LIVE: Investigation launched as adult dies following 'extensive outbreak' of Listeriosis

Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of an "extensive outbreak" of Listeroiosis which has resulted in the recall of a large variety of read-to-cook meals.

One person, an adult, has died and a further nine cases of Listeriosis have been confirmed, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has revealed. 

Confirmation of the investigation, which involved a number of agencies, comes just days after a recall of over 200 prepared meals and side dishes was issued, due to a possible presence of bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes. 

The impacted food products, all produced by Ballymaguire Foods, were sold in a multitude of popular stores such as Tesco, Supervalu, Centra and Aldi, where recall notices are now displayed at the point-of-sale.

Ballymaguire Foods says such incidents are "extremely rare" for it and that it is treating it with the utmost seriousness.

"As a precautionary measure, and in line with our rigorous response protocols, we made the decision on Saturday to temporarily suspend all production at the affected facility. Our internal team, supported by independent external experts, conducted a comprehensive assessment and implemented immediate corrective actions. These included a full pharmaceutical-grade clean down of the facility. In consultation with the relevant statutory bodies and our customers, we will resume production once it is confirmed safe to do so."

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Consumers across the country are being urged to check their fridges and freezers and to dispose of the dishes. They should not eat the implicated foods

Commenting on the outbreak, a representative of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said: "A National Outbreak Control Team is currently investigating an extensive outbreak of listeriosis. A voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak. Nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified as of 22 July 2025. The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of and is investigating the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis."

They added that as investigation is ongoing, there is no further comment at this time. 

Members of the public are being urged not to consume these meals and dishes as the infection of Listeriosis is usually acquired by eating contaminated food.