Listeria Scare Prompts Urgent Coriander and Hummus Recall

An urgent food recall has been issued across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for several brands of potted coriander plants and a specific batch of hummus due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The recalls, announced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), follow a series of recent alerts and highlight a wider concern about food safety, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The affected potted coriander products were supplied by O'Hanlon Herbs to a number of major supermarkets, including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, and Supervalu. The recall notice lists specific batch codes and best-before dates for each retailer's brand. For example, Tesco's "Growing Herb Coriander" with batch codes 273 or 275 and best-before dates between August 3 and August 9, 2025, is included in the recall.

Additionally, a 150g batch of Tom & Ollie traditional hummus, with batch code VG189 and a use-by date of August 8, 2025, has been recalled. The FSAI has confirmed that this particular hummus recall is not currently linked to the previous recalls of spinach and mixed leaves or the ready meals, which were associated with one death and nine listeriosis cases.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the UK has also issued a recall for McCormack Family Farms spinach and mixed leaf products due to Listeria contamination risks. These products were supplied to retailers in Northern Ireland, including Lidl, Dunnes Stores, and Musgrave Ltd.

What this Means for the UK and British South Asian Communities

The recalls, while primarily focused on Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, are highly relevant to the wider UK market due to the cross-border distribution of food products. Consumers, particularly those in Northern Ireland and neighboring areas, are advised to check their fridges and pantries for the affected products.

Coriander is a cornerstone of many cuisines, and its fresh form, in particular, is a staple in British Bangladeshi and British South Asian cooking. It is commonly used as a garnish, an ingredient in curries, and a key component of chutneys. While the current recall is for potted coriander from specific supermarkets, it raises a question of awareness for consumers who purchase fresh coriander from open markets or corner shops. At this time, the recall is limited to the specific supermarket brands and batches mentioned, but general good food hygiene practices are always recommended.

Understanding Listeria and Listeriosis

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause a serious illness called listeriosis. While many healthy individuals may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, the infection can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups. These include pregnant women, newborn babies, people over 65, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of listeriosis can appear anywhere from three to 70 days after consuming the contaminated food, with an average incubation period of about three weeks. Anyone who has consumed a recalled product and feels unwell should seek medical advice, especially if they are in a high-risk group.

Retailers are instructed to remove the implicated products from their shelves and display recall notices at the point of sale. Consumers who have purchased any of the affected items are advised not to eat them and to return them to the store for a full refund.