The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent recall for specific batches of Irish pork mince sold at Lidl and SuperValu stores due to the detection of Salmonella. Consumers are advised not to consume these products, which have been linked to potential food poisoning risks, and should return them to their respective retailers for a full refund.
Which products are included in the recall?
The recall covers three specific batches of Irish pork mince, all sharing the same approval number: IE 329 EC. According to the FSAI, the affected items are:
- Lidl Family Pack 100% Irish Pork Mince (800g): Use-by date 16/06/26, batch number L5159.
- SuperValu Fresh Irish Pork Mince (400g): Use-by date 16/06/26, batch number L5159.
- SuperValu Fresh Irish Pork Mince (800g): Use-by date 16/06/26, batch number L6159.
Retailers have been instructed to remove these batches from sale immediately, and point-of-sale recall notices are currently displayed in stores.
What are the health risks of Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes foodborne illness. According to the FSAI, symptoms typically appear between 12 and 36 hours following infection, though the onset can range from six to 72 hours. Common symptoms include diarrhea—which may occasionally be bloody—fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. While most people recover within four to seven days, the FSAI notes that the illness can be particularly severe for infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, sometimes requiring hospital admission.
How to return the affected meat
Lidl and SuperValu have both confirmed that customers are entitled to a full refund. Lidl Ireland stated that customers do not need a receipt to return the affected 800g Family Pack. For queries, customers can reach the Lidl Customer Services Team at 01 920 3010. SuperValu has provided a dedicated helpline for the affected mince lines at 021 4217619. Both retailers have apologized for the inconvenience and are urging shoppers to check their home freezers immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the meat to kill the bacteria?
No. The FSAI advises that consumers should not eat the implicated batches under any circumstances. Return the product to the store instead.
Do I need a receipt to get a refund?
Lidl has explicitly stated that customers can return the product with or without a receipt. It is recommended to check with your local SuperValu store if you have misplaced your proof of purchase.
What if I have already eaten the product?
If you have consumed the product and feel unwell, the FSAI recommends contacting your GP or local health provider, particularly if you are in a vulnerable group such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
Stay informed about food safety alerts by checking the FSAI website regularly. Have you checked your freezer yet? Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions about this recall.
