24 March 2023 , 15:51
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A Brit has died after eating cheese contaminated with listeria, as health bosses ordered the recall of a type of cheese containing 'exceptionally high levels' of the bacteria.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned the public to not eat the batches of Baronet semi-soft cheeses, made by Wiltshire-based firm The Old Cheese Room.
The UKHSA identified three cases potentially linked to an outbreak, of which one person had died.
Baronet, a pasteurised semi-soft cheese, has a pinkish orange rind and a pungent smell, and is sold in both small individual rounds and as 1kg wheels which can be cut down at deli counters.
A man has died after eating cheese containing listeriaListeriosis symptoms can seem similar to flu, and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick, and diarrhoea.
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In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.
FSA head of incidents, Tina Potter, said: “Due to this outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, we are urging consumers who are vulnerable to listeria infection – including people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems to ensure they follow the advice in the product recall notices, which details all of the products which may pose a risk.
“We are also asking people to make sure that elderly relatives who may have purchased the recalled items, and who are at particular risk, are aware of the recall and observe the advice.
“Some foods carry a greater risk of listeria than others. These include soft cheeses, pate, smoked fish, chilled sliced meats and other chilled ready-to-eat products.”
According to the FSA, affected products include 1kg packs of Baronet Soft Cheese with best-before dates of March 21, April 11, 12, and 18 2023.
Recalls have also been made of 200g Baby Baronet Soft Cheese with best-before dates of March 22 and April 4, 10 and 16, as well as 270g Mini Baronet Soft Cheese with best befores of March 22, April 10 and 18.
Richard Elson, head of incidents and response at UKHSA, said: “Listeriosis is a rare infection and most people will only experience mild symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhoea, which usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment.
“But people with weakened immune systems, who are pregnant, or are infants or elderly are at greater risk of developing severe symptoms.
“If you are in a group who are at higher risk of severe symptoms, there is information on the NHS website about what foods to avoid and what to do if you think you have listeriosis.”
The FSA added there is no confirmation suggesting Baronet is the cause of the outbreak.
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