Listeria concerns trigger meal recalls in Ireland and investigation in US

Health authorities in Ireland and the United States are addressing separate concerns regarding Listeria monocytogenes.

In Ireland, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a precautionary recall for several prepared meals due to the possible presence of the bacteria. The affected products include Fit Foods Chicken & Chorizo with Baby Potatoes, Fit Foods Chicken & Stuffing with Potatoes and Gravy, Chef Select High Protein Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and Fresh Choice Kitchen Roast Chicken Dinner. Consumers are advised to check specific batch codes and use-by dates and not consume the affected items.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into a new Listeria outbreak. While illnesses have been reported, investigators have not yet identified the specific food source or product responsible for the infections. Traceback efforts are currently underway to establish a common source of exposure.

Listeria infection can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but can lead to more severe invasive infections, including sepsis or nervous system issues, particularly in vulnerable populations.