Warning as more artisan types are urgently recalled with a ‘do not eat’ alert over listeria fears

Warning to cheese lovers as more artisanal varieties are urgently recalled with a ‘do not eat’ warning over listeria fears

  • More recalls for The Old Cheese Room’s Baronet, Baby Baronet, and Mini Baronet
  • Food Standards Agency told Britons not to eat the cheeses and ask for a refund

More batches of artisanal soft cheeses have been urgently recalled over fears they pose a health risk.

Last week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) posted a “do not eat” warning on five batches of three products made by The Old Cheese Room.

It is now feared that even more cheese may be contaminated with listeria, with six more batches of cheese added to the ‘do not eat’ list.

The bacteria, which can cause fever, illness and diarrhea, has been found on some of the Wiltshire brand’s Baronet, Baby Baronet and Mini Baronet varieties.

The Old Cheese Room has recalled the products, which have certain expiration dates, and is urging customers not to eat the cheeses and instead contact them for a refund.

Food safety watchdogs have posted a ‘do not eat’ warning on The Old Cheese Room’s products

The Old Cheese Room's Baronet Soft Cheese (pictured), Baby Baronet Soft Cheese and Mini Baronet Soft Cheese are all affected by the recall

The Old Cheese Room’s Baronet Soft Cheese (pictured), Baby Baronet Soft Cheese and Mini Baronet Soft Cheese are all affected by the recall

Listeria is a bacteria that poses a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies.

For most people, listeria poisoning can be similar to the flu and include a high temperature, muscle aches or pains, chills, and nausea or vomiting.

Usually the symptoms disappear after a few days.

However, some vulnerable groups may experience life-threatening complications such as sepsis and meningitis.

The FSA recalls food – when customers are asked to return a product – when problems are noticed with food, meaning it should not be sold.

De Oude Kaaskamer called the move a ‘precautionary measure’.

It said, ‘Please do not use these products. Verify that you have purchased the relevant batch codes.

“Customers can contact us for a full refund (with or without receipt).”

One recall is for the 1kg Baronet, priced at £32, with best before dates of March 21, April 11, April 12 and April 18, 2023.

The other two recalls are for the 270g Mini Baronet, which costs £9, and the 200g Baby Baronet.

The Mini Baronet is recalled for three batches: March 22, April 10 and April 18, 2023.

The Baby Baronet is recalled for batches, March 22, April 4, April 10, and April 16, 2023.

Listeria usually infects refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods such as prepackaged sandwiches, pâtés, and soft cheeses.

In rare cases, it leads to listeriosis, which can lead to fever, vomiting, and aches and pains.

According to the most recent available data, a total of 124 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2020.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US estimates that about 1,600 people get listeriosis each year.

What is Listeriosis?

mMost people who get listeriosis, caused by the bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Other symptoms of the infection may include a high temperature of 38°C or higher, aches and pains and chills, according to the health service.

However, more serious complications can arise in people with weakened immune systems, infants, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Many foods can contain listeria, but it’s most commonly found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepackaged sandwiches.

Listeria is common in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the feces of many mammals, birds and fish.

According to figures, about 120 cases of listeriosis are confirmed in England every year. It affects about 1,600 in the US each year.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID LISTERIOSIS?

  • wash your hands regularly with soap and water
  • wash fruits and vegetables before eating them
  • store ready-to-eat foods as recommended by the manufacturer
  • make sure all hot food is completely hot