Supermarkets Issue Urgent Recall for Ham Products
Tesco and Lidl have issued an urgent food recall for several ham products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious illness. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) published a recall notice warning consumers not to eat the affected items.
Affected Products and Batch Details
The recall covers specific ham products sold in Northern Ireland. Tesco recalls include Brady Family Crumb Irish Ham (80g, batch codes 235880 and 235765, use by July 16, 2026), Deluxe Honey Roast Carved Irish Ham (130g, batch code 235473, use by July 16, 2026), and Deluxe Triple Oak Smoked Carved Irish Ham (130g, batch code 235461, use by July 16, 2026). Lidl recalls two ham products with the same use-by date.
Health Risks and Symptoms
The FSA stated: "The possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products listed above. 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." In rare cases, infection can cause severe complications such as meningitis. Vulnerable groups include those over 65, pregnant women, unborn babies, infants under one month, and people with weakened immune systems.
Consumer Advice
Consumers who purchased the products should not eat them and return them to the store for a full refund. Point-of-sale notices are displayed in affected stores. The FSA confirmed O'Brien Fine Foods is recalling the ham products in Northern Ireland only.
Lidl said: "If you have purchased the above products, please do not consume them. Instead, please return the products to a Lidl store for a full refund, with or without a receipt." Customers can contact Lidl's Customer Services Team: Republic of Ireland at 019203010, Northern Ireland at 0289568488.
Listeriosis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
According to the NHS, Listeriosis is usually mild and clears up within days for most people. However, those at higher risk may need antibiotics. Call 111 if you suspect listeriosis and are pregnant, have a compromised immune system, or are concerned about your baby. Go to A&E or call 999 for severe headache and stiff neck, seizure, sudden disorientation, extreme drowsiness, sensitivity to bright lights, or a rash that does not fade under a glass.
