FSAI Confirms No New Listeriosis Cases Following Recent Product Recall

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has announced that there are currently no new cases of listeriosis linked to a recent recall of food products from supermarket shelves. This statement follows the recall of seven spinach and mixed leaf products due to the detection of listeria, which has raised concerns among consumers and health officials alike.

On July 28, 2025, the FSAI confirmed that the latest recall, which includes products from major retailers such as Supervalu and Tesco, does not appear to be associated with any reported cases of listeriosis. According to the FSAI, "To date, there are no cases of listeriosis associated with the spinach and mixed leaves products that are the subject of this recall. Additionally, there is currently no evidence linking this food recall with the listeriosis outbreak related to ready-to-heat meals that is currently under investigation."

This recall marks the second instance in recent days where listeria has been found in food products. The affected items include McCormack Family Farms' "Energise Super Mix," "Irish Spinach Leaves," and Supervalu's unwashed spinach bags. Consumers have been advised not to consume these products, and retailers have been instructed to remove them from sale and post recall notices at points of sale.

The FSAI's reassurances come in light of an ongoing investigation into a previous outbreak linked to ready-made meals, which has resulted in the unfortunate death of one adult and nine confirmed cases of listeriosis as of July 22, 2025. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is actively involved in managing the outbreak, with health officials noting that listeriosis can present with mild flu-like symptoms, but can be severe in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Ballymaguire Foods, the producer of the ready-made meals involved in the first recall, has temporarily suspended operations at their facility following the incident. The company has publicly apologized and is cooperating with health authorities in the investigation. Dr. Patrick Wall, a prominent figure in food safety and former Chief Executive of the FSAI, has been appointed to lead the response team at Ballymaguire Foods. The company has committed to implementing corrective measures, including a thorough cleaning of their facility.

As the FSAI and HSE work together to investigate the listeria outbreaks, experts emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding food safety. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin, stated, "Listeria is a hardy bacterium that can thrive in refrigerated conditions, making it crucial for consumers to remain vigilant about food recalls and safety warnings."

The FSAI has reiterated its commitment to ensuring food safety in Ireland and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The agency urges consumers to report any symptoms related to listeriosis and to stay informed about food recalls.

In conclusion, while the immediate threat of new listeriosis cases linked to the recent spinach product recall appears to be low, the FSAI's proactive measures and public communications will be vital in maintaining consumer confidence and safeguarding public health in Ireland. The agency strives to prevent further outbreaks and ensure that food safety standards are upheld across the industry.