Unwashed spinach and mixed leaves recall issued over Listeria contamination

The products identified in the tables with a code of 260 or 261 are implicated.

Bags of unwashed spinach and mixed leaves are being recalled from a number supermarkets amid a warning over Listeria. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland announced the recall, stating that a detection of Listeria monocytogenes was discovered in a batch of unwashed spinach leaves and a range of fresh spinach products. Listeria is a bug that can cause an illness like the flu. It can be dangerous for a number of groups including pregnant women, unborn babies and new babies and people who are unwell. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. The FSAI said the recall follows the detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a batch of unwashed spinach leaves. In a statement, it said: "The products identified in the tables with a code of 260 or 261 are implicated. Retailers are advising customers to dispose of the packs. "Some unwashed spinach products distributed to caterers are also implicated," the FSAI stated. The packets are on sale in Dunnes, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Supervalu and were also supplied to a number of catering firms.