Over 140 prepared meals and side dishes recalled from major supermarkets over listeriosis fears

A major food safety alert is underway, with a recall notice in place for over 140 various branded prepared meals and side dishes produced by Ballymaguire Foods.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said the prepared meals and side dishes listed are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.

The recall notice applies to all batches and all best before dates.

The products are sold in stores including Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and Aldi.

See full list of products affected as of Wednesday, 5pm

Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications.

Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days.

Retailers are requested to remove the implicated products from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Wholesalers/distributors are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated products and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.

Caterers should not use the implicated products.

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated products and also to check their freezers for the implicated products and dispose of them.