A Brit has died from Listeria in an outbreak linked to contaminated cheese, health chiefs announced today.
Food safety watchdogs have now issued an urgent warning about the potential risk of certain semi-soft Baronet cheeses, some of which contain “exceptionally high levels” of the bacteria.
Dozens of species have already been recalled due to fears of contracting the bug.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today urged the public not to eat any of the affected products, all of which are made by Wiltshire-based company The Old Cheese Room.
Food safety watchdogs have now issued an urgent warning about the potential risk of certain semi-soft Baronet cheeses, some of which contain “exceptionally high levels” of the bacteria
Those who eat food containing Listeria develop an infection called listeriosis, which can cause fever, pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Baronet is a pasteurized semi-hard cheese with a pink-orange rind and a pungent smell.
It is sold both in small single rounds and as 1kg wheels which can be shortened to order.
A recall affects the £32 1kg Baronet with best before dates of 21 March, 11 April, 12 April and 18 April 2023.
The other two recalls are the 270g Mini Baronet, which costs £9, and the 200g Baby Baronet.
The Mini Baronet is recalled for three groups: 22 March, 10 April and 18 April 2023.
The Baby Baronet is recalled for groups on 22 March, 4 April, 10 April and 16 April 2023.
The cheeses are sometimes served in slices from a deli counter.
Britons who think they have bought any of the affected Baronet items are urged not to eat them and to contact their retailer.
They should also thoroughly clean any surfaces they may have touched to avoid cross-contamination from other foods.
In today’s announcement, the FSA and UKHSA said they had detected three Listeria cases “potentially linked to an outbreak” and one person had died.
They did not provide any further information about the fatal accident.
All those infected had a genetically closely related strain of Listeria, which was also found in samples of Baronet cheese.
However, this does not necessarily mean that everyone involved in the outbreak contracted listeriosis from eating Baronet cheese.
Listeria was also found in samples taken from “food environments,” they said.
However, it is unclear where they are located and officials have insisted that there is “no confirmation” that Baronet is the cause of the outbreak.
Health chiefs are investigating the cause of the outbreak.
Those who eat food containing Listeria develop an infection called listeriosis, which can cause fever, pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While the bug usually goes away on its own, it can be serious in some groups, including pregnant women, newborns, people over 65, people with weak immune systems, and people with diabetes.
These groups may require antibiotics to treat the infection.
Anyone who is ill and shows symptoms of listeriosis is advised to report their illness to the municipality.
Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “Due to this outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes, we are urging consumers who are susceptible to Listeria infection – including pregnant and immunosuppressed individuals – to ensure they follow the advice in product recall notices follow, which list all products that may pose a risk.
Food safety officials have placed a “do not eat” warning on The Old Cheese Room’s products
“We are also asking people to ensure that elderly family members who may have purchased the recalled items and who are at greater risk are aware of the recall and follow the advice.
“Some foods have a greater risk of listeria than others. These include soft cheeses, pies, smoked fish, chilled meats and other chilled ready-to-eat products.”
According to the latest available data, a total of 124 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2020.
Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year.
De Oude Kaaskamer called the move a “precautionary measure”.
It reads: “Please do not use these products. Make sure you have purchased the appropriate lot codes.
“Customers can contact us for a full refund (with or without a receipt).”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
