Urgent Recall of Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese Due to Listeria Fears

A popular cheese sold in Irish supermarkets is under urgent recall due to health concerns related to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) announced the recall of Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese products, which have a use-by date of August 12, 2023. The recall affects stores across the Republic of Ireland.

The FSAI issued a statement indicating that the cheese may pose a risk of listeriosis, a serious infection that can arise from consuming contaminated food, particularly unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables, and ready-to-eat meats. The authority emphasized that while the recall is precautionary, consumers should avoid eating the affected cheese.

In their announcement, the FSAI noted, “The batch of Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese is being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.” They also confirmed that there is currently no evidence linking this recall with any ongoing listeriosis outbreaks associated with other food products.

Health Risks and Consumer Advisory

Symptoms of a Listeria monocytogenes infection may include mild flu-like symptoms as well as gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, the infection can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems, including the elderly.

The FSAI stated, “The incubation period for Listeria monocytogenes infections averages three weeks but can range from three to 70 days.” Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and discard any Spar Chèvre Goats Cheese with the specified use-by date.

Additional Recall of Bicycle Wheels

This recall follows a separate alert concerning bicycle wheels sold in Ireland. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) announced recalls for models manufactured by DT Swiss and Swiss Side. These products were found to pose risks of property damage or serious injury due to potential weaknesses in the wheel rims.

The affected models from DT Swiss include those from the ARC, ERC, CRC, and HEC series, with rim heights ranging from 35 mm to 65 mm. Approximately 656 products in the Republic of Ireland are involved in this recall. Meanwhile, Swiss Side has recalled six models, including the HADRON2 and HADRON3 series, with around nine affected products sold through Decathlon and their official website.

Customers are urged to stop using the affected bicycle wheels immediately and to verify their product details by checking the DT Swiss ID number located between the spokes. For those with affected models, following the instructions for inspection and potential return is crucial.

As health and safety remain paramount, both the FSAI and CCPC are taking proactive measures to keep consumers informed and safe from potentially hazardous products.