Urgent Recall of Brie Mariotte Cheese Due to Listeria Risk

A significant recall has been initiated for the popular cheese product, Brie Mariotte, due to fears of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued an urgent recall notice today, warning of potential serious health complications if the product is consumed.

The recall affects several batches of Brie Mariotte, which is imported from France and distributed across various retail outlets in Ireland, including Dunnes Stores. Specifically, 1 kg packages of the cheese with best before dates up to and including August 30, 2025 are included in the recall. Additionally, all pack sizes of Brie Mariotte with use by dates between June 8, 2025 and August 13, 2025 are also being withdrawn from sale.

Retailers have been instructed to remove the affected batches from their shelves immediately. Recall notices will be prominently displayed at points of sale to inform consumers. Wholesalers and distributors must also contact their clients and ensure the implicated batches are recalled. Catering establishments are advised not to serve any of the affected products.

Health Risks Associated with Listeria

The FSAI has emphasized that consumers should avoid eating the recalled products. Although there is no evidence linking this recall to other recent listeriosis outbreaks, the health implications of Listeria monocytogenes can be serious. Symptoms may range from mild flu-like indicators to more severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

According to Safefood, listeriosis can manifest with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare cases, it can escalate to more severe conditions, including meningitis and septicemia, particularly among the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. These conditions may present with symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.

The incubation period for Listeria infections can vary significantly, typically averaging around three weeks but sometimes extending from three days to up to 70 days.

Recent Cheese Recalls Across Ireland

This recall follows a series of similar actions in the cheese sector. Recently, the FSAI announced the recall of several goat’s cheese products sold at SuperValu stores due to the same contamination concerns. Included in the recall are “SuperValu Goat’s Cheese” in 110g packs with use-by dates of August 7 and August 12, as well as “Freshly Prepared by Our Cheesemongers Goat’s Cheese” in various sizes with use-by dates of August 11 and August 12. Another product, “SuperValu Chevre Log,” is also affected, with all use-by dates up to and including today being recalled.

The FSAI has reiterated the importance of removing the implicated products from sale and displaying the appropriate recall notices. Consumers are strongly advised to refrain from consuming any of the affected cheese products to ensure their safety.

As food safety remains a critical concern, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and to report any adverse health effects to health authorities.