Five cooked ham products sold in Ireland have been recalled by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects specific batches of Brady Family and Lidl Deluxe ham, as well as Tesco Finest Crumbed Shaved Ham, all bearing a use-by date of July 16, 2026. While the manufacturer, O’Brien Fine Foods, stated the contamination was identified at the source and quarantined, the recall was issued as a precautionary measure for products produced in the same area on the same day.
Which products are affected by the recall?
The FSAI has confirmed that five specific ham products are subject to this recall. Consumers should check their refrigerators for the following items, all of which carry a use-by date of July 16, 2026:
- Brady Family Wood Smoked Real Irish Ham (80g pack, six slices)
- Brady Family Hand Crumbed Real Irish Ham (80g pack, six slices)
- Lidl Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham (130g pack, five slices)
- Lidl Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham (130g pack, five slices)
- Tesco Finest Crumbed Shaved Ham (120g pack, 16 slices)
Retailers have been instructed to remove these batches from sale and display recall notices at the point of purchase. The FSAI explicitly advises consumers not to consume these products.
Symptoms of a listeria infection can take a significant amount of time to appear. While some people experience symptoms within a few days, the incubation period can last anywhere from three to 70 days, with an average of three weeks.
Why are food safety rules changing?
The FSAI is implementing stricter microbiological standards for food businesses starting July 1, 2024. These new rules require companies to maintain more robust safety controls to comply with lower limits for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods. According to the FSAI, these regulations utilize more sensitive testing methods capable of detecting low levels of the bacteria.
FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey stated that these rules will “effectively raise the microbiological standards expected of food businesses and better protect public health.” Because of these stricter testing parameters, the agency anticipates that consumers may see an increase in voluntary recalls for ready-to-eat products in the coming months as manufacturers adjust to the heightened sensitivity requirements.
What are the health risks of Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, an infection that can manifest with symptoms ranging from mild, flu-like signs to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While many cases are mild, the infection can lead to severe, life-threatening complications in rare instances.
Certain groups are at a much higher risk of severe illness. The FSAI identifies these vulnerable populations as:
- Pregnant women
- Infants
- The elderly
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Always check the FSAI website for the most up-to-date information on food alerts. If you have purchased one of the recalled ham products, return it to the point of sale for a refund rather than attempting to cook or repurpose it.
How does this recall compare to previous outbreaks?
This precautionary action follows a period of heightened vigilance regarding listeria in the food supply. In the previous year, the FSAI managed several recalls involving diverse products, such as goat’s cheese, potted coriander, hummus, and spinach.
The severity of these risks was underscored last year when an “extensive” outbreak of listeriosis was linked to 141 ready-made products. That outbreak resulted in nine confirmed cases and one death, prompting a large-scale voluntary recall. Unlike the current situation—where the manufacturer identified the contamination at the source—previous outbreaks have occasionally been linked to broader distribution chains that reached consumers before the bacteria was detected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the ham to kill the bacteria?
The FSAI advises consumers not to eat the implicated batches. Do not attempt to heat or cook the product to resolve the safety issue; it should be returned to the retailer.
What should I do if I have already eaten the ham?
If you have consumed the product and feel unwell, monitor your health for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever. Consult your GP if you are concerned, particularly if you fall into a high-risk category such as being pregnant or immunocompromised.
Will I see more recalls in the future?
Yes, the FSAI expects more recalls as food businesses adopt the new, more sensitive testing methods for Listeria monocytogenes that came into effect this July.
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