Six salad products from McCormack Family Farms have been urgently recalled after tests revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium linked to serious foodborne illness. The recall, affecting multiple batches sold in Northern Ireland, has prompted warnings from health authorities for consumers not to eat the products and to return them for a full refund.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an alert stressing that Listeria infections can cause flu-like symptoms, and in severe cases, lead to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, pregnant women, newborns and individuals with weakened immune systems, face the highest risk, according to the agency.
Details of the Recalled Products
The recall applies to six specific products, all produced by McCormack Family Farms. According to the FSA, the affected items include:
- Spinach / Baby Leaves 500g: all date codes, best before 27–30 July 2025.
- Spinach / Baby Leaves 100g: batch codes JC199, JC200, JC202, JC203, best before 25–30 July 2025.
- Spinach / Baby Leaves 200g: same batch codes and dates as the 100g packs.
- Mixed Leaves 75g: batch code JC202, best before 29 July 2025.
- Energise Super Mix 100g: batch code JC203, best before 29–30 July 2025.
- Irish Spinach Leaves 250g: all date codes, best before 25–30 July 2025.
Customers are being urged not to consume these products. Instead, they should return them to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Listeria monocytogenes contamination is particularly concerning because it can survive and even grow at refrigeration temperatures, making chilled ready-to-eat foods a recognised risk.
Health Risks and Prevention Measures
The FSA warns that Listeria infection symptoms often include high fever, muscle pain, chills, nausea and diarrhoea. Although most healthy adults recover within a few days, severe cases may require medical treatment, including antibiotics. Pregnant women are advised to be especially cautious, as the infection can be dangerous for unborn babies.
According to health officials, the bacterium is commonly found in chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as pre-packaged salads, cold meats, smoked fish and soft cheeses. To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend keeping such foods properly refrigerated and consuming them within four hours of removal from the fridge.
