Asda has become the latest supermarket to issue a recall for a cheese product over the possibility it may be contaminated with listeria.
The supermarket giant has pulled its Extra Special Taleggio from shelves after some of the products were found to contain the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. This means that the cheese may be unsafe to eat.
A food alert to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has explained that the recall affects products with a 200g pack size and a use-by date of April 14, 2024. So far, no other pack sizes or use-by dates have been affected by the recall.
The FSA has warned that the symptoms caused by the Listeria organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe and cause severe implications such as meningitis.
Anyone over the age of 65 is said to be at a higher risk of being vulnerable to Listeria infections. Pregnant women and their unborn babies, as well as babies under one month, are also at risk due to their weakened immune system.
The FSA further explained that Asda's decision to pull the affected cheese is a "precautionary measure". The supermarket has also issued point of sale notices in stores to explain to customers why the product is being recalled and what to do if they have purchased it.
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As some of the products may be unsafe to eat, customers have since been urged to return the affected product to store for a full refund. A receipt is not needed.
Asda said in its recall statement: "We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations - 0800 952 0101."
It's not the first time that a supermarket has had to issue a recall for a cheese product that may be contaminated with Listeria. It comes just after Morrisons had to make the same decision last week.
The supermarket giant also recalled its "The Best Taleggio" after traces of Listeria monocytogenes were found in the product. The Morrisons recall also affected 200g packs with a use-by date of April 14, 2024.
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