Warning as more artisan types are urgently recalled with a ‘do not eat’ alert over listeria fears

Warning to cheese-lovers as more artisan types are urgently recalled with a ‘do not eat’ alert over listeria fears

  • More recalls for The Old Cheese Room’s Baronet, Baby Baronet and Mini Baronet 
  • Food Standards Agency told Brits not to eat the cheeses and request a refund 

More batches of artisanal soft cheeses have been urgently recalled over fears they pose a health risk. 

Last week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) stuck a ‘do not eat’ alert out for five batches covering three products made by The Old Cheese Room.

Now, it is feared that even more cheese may be contaminated with listeria, with six more batches of cheese added to the ‘do not eat’ list.

The bacteria, which can lead to a fever, sickness and diarrhoea, has been found on the some of the Wiltshire brand’s Baronet, Baby Baronet and Mini Baronet varieties.

The Old Cheese Room has recalled the products, which have certain ‘best before’ dates, urging customers not to eat the cheeses and instead contact them for a refund.

Food safety watchdogs have stuck a ‘do not eat’ alert out for the products made by The Old Cheese Room

The Old Cheese Room's Baronet Soft Cheese (pictured), Baby Baronet Soft Cheese and Mini Baronet Soft Cheese are all affected by the recall

The Old Cheese Room’s Baronet Soft Cheese (pictured), Baby Baronet Soft Cheese and Mini Baronet Soft Cheese are all affected by the recall

Listeria is a bacteria that poses a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies. 

For most people listeria poisoning can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills and feeling or being sick.

Usually symptoms recede after a few days. 

However, some vulnerable groups can develop life-threatening complications, such as sepsis and meningitis. 

The FSA issues food recalls — when customers are asked to return a product — when problems are spotted with food that means it should not be sold. 

The Old Cheese Room said the move was a ‘precautionary measure’.

It said: ‘Please do not consume these products. Check if you have bought the affected batch codes.

‘Customers can contact us for a full refund (with or without a receipt).’

One recall is for the 1kg Baronet, priced at £32, with best before dates of March 21, April 11, April 12 and April 18, 2023.

The other two recalls are for the 270g Mini Baronet, costing £9 and 200g Baby Baronet.

The Mini Baronet is being recalled for three batches: March 22, April 10 and April 18, 2023.

The Baby Baronet is being recalled for batches, March 22, April 4, April 10 and April 16, 2023. 

Listeria most commonly infects chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as pre-packed sandwiches, pate and soft cheeses.

In rare cases it leads to listeriosis, which can cause a temperature, vomiting and aches and pains.

According to the latest available data, a total of 124 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2020. 

Meanwhile in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year. 

What is listeriosis?

Most people that catch listeriosis, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Other symptoms of the infection can include a high temperature of 38C or above, aches and pains, and chills, according to the NHS.

However, more serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.

Many foods can harbour listeria, but it is usually found in unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches. 

Listeria is widespread in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the droppings of many mammals, birds, and fish.

Around 120 cases of listeriosis are confirmed every year in England, according to figures. It strikes around 1,600 annually in the US.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID LISTERIOSIS?

  • wash your hands regularly with soap and water
  • wash fruit and vegetables before eating them
  • store ready-to-eat foods as recommended by the manufacturer
  • make sure all hot food is steaming hot all the way through

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