Smoked salmon recall: FSAI warning over listeria risk

Smoked salmon recall: FSAI warning over listeria risk

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland pulled a batch of Wrights of Marino sliced smoked salmon from shelves on Friday, according to the Irish Mirror.

Tests had found listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness, in the 400g pack.

Shoppers can check two details on the pack: an approval number of IE DN0023 EC, and a batch code reading Yellow A38.

The use-by date on the affected batch is 6 October, and anyone who has it at home is being told to throw it out rather than eat it.

What the FSAI told retailers

The FSAI said retailers must "remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale."

That instruction covers every shop that stocked the product, not just the outlet where a customer bought it.

Listeria infections are rare and often clear up on their own in healthy adults. But they're exactly the kind of risk that makes Irish shoppers double-check use-by dates on their weekly grocery shop.

Pregnant women, babies, older people and anyone with a weakened immune system face a higher risk of serious complications from listeria.

Symptoms can take anywhere from three days to ten weeks to appear, though three weeks is typical.

What should I do if I bought this smoked salmon?

Do not eat the recalled batch. Look for the code Yellow A38 printed on the pack, with 6 October as the date it was due to expire. Then throw it out, or return it to the shop where you bought it.

What are the symptoms of a listeria infection?

In healthy people, listeria usually causes mild, flu-like symptoms or an upset stomach.

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

Anyone who feels unwell after eating the product should contact their GP, particularly if they fall into a high-risk group.