The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent product recall after discovering Listeria monocytogenes in a dried beef charcuterie item, warning consumers not to eat it due to serious health risks.
Dangerous Bacteria Detected in Premium Product
The affected product is The Curing Barn's British Bresaola, a premium air-dried beef charcuterie typically made from grass-fed British beef topside or silverside. The meat is cured with herbs, spices, and sometimes wine before undergoing an air-drying process lasting three to four months.
The specific batch being recalled carries the product code WLRC J1Z2 0WD0 J85J, comes in 60g packs, and has a use-by date of June 10, 2026. The FSA announced the recall on Sunday, April 5, 2026, after testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
Serious Health Risks Identified
The FSA has outlined concerning symptoms that can result from consuming contaminated products. Initial symptoms often resemble flu and may include high temperature, muscle aches or pain, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
"In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications such as meningitis," the agency warned. Certain population groups face heightened vulnerability to listeria infections, including:
- Individuals over 65 years of age
- Pregnant women and their unborn babies
- Infants less than one month old
- People with weakened immune systems
Immediate Action Required by Consumers
The FSA has issued clear instructions for anyone who may have purchased the affected product. Consumers are advised not to consume the British Bresaola under any circumstances and instead return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
The Curing Barn is displaying point-of-sale notices in all retail stores selling the product and on their website. These notices explain the reason for the recall and provide guidance on what customers should do if they have purchased the contaminated item.
Understanding Food Safety Procedures
The FSA has clarified the distinction between different food safety actions. When a problem with a food product means it should not be sold, authorities may implement either a withdrawal (removing the product from shelves) or a recall (asking customers to return the product).
The agency issues Product Recall Information Notices to alert both consumers and local authorities about food safety concerns. In more serious cases, they may issue a "Food Alert for Action" that provides local authorities with specific instructions for protecting consumers.
This recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety monitoring and the swift action required when potential health hazards are identified in consumer products.
