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Irish cheeses recalled over bacteria concern

Getty Images A block of cheese on a chopping board with two slices taken out of it. A knife sits beside the cheese, also on the chopping board.Getty Images

Several shops in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are recalling some cheese products over the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The bacteria can cause flu-like symptoms including a high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

The recalled cheese products were made by or contain ingredients from Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese in the Republic of Ireland.

They are sold by Dunnes Stores in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as several other retailers in the Republic of Ireland including Spar and SuperValu.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Six images of the packaging of cheeses with the "Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese" brandingFood Safety Authority of Ireland
The recalled products are made by Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese

Both the Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have advised customers not to eat the affected products.

A full list of recalled products is available on the Food Standards Agency and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland websites.

Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

The time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing is on average three weeks but can range between three and 70 days.