Listeria Contamination Sparks Urgent Recall of Irish Cheeses at Tesco and Spar

Eighteen distinct flavors of Irish cheese stocked in Tesco Ireland and Spar stores have been swiftly yanked from shelves amid fears of listeria contamination. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) sounded the alarm after identifying potential Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in these products. If the term listeria doesn't ring a bell, it's a nasty bacterium that can cause some pretty unpleasant symptoms.

These cheeses, with best-before dates ranging from May 1 to May 29, 2025, were crafted by JOD Food Products. They include flavorful variations such as Spar Old Irish Creamery Cheddar with Chilli, Horgans Irish Smoked Cheddar, and Old Irish Creamery options infused with everything from Red Wine to Irish Porter and Whiskey. Sounds tasty, but with bacteria on the loose, it’s not worth the risk!

So, what's the big deal with listeria, anyway? Well, consuming contaminated cheese isn’t just a ticket to flu-like symptoms, think fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea—yikes! For some, it can even lead to meningitis, a real serious situation. The elderly, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems need to be particularly cautious, as they’re more at risk.

If you’ve snagged any of these cheeses thinking they’d make a killer addition to your meals, it's time to double back. Retailers have been instructed to offer full refunds on unopened products, no receipt necessary. Just another reminder that a healthy bite is better than a risky indulgence!

While the recall covers Tesco Ireland and Spar stores, there’s some relief for shoppers in the UK, as their Tesco outlets are untouched by this scare. However, the distressed stores have put up clear point-of-sale notices making sure their customers are in the loop. If listeria has your nerves in a bunch, this might be your sign to explore a new cheese adventure—or just wait for a fresher, safer batch.