaks of listeriosis associated with fresh produce, such as fresh vegetables that undergo little or no heat treatment, are increasingly being reported in Ireland.
What is the origin of the current outbreak?
The recent cases of listeriosis in Ireland are under investigation by the FSAI.
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"A national outbreak control team is currently investigating an extensive outbreak of listeriosis," the FSAI said on Wednesday.
"A voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is under way due to a link with the outbreak.
"Nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified as of July 22 2025.
"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."
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Ready meal manufacturer Ballymaguire Foods temporarily suspended production at one of its facilities on Saturday. In a statement, the firm apologised to customers.
"Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us," it said. "We are treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly."
Ballymaguire Foods apologised to its customers
Ballymaguire Foods said its internal team had conducted a comprehensive assessment and implemented "immediate corrective actions", including a "full pharmaceutical-grade clean down of the facility".
"In consultation with the relevant statutory bodies and our customers, we will resume production once it is confirmed safe to do so.
"We sincerely apologise to our customers and consumers for the concern this may cause."
Which food products are affected?
The affected meals include chicken curries, lasagnes, bolognaises, pasta bakes, cottage pies and chow meins.
Affected side dishes include ready-made mashed potatoes, carrots and peas, green cabbage and pilau rice.
The products sold at Tesco come under the supermarket's Meals Made Easy, Irish Classics and Finest brands.
The Happy Pear, Food to Go, Clean Cut, Fuel'd Foods and Kitchen products that are sold in SuperValu and Centra are listed. SuperValu's Signature Taste, SuperValu and Freshly Prepared ranges are also affected.
Products from Centra's Centra and Freshly Prepared range are listed. The Inspired Cuisine and Specially Selected range of Aldi also contain affected products. Other affected products are in the From the Farm and Good Food Locally Sourced brands, sold in various retailers.