Cheese recalled by supplier due to possible listeria contamination
A batch of goat's cheese sold in Spar stores across Northern Ireland has been urgently recalled amid concerns it could be contaminated with listeria.
The affected product is Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese, supplied by Horgan's Delicatessen. It comes in 100g packs with a use by date of August 12.
The Food Safety Authority (FSA) in Northern Ireland confirmed that the implicated batch was distributed to outlets in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Customers who have purchased the cheese are being advised not to consume it and to return it to the store for a full refund. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all affected shops, explaining the recall and providing instructions for consumers.
The FSA said the move is precautionary but necessary, as listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness in certain groups.
'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,' the agency said.
Particular caution is urged for those more at risk, including people over the age of 65, pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns under one month old, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is caused by bacteria that can spread through contaminated food. While some cases are mild, resulting in flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, others can be far more severe.
The incubation period for listeria averages around three weeks, although it can range from three to 70 days, meaning symptoms may take time to appear after consumption of contaminated food.
This latest alert comes shortly after other food safety concerns in Ireland. In recent weeks, some potted coriander plants and hummus products supplied by O'Hanlon Herbs were recalled from major supermarkets including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Lidl, Marks & Spencer and SuperValu.
The FSA said the recalls highlight the importance of checking food packaging carefully before eating. 'If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return the product to where it was bought for a full refund,' it advised.
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Horgan's Delicatessen Supplies, which provides the Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese, has confirmed it is cooperating fully with the recall process. The company said it is working with all retailers involved to ensure affected products are removed from shelves promptly.
Consumers who have already eaten the cheese and are concerned about their health are urged to seek medical advice, especially if they are in one of the higher-risk categories.
Food safety officials have stressed that vigilance remains the best protection, particularly during the summer months when certain bacteria can thrive. While foodborne illnesses are relatively rare, the potential risks mean that recalls of this kind must be taken seriously.
The FSA continues to monitor the situation and will issue updates if any further batches or products are implicated. For now, customers are reminded to stay alert and check the use by date on any Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese purchased in recent weeks.
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