A number of food items have been taken off supermarket shelves recently after being recalled over food safety fears.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has issued several Food Alerts or Food Allergen Alerts in recent months for certain batches of products, including popular dinner and dessert items.
Some of the affected products were for sale in supermarkets including Dunnes, Lidl, Tesco, SuperValu and Aldi.
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Households are being encouraged to check cupboards, fridges and freezers for any implicated batches, which have since been pulled from sale.
Any shop that stocked the items will have point of sale notices posted in their store and will give customers a full refund for returning the affected product.
The FSAI explains: “Food alerts are notifications issued by the FSAI to official agencies and food businesses or other businesses relating to an identified hazard i.e. a biological, chemical or physical agent in, or condition of, food/food contact materials with the potential to cause an adverse health effect.”
It has advised anyone with an affected product to not consume it and return it for a full refund.
Below are some of the current recall notices in effect:
Cadbury chocolate dessert
Several batches of Cadbury chocolate desserts are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The FSAI said: "Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 3 weeks but can range between 3 and 70 days."
The affected products are the Cadbury Crunchie Chocolate Dessert, Cadbury Flake Chocolate Dessert and Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons Chocolate Dessert.
Irish supermarkets including Lidl, SuperValu, Tesco and Dunnes Stores have them for sale.
The use-by dates for the implicated Flake and Crunchie flavours are May 17, while the use-by for the affected Dairy Milk Buttons flavour is May 18.
Dunnes Stores Smoky BBQ Pork Loin Chops
A batch of Dunnes Stores Smoky BBQ Quick Fry Pork Loin Chops is being recalled due to the presence of Salmonella. This batch was sold as fresh and is past it’s use-by date, however, the label states it is suitable for home freezing.
The FSAI said: "People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness."
The affected batch has the approval number: IE 538, batch code 104 and a use-by date of 22/04/2023.
Donnybrook Fair Shepherd's Pie
There is undeclared fish in a mispacked batch of Donnybrook Fair Shepherd’s Pie.
The FSAI said: "The above batch of Donnybrook Fair Shepherd’s Pie was mispacked with Donnybrook Fair Fish Pie. This product contains fish which is not declared in the list of ingredients. This may make the implicated batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of fish."
The affected product has the batch code 111 and a use by date of 01/05/2023.
Tesco Free From Bran Flakes
There is a possible presence of milk and hazelnuts in a batch of Tesco Free From Bran Flakes.
The FSAI said: "The above batch of Tesco Free From Bran Flakes may contain a small amount of another variant of cereal which contains milk and hazelnuts. These allergens are not declared on the label of Tesco Free From Bran Flakes. This may make the batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of milk and/or nuts."
The affected cereal has a best before date of 26 May, 2024.
Popcorn kernels
Batches of popcorn kernels are being recalled due to elevated levels of aflatoxin.
The FSAI said: "Aflatoxin is one of a group of a naturally occurring chemicals (mycotoxins) produced by certain moulds. They can grow on a variety of different crops and foodstuffs, often under warm and humid conditions. Mycotoxins can cause a variety of adverse health effects in humans including cancer (some are genotoxic), kidney and liver damage, gastrointestinal disturbances, reproductive disorders, or suppression of the immune system. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring, so their presence in foods cannot be completely avoided."
The recall is for certain batches of the products which have various pack sizes and best before dates that you can check below.
Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches, while retailers are requested to remove the affected products from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale in stores supplied with them.
The Apple Farm Still Irish Apple Juice
The Apple Farm Still Irish Apple Juice is being recalled due to possible fermentation that may cause bottle breakage.
The FSAI said: "The above batch of The Apple Farm Still Irish Apple Juice is being recalled due to possible fermentation that may cause bottle breakage. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale."
The affected bottle has a batch code M152 and best before date of 31/03/2024.
Dunnes Stores Wild Atlantic Prawns and Dunnes Stores Queen Scallops and King Prawns
An Allergy Alert has been issued for two Dunnes Stores items which were mispacked.
The FSAI said: "The batch of Dunnes Stores Queen Scallops & King Prawns was mispacked with Dunnes Stores Wild Atlantic Prawns with Smoked Garlic and Herb Butter.
"In addition, the batch of Dunnes Stores Wild Atlantic Prawns with Smoked Garlic and Herb Butter was mispacked with Dunnes Stores Queen Scallops & King Prawns.
"Dunnes Stores is recalling these batches as they may be unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of Milk, molluscs, sulphur dioxide and sulphites."
While they are now out of date, it is possible they may have been frozen.
Pulsin Plant Based Bars
Certain batches of Pulsin Plant Based Bars have been recalled as soya may be present, but not included on the label.
The FSAI said: "Soya may be present in the below batches of Pulsin Plant Based Bars, however it is not mentioned on the label. This may make the batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of soya."
ABC Assorted Jelly Straws and Jelly Fruity sweets
ABC Assorted Jelly Straws and ABC Assorted Jelly Fruity sweets have been recalled as they may present a choking risk due to the presence of unauthorised gel-forming additives.
The FSAI issued an alert on Thursday, saying: "Retailers are requested to remove the implicated products from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
"Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated products.
"Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale."
All batches of the sweets, which originate in Taiwan, are affected.
Iceland Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts in Blankets
A batch of Iceland Cook from Frozen Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts in Blankets has been recalled due to the presence of Salmonella.
The affected batch is 415g, with an approval number PL 22040305 WE and best before date of 15/8/2023.
The FSAI said: "People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
"Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch. If the chicken has already been consumed, cooking should remove the risk. Raw chicken should always be handled hygienically when defrosting and preparing it, and also cooked thoroughly before eating it."
Raw chicken products
Dozens of chicken products sold in Irish supermarkets this year have been urgently recalled amid Salmonella fears.
