Major supermarkets Tesco and Lidl have pulled products from their shelves due to the potential presence of listeria monocytogenes.
Both retailers have issued recalls for items from their premium own-brand ranges.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has recalled ham products from Tesco Finest and Lidl’s Deluxe range over the possible health risk.
View 2 ImagesThe ham products have been recalled(Image: Getty)
Ham products made by the Brady Family brand are also included in the announcement.
All products included in the recall:
- Brady Family Wood Smokes Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – pack size 80g – batch code 235417.
- Brady Family Hand Crumbed Real Irish Ham 6 Slices – pack size 80g – batch code 235880 and 235765.
- Lidl’s Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham 5 slices – pack size 130g – batch code 235461.
- Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham 5 Slices – pack size 130g – batch code 235473.
- Tesco Finest Crumbed Shaved Ham 16 slices – pack size 120g – batch code 235412.
The use-by date on all of these products is July 16.
Notices will be displayed at point of sale.
Shoppers have been urged not to consume the affected items and to dispose of them immediately.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Cold meats can be especially susceptible to listeria bacteria contamination. Other high-risk foods include smoked and cured fish, shellfish and soft mould-ripened cheeses such as camembert and brie.
According to the NHS website, the majority of those infected with the bacteria experience no symptoms at all, or only mild signs such as a high temperature, vomiting, aches and pains, chills or diarrhoea.
Those most vulnerable include pregnant women, newborn babies and patients with compromised immune systems.
The risk also rises with age.
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Parents are urged to dial 999 or head to A&E if their children develop more serious symptoms, including a severe headache and stiff neck, discomfort when looking at bright lights, seizures, sudden confusion or drowsiness, and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
Most infections from the bacteria can be managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids.