Cadbury-branded desserts have been recalled over fears that they may be contaminated with listeria. Müller, which makes the yoghurts, wants people to return some batches of a number of puddings as they may contain the bacteria which causes sickness and diarrhoea.
An official alert has been issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The agency said: "Müller has taken the precautionary step of recalling some batches of various Cadbury-branded dessert products because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes."
The products are produced by Müller under licence from Cadbury's owner Mondelez International. The batches being recalled are:
- Cadbury Daim Chocolate Dessert, pack size 75g, use by date, May 18, 2023
- Cadbury Crunchie Chocolate Dessert, pack size 75g, use by date, May 17, 2023
- Cadbury Flake Chocolate Dessert, pack size 75g, use by datet, May 17, 2023
- Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons Chocolate Dessert, pack size 75g, use by date, May 18, 2023
- Cadbury Dairy Milk Chunks Chocolate Dessert, pack size 75g, use by date, May 18, 2023
- Cadbury Heroes Chocolate Dessert (six pack), pack size 6 x 75g, use by date, May 18, 2023
The FSA added: "Müller is recalling the above products and has issued point-of-sale notices to their customers. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.
"If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund (with or without a receipt). For more information contact Müller on team_cccare@muller.co.uk or 07354 835 893."
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What is listeria?
Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by the bacteria, listeria, according to the NHS. It does usually go away on its own but can cause problems for some people and is why pregnant women are advised to avoid foods like soft cheese and pâté.
The infection is usually caught from eating food which contains the listeria bacteria. It is mainly a problem with chilled foods, such as:
- cooked sliced meats and cured meats
- smoked fish and cooked shellfish
- blue veined and mould-ripened soft cheeses, like camembert and brie
- pâté
- pre-prepared sandwiches and salads
- some pre-prepared fruit, including melon slices
- unpasteurised milk
- dairy products made from unpasteurised milk
These foods do not always cause listeriosis so there is no need to be concerned if you have eaten them recently unless you get symptoms of the infection. You can also catch listeriosis from someone else who has it or being in close contact with farm animals (especially sheep and cows that are giving birth), although that is less common.
Some people have a higher risk of serious problems if they get listeriosis. Including:
- people who are pregnant - there is a risk it could cause miscarriage or stillbirth
- newborn babies
- people over 65 years of age
- people with a condition that weakens their immune system, such as cancer, liver disease or kidney disease
- people having treatment that weakens their immune system, such as chemotherapy or steroid tablets
- people with diabetes who are unable to keep their blood sugar level down, even with treatment (uncontrolled diabetes)
There is a risk the infection could lead to sepsis or meningitis in babies, older people or those with a weakened immune system. Most people get better in a few days however some may need antibiotics.
Symptoms of listeria
Listeriosis often has no symptoms or only causes mild symptoms for a few days, such as:
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
The NHS says that pregnant women may also notice stomach ache or notice their baby move less than usual. Babies with listeriosis may feed less than is normal for them and will likely be more irritable.
When to get help
You should see a GP or contact 111 if:
- you're pregnant and think you have listeriosis (you can also call your midwife for advice)
- you have a condition that weakens your immune system (like cancer or kidney disease) and think you have listeriosis
- you're having treatment that weakens your immune system (like chemotherapy or steroid tablets) and think you have listeriosis
- you think your baby might have listeriosis
You should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience these symptoms which could be a sign of meningitis caused by listeriosis:
- have a severe headache and stiff neck
- find it uncomfortable to look at bright lights
- have a fit (seizures)
- feel suddenly confused
- feel very sleepy or difficult to wake
- have a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it – the rash may be blotchy, like bruises or small red pinpricks
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