Several batches of various raw chicken items were for sale in supermarkets including Aldi, Dunnes Stores, Lidl and Tesco.
While they were sold fresh, the items are now past their use-by-date, but were suitable for home freezing.
Households are being urged to check their freezers for the items and have been advised to not eat any affected batches.
The FSAI said: “Western Brand is recalling expired batches of raw chicken products listed in the table below due to the detection of Salmonella Typhimurium. These products were sold as fresh and are past their use-by date, however, the labels state they are suitable for home freezing.
“People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps.
“The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.”
Marks and Spencer Belgian Dark Chocolate bar
A Food Allergen Alert has been issued for a batch of M&S Food Belgian Dark Chocolate bar as it may contain milk which is not declared in the list of ingredients.
The FSAI said: "This may make the batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of milk."
The affected batch is a 180g bar with a best before date of 09/11/2023.
Lidl 100% Irish Ham Fillet
Certain batches of Smoked and Unsmoked 100% Irish Ham Fillet's that were sold in Lidl have been recalled due to incorrect boiling instructions on the packaging.
The FSAI said: "Callan Bacon Ltd. is recalling Smoked 100% Irish Ham Fillet and Unsmoked 100% Irish Ham Fillet with specific barcodes due to incorrect boiling instructions detailed on the label. The implicated ham fillets were sold in Lidl stores. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale.
"The correct instructions for boiling are: Place fillet in a large saucepan of water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes per 500g, plus an additional 30 minutes. Remove fillet from the water, and allow to stand for 10 minutes before carving. Ensure food is piping hot and cooked throughout before serving."
The affected Smoked ham fillet has a barcode 4056589711575 and the affected Unsmoked ham fillet has the barcode 4056489711568. This recall notice was issued before Christmas, however some customers may have some affected products in their freezer.
Aero hot chocolate
Various Aero Hot Choc drinks have been urgently recalled due to the possible presence of silica beads.
The FSAI said: “Nestle is recalling all batches of three Aero Hot Choc drinks due to the possible presence of small (up to 3mm) food-grade silica beads. Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale."
There are three affected products - The Nestle Aero Hot Choc plastic jar (288g), the Nescafe and Go Nestle Aero Hot Choc sachet (24g) and the Nestle Aero Hot Choc cup (28g).
All batch codes and best before dates are affected.
Clearspring Organic Wholegrain Rice Cakes
Certain batches of Clearspring Organic Wholegrain Rice Cakes are being recalled due to an elevated level of aflatoxin B1 in the rice used to produce the batches.
The FSAI said: "Recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale."
The affected batches are R22176B with a best before date of 26/06/2023, and R22181B with a best before date of 01/07/2023.
Dunnes Stores Ready to Cook Southern Fried Chicken
Dunnes Stores has recalled a number of batches of its frozen, four pack Ready to Cook Southern Fried Chicken Fillets due to the presence of Salmonella.
The affected batches the best before dates 1 March 2024 and 8 March 2024.
The FSAI said: "People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have more severe illness."
Glenhaven 4 Breaded Chicken Fillets
A batch of Glenhaven 4 Breaded Chicken Fillets is being recalled due to the presence of Salmonella.
The FSAI said: "People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness."
The affected batch is 22158B with a best before date of Dec 2023.
Lidl Stuffed Mussels with Parsley and Garlic
Some batches of frozen stuffed mussels for sale in Lidl have been recalled as their cooking instructions are not labelled in English.
The FSAI said: "Lidl Ireland is recalling the above batches of its Duc De Coeur Stuffed Mussels with Parsley and Garlic because the cooking instructions are not labelled in English.
"Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batches."
The product is a named Duc De Coeur 12 Stuffed Mussels with Parsley and Garlic (frozen). The pack size is 125g. The batch codes are 03.067.22.30 and 03.104.22.30. The best before date are 09/2023 and 10/2023.
Ardo Frozen Fruitberry Mix
Several batches of frozen fruit have been pulled from sale in Irish shops due to the presence of hepatitis A.
The FSAI has issued an urgent recall notice for certain packs of the Ardo Frozen Fruitberry Mix.
Hepatitis A was found in the popular fruit product, which includes a mix of red currants, strawberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and blueberries.
The FSAI says hepatitis A can make people sick for a number of months.
A spokesperson said: “The above batches of Ardo Frozen Fruitberry Mix is being recalled due to the presence of hepatitis A. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.
“Hepatitis A infection is an acute disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
“Some people experience a fairly mild illness and recover within a couple of weeks. Other people develop more severe symptoms and may take months to fully recover. Older people are more likely to have more severe symptoms and some infected children do not have any symptoms at all.
“The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is on average 28 days but can range from 15 to 50 days.”
The affected products have a 'Lot:58622131' and all best before dates in May 2024 are affected.
Fray Bentos Just Chicken Pie
A batch of Fray Bentos Just Chicken Pie has been pulled from shop shelves amid fears it could contain plastic.
People are advised to check their cupboards to see if they have an impacted batch and if so, return it to the shop where it was bought.
The chicken pie is sold in a number of supermarkets across Ireland including Tesco, SuperValu and Dunnes Stores.
The FSAI said: “Baxters Food Group Ltd. is recalling the above batch of Fray Bentos Just Chicken Pie due to the possible presence of small pieces of plastic.
“Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.”
The affected product is 425g and has batch code L079T, with time code between 06:00 - 08:22, and a best before date of 09/2023.
Lidl Culinea Paella
Lidl Ireland is recalling a batch of its frozen Culinea Paella, because the cooking instructions are not labelled in English.
The implicated product is a 750g pack with a batch code L1354-2 and best before date of 20/06/2023.
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