A leading supermarket has urgently recalled a product from its shelves amid concerns it could cause ‘flu-like symptoms’ in consumers.
The alert pertains to a specific batch of Lidl Deluxe Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Wedges available in Northern Ireland, which have been found to be contaminated with the potentially hazardous Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The germ is notorious for causing symptoms such as high fever, chills, nausea, diarrhoea, muscle pain, and in severe cases, ailments like meningitis.
The UK Food Standards Agency on Friday strongly advised against consuming the affected product with the expiration date of May 11, 2025, reports the Mirror.
The health authority’s statement also mentioned that the bacteria pose an increased risk to certain individuals, including older adults, pregnant women, new-borns, and people with compromised immune systems.
According to the online release: “Lidl Northern Ireland is recalling a batch of Deluxe Sriracha Cheddar Cheese Wedge because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in this product.”
The release went on: “Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.”
It added: “Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
“If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return the product to where it was bought for a full refund. Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Lidl NI Customer Services on 0289 568 4888.”
Lidl Northern Ireland is set to display point of sale notices in stores selling the item, to inform customers about the product recall and advise them what to do if they have purchased it.
The alert follows a recent recall of a lunchbox favourite from supermarket shelves due to health concerns.
Sainsbury’s and Asda were prompted to recall bread rolls owing to potential packaging mistakes that could pose risks to those with certain allergies. The recalled batch of McGhee’s Scottish Brown Rolls contained an undeclared allergen; several packs intended to be brown rolls actually included white rolls with soya.
Batch LS5007, with a best before date of January 12, 2025, is subject to the recall. Just before the festive period, Morrisons also urgently recalled one of its products amid health worries.
The chain withdrew its own brand Crushed Garlic tubes as an essential ingredient inhibiting microbiological growth was omitted. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) declared the product “potentially unsafe to eat”.
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