Urgent Recall of Brie Mariotte Cheese Due to Listeria Risk

A prominent cheese product, Brie Mariotte, is subject to an urgent recall due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which poses serious health risks. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued a recall notice today, warning consumers of the potential complications associated with consuming the affected product.

The recall affects various batches of Brie Mariotte cheese, which is imported from France and available in several retail locations across Ireland, including Dunnes Stores. The affected packages are those weighing 1 kg with best before dates up to and including August 30, 2025, and all pack sizes with use-by dates ranging from June 8, 2025 to August 13, 2025. Retailers have been instructed to remove these batches from sale immediately and display recall notices at points of sale.

Consumers are advised not to consume the implicated cheese products. The FSAI noted that there is currently no evidence linking this recall to other recent listeriosis outbreaks associated with ready-to-heat meals or the recall of spinach and mixed leaf products.

Health Risks Associated with Listeria Infection

Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, can manifest with mild flu-like symptoms or may be asymptomatic. According to the FSAI, individuals infected may experience fever, fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Certain groups are at heightened risk, including pregnant women, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly. For these vulnerable populations, listeriosis can lead to severe complications, including meningitis and septicaemia, characterized by symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.

The incubation period for listeriosis typically averages around three weeks but can vary between three and seventy days. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre emphasizes the need for vigilance, especially among those most at risk.

Related Recalls of Goat Cheese Products

This recall follows a recent series of cheese product recalls in Ireland. The FSAI also announced a recall of three goat cheese products sold in SuperValu stores due to similar concerns regarding Listeria monocytogenes contamination. These include “SuperValu Goat’s Cheese” with use-by dates of August 7 and August 12, “Freshly Prepared by Our Cheesemongers Goat Cheese” with various pack sizes and use-by dates of August 11 and August 12, and “SuperValu Chevre Log” with all use-by dates, including today.

As with the Brie Mariotte recall, the FSAI has urged retailers to ensure that the implicated batches are removed from sale and that recall notices are displayed prominently. Consumers are similarly advised against consuming these products.

In summary, the recall of Brie Mariotte cheese highlights the ongoing concerns regarding food safety and the importance of consumer awareness regarding potential health risks. The FSAI continues to monitor the situation closely and advises the public to remain informed about food recalls and safety alerts.