Urgent recall issued for six salad products over food poisoning fears

Six salad products made by McCormack Family Farms have been recalled over concerns that they could trigger food poisoning. The bags of salad were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes, a species of pathogenic bacteria that can cause infection.

A notice issued by the Food Standards Agency said: "Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications such as meningitis.

"Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems."

The recall applies to packs of salad sold in Northern Ireland, with customers who have bought the products urged not to eat them and to return them for a full refund.

The affected products are:

• McCormack Family Farms Spinach / Baby Leaves 500g, all date codes listed, best before July 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2025.
• McCormack Family Farms Spinach / Baby Leaves 100g, batch codes JC199 JC200 JC 202 JC203, best before July 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2025.
• McCormack Family Farms Spinach / Baby Leaves 200g, batch codes JC199 JC200 JC 202 JC203, best before July 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2025.
• McCormack Family Farms Mixed Leaves 75g, batch code JC202, best before July 29, 2025.
• McCormack Family Farms Energise Super Mix 100g, batch code JC203, best before July 29 and 30, 2025.
• McCormack Family Farms Irish Spinach Leaves 250g, all date codes listed, best before July 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2025.

Listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria bacteria, can make some people seriously ill.

Common sources of contamination include chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as pre-prepared salads and sandwiches, cold meats, smoked and cured fish and soft mould-ripened cheeses.

Keeping such foods properly chilled and consuming them within four hours of removing them from the fridge can help reduce risk of infection.

Most people affected recover at home within a few days but some may need antibiotics.