Urgent Recall of Irish Cheddar Cheese Due to Listeria Risk

2025-03-02

Tesco and Spar have issued an urgent recall of 18 types of Irish cheddar cheese due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacterium. The affected products, manufactured by JOD Food Products, include varieties such as Old Irish Creamery Cheese with Red Wine, Irish Cheddar with Murphy’s Stout, and Claddagh Bo Irish Cheddar with Irish Whiskey. Customers are advised not to consume the products and to return them to the point of purchase for a full refund, with no receipt required.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned that Listeria infection can cause flu-like symptoms, including high fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea. In rare cases, it can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. The FSA has urged consumers to clean and sanitise any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled products.

The recall applies to specific batches with best-before dates ranging from May to July 2025. JOD Food Products has confirmed the potential presence of Listeria and emphasised the importance of returning the affected items to stores. Tesco Ireland has also issued a notice regarding specific date codes of its Old Irish Creamery Cheese Cheddar with Whiskey and Porter, urging customers to check their purchases.