Fresh warning to cheese lovers as ANOTHER artisan type gets pulled over listeria fears
- ‘Do not eat’ warning issued by watchdogs over a batch of red goats cheese
- The recall comes after a Brit died from listeria n an outbreak
- READ ALSO: Brit dies in listeria outbreak linked to contaminated cheese
Another batch of artisan cheese has been urgently recalled over fears it is contaminated with listeria.
Food safety watchdogs have issued an urgent warning over the potential risk posed by a batch of Pennard Red Goats Cheese.
The recall comes after health chiefs announced last month that a Brit died from listeria in an outbreak linked to contaminated cheese.
This week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have urged the public not to eat the affected goats cheese, which is made by the Somerset Cheese Company.
The cheesemaker describes the product as full-flavoured with a sweet and nutty taste and the appearance of a Red Leicester.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have urged the public not to eat the Pennard Red Goats Cheese made by Somerset Cheese Company
Those who eat food containing listeria develop an infection called listeriosis, which can cause a fever, aches and pains, chills, nausea, sickness and diarrhoea
It is sold as 2kg wheels which may be cut down to order, with 250g priced at £6.50.
The recall is for the wheel and any cut pieces with the best before date of April 28, 2023.
The cheese is sometimes served sliced from a deli counter.
Brits who believe they may have bought one of the affected Baronet items have been urged not to eat it and contact their retailer.
They should also thoroughly clean any surfaces they may have touched to prevent cross-contamination of other foods.
Listeria is a bacteria that poses a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies.
What is listeriosis?
Most people that catch listeriosis, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Other symptoms of the infection can include a high temperature of 38C or above, aches and pains, and chills, according to the NHS.
However, more serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.
Many foods can harbour listeria, but it is usually found in unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches.
Listeria is widespread in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the droppings of many mammals, birds, and fish.
Around 120 cases of listeriosis are confirmed every year in England, according to figures. It strikes around 1,600 annually in the US.
HOW CAN YOU AVOID LISTERIOSIS?
- wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- wash fruit and vegetables before eating them
- store ready-to-eat foods as recommended by the manufacturer
- make sure all hot food is steaming hot all the way through
For most people, listeria poisoning can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills and feeling or being sick.
Usually symptoms recede after a few days.
However, some vulnerable groups can develop life-threatening complications, such as sepsis and meningitis.
Listeria most commonly infects chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as pre-packed sandwiches, pate and soft cheeses.
In rare cases, it leads to listeriosis, which can cause a temperature, vomiting and aches and pains.
According to the latest available data, a total of 124 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2020.
Meanwhile in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year.
This new warning follows recalls of artisan cheeses made by Wiltshire-based firm The Old Cheese Room.
One recall was for the 1kg Baronet, priced at £32, with best before dates of March 21, March 22, April 11, April 12, April 16 and April 18, 2023.
The other two recalls were for the 270g Mini Baronet, costing £9 and 200g Baby Baronet.
The Mini Baronet is being recalled for three batches: March 22, April 10 and April 18, 2023.
The Baby Baronet is being recalled for batches, March 22, April 4, April 10 and April 16, 2023.
Last month, the FSA and UKHSA said that they had detected three listeria cases ‘potentially linked to an outbreak’ and that one person had died.
They did not provide any further details on the fatality.
All of those infected had a closely genetically related strain of listeria that has also been found in samples of Baronet cheese.
However, that does not necessarily mean that all those involved in the outbreak contracted listeriosis as a result of eating Baronet cheese.
Listeria has also been found in samples taken from ‘food environments’, they said.
However, it is unclear where these are and officials insisted there is ‘no confirmation’ that Baronet is the cause of the outbreak.
Health chiefs are investigating the cause of the outbreak.
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