Adult dies in Republic of Ireland as outbreak investigated

An adult has died with the bacterial infection listeriosis in the Republic of Ireland.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is investigating an “extensive outbreak” after nine cases were identified.

The FSAI has said there has been a “voluntary precautionary recall” of 141 ready-made products “due to a link with the outbreak”.

The various branded prepared meals and side dishes are produced by Ballymaguire Foods and are sold in most major supermarkets in the country.

“A voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak,” the Irish Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told BBC News NI.

“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.”

They said the investigation is ongoing and there is no further comment at this time.

In a statement to Irish broadcaster RTÉ News, Ballymaguire Foods said it 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 apologised to customers.

It added that “incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us” and that it is “treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly”.

The recalled meals include chicken curries, lasagnes, bolognaises, pasta bakes, cottage pies, and chow mein dishes.

Affected side dishes include ready-made mashed potatoes, carrots and peas, green cabbage and pilau rice.

Consumers are being warned not to eat these as they may be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

Tesco has confirmed to BBC News NI that the recall of some ready meals impacts a small number of products sold within Tesco stores in Northern Ireland.

“As a precautionary measure, supplier Ballymaguire Foods has advised Tesco to recall a range of its own-label ready meals due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

“This only impacts products sold in the Republic of Ireland and a small number in Northern Ireland.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused and will issue a full refund to customers who have purchased these products when they return them to their local store.”

The Food Standards Agency said they are aware of the investigation and advised consumers not to eat any of the listed products.

Listeria infection is an illness caused by bacteria that can spread through food.

Another name for the illness is listeriosis.

It can be very serious for pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In rare cases, the infection can become more severe, leading to serious complications.

The incubation period (the time between initial infection and the first appearance of symptoms) averages about three weeks, but can range from three to 70 days.