Person dies after 'extensive outbreak' of listeriosis as over 200 food products recalled

Eva Osborne

One person has died after an "extensive outbreak" of listeriosis, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed.

It comes after the recall of 201 ready meal products produced by Ballymaguire Foods due to the possible presence of listeria bacteria.

A National Outbreak Control team has been deployed to investigate, and a voluntary precautionary recall of certain ready-to-heat meals is underway, due to a link with the outbreak of the bacterial infection.

Nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified, as of Tuesday.

It has been confirmed the deceased is an adult, but no other details are being released, to ensure medical confidentiality.

The ready meal products were being sold in Aldi, Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, and more.

Ballymaguire Foods said this was a precautionary recall after a quality control check identified listeria bacteria.

The 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 be more severe, causing serious complications.

Some people are more vulnerable to listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly.

The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average three weeks but can range between three and 70 days.

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated products and are advised to check their freezers for the implicated products and dispose of them.