Spinach and mixed leaves products recalled over listeria fears

Spinach and mixed leaves products are being recalled over the presence of listeria monocytogenes.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said that recall notices will be displayed at point of sale.

Two food alerts were issued over the weekend regarding branded spinach and mixed leaves batches. They are being recalled by McCormack Family Farms because of the detection of listeria monocytogenes.

FSAI said that there is no evidence that the recall is linked to the listeriosis outbreak related to ready-to-heat meals that is currently under investigation.

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 three weeks but can range between three and 70 days.

Retailers have been asked to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point of sale.

Wholesalers and distributors have also been asked to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batches and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to their retailer customers.

FSAI have said that caterers should not use the implicated batches and consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.