A person has died after eating a contaminated ready meal linked to a rare bacterial outbreak in Ireland.
The outbreak has prompted a nationwide recall of dozens of products sold in major supermarkets.
The death is one of ten confirmed cases of listeriosis, a potentially deadly infection caused by listeria bacteria, identified in what health officials are calling an ‘extensive’ outbreak, centred around a range of pre-prepared dishes produced by Ballymaguire Foods.
The meals, which include lasagnes, pasta bakes, cottage pies and potato sides, were sold in Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and Aldi sold in Ireland.
Supermarket bosses are now scrambling to pull them from shelves amid growing concern for public safety.
Within days of falling ill, one adult died from the infection.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that the case is under investigation but, due to patient confidentiality, has declined to release further details.
The meals include lasagnes, pasta bakes, cottage pies and potato sides
Supermarket bosses are now scrambling to pull them from shelves amid growing concern for public safety
The meals were sold in sold in Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and Aldi in Ireland
Supermarket bosses are now scrambling to pull them from shelves amid growing concern for public safety
Nine other people are known to have contracted the illness with all cases being confirmed as of July 22.
Listeriosis can lead to serious health complications, especially in pregnant women, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
In mild cases, it causes flu-like symptoms, but in vulnerable individuals, it can result in sepsis, meningitis or death.
According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the recall is voluntary and precautionary, but broad. Dozens of ready-to-heat products produced at one Ballymaguire facility are being withdrawn from sale. Consumers are being advised not to eat any of the affected meals.
In a statement to BelfastLive, Ballymaguire Foods said it ‘initiated a full precautionary recall of all products produced at one of our facilities following the identification of listeria bacteria as part of a quality control check.’
It added: ‘Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us.
‘We are treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly.’
The incubation period for listeriosis can range from three to 70 days, with symptoms including fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhoea. Anyone who believes they may have consumed the affected products and is feeling unwell is urged to seek medical advice immediately.
MailOnline has approached Ballymaguire Foods, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Centra, Tesco and Aldi for comment
