The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent recall for ham products sold at Tesco and Lidl, citing potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects items from Tesco Finest, Lidl's Deluxe range, and the Brady Family brand.
Recalled Products and Batch Codes
Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for the following products with a use-by date of July 16:
- Brady Family Wood Smoked Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – 80g – batch code 235417
- Brady Family Hand Crumbed Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – 80g – batch codes 235880 and 235765
- Lidl Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham 5 slices – 130g – batch code 235461
- Lidl Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham 5 Slices – 130g – batch code 235473
- Tesco Finest Crumbed Shaved Ham 16 slices – 120g – batch code 235412
In-store notices are being displayed at points of sale. Customers are strongly urged not to consume the affected items and to dispose of them immediately.
Health Risks of Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes can cause mild flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. According to the NHS, most infected people experience no symptoms or only mild signs including high temperature, vomiting, aches, chills, or diarrhoea.
Cold meats are particularly high-risk for listeria contamination. Other susceptible foods include smoked and cured fish, shellfish, and mould-ripened cheeses like camembert and brie.
Higher Risk Groups
Pregnant women, newborn babies, and individuals with weakened immune systems face greater risk. The elderly are also more susceptible. Severe symptoms requiring emergency care include severe headache, stiff neck, discomfort looking at bright lights, seizures, sudden confusion or sleepiness, and a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it. Parents are advised to call 999 or visit A&E if children exhibit these symptoms.
Most listeria infections can be managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids.
