Listeria Hysteria Hits The Happy Pear

Happy Pear APR25

ith the Food Safety Authority confirming an ‘extensive’ outbreak, a man has died from the rare bacterial infection Listeria monocytogenes.

And due to its possible presence in various prepared meals and side dishes, recall notices have been issued to outlets Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and Aldi as well as producers From The Farm, Good Food Locally Sourced, Clean Cut and, accounting for just 2%, The Happy Pear.

Included in a long list comprising of 141 ready-made products needing to be recalled are The Happy Pear’s Veggie Lasagne, Shepherdess Pie, Cannelloni, Chickpea Curry, Tasty Thai Noodles, Sticky Soy Noodles, Mexican Bean Burrito Bowl and Spinach & Mushroom Pasta.

According to FSAI, 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.

The recall notices follows news on Wednesday of nine cases of listeriosis have been identified and that the FSAI are currently investigating the outbreak.

The implicated products are all stemming from Dublin-based Ballymaguire Foods, who specialise in the production of freshly prepared meals, all marketed under the private-label brands of its clients.

A spokesman for Ballymaguire Foods stated, “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.

“As a precautionary measure, and in line with our rigorous response protocols, we made the decision on Saturday to temporarily suspend all production at the affected facility.”

The FSAI are warning consumers not to eat the implicated products listed here, and dispose of same if stored.