An adult has tragically died from food poisoning linked to a recent outbreak of listeriosis in Ireland, authorities have confirmed. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) revealed that nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified as of July 22, 2025, prompting a large-scale voluntary recall of over 140 ready-to-heat meals produced by Ballymaguire Foods and sold across major Irish supermarkets including Tesco, Centra, Aldi, and SuperValu.
The recalled products, which include brands such as Tesco Finest, The Happy Pear, SuperValu Signature Taste, and Centra Freshly Prepared, cover a wide range of ready meals with meat, vegetables, pasta dishes, and sides. The recall affects all pack sizes, batches, and best before dates of the implicated products. Customers are strongly urged not to consume these meals, to check their freezers for any remaining stock, and to dispose of them immediately to avoid any further risk of infection.
The FSAI spokesperson stated, "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. To ensure medical confidentiality, no further information on this patient can be disclosed."
Ballymaguire Foods, the supplier at the center of the recall, emphasized the rarity of such incidents and their commitment to managing the situation responsibly. In a statement, the company said, "We are treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly. Immediately upon identifying the issue, we informed our retail and foodservice customers and engaged with all relevant authorities, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and our regional Environmental Health Officer."
As a precaution, Ballymaguire Foods temporarily suspended all production at the affected facility on Saturday, July 19, 2025. They enlisted internal teams and independent external experts to conduct a comprehensive assessment and implement immediate corrective actions. Meanwhile, retail partners have withdrawn all implicated products from shelves and are displaying point-of-sale recall notices to inform consumers.
The outbreak has raised concerns due to the nature of Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for listeriosis. The infection can cause mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, it can lead to severe complications including meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
Vulnerable groups at higher risk include pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old, older adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, living with HIV, or managing chronic diseases. The FSAI warns that consumers cannot visually detect contamination since the bacteria do not produce visible signs on the food.
Adding to the challenge, the incubation period for listeriosis can be unusually long, averaging around three weeks but ranging anywhere from 3 to 70 days. This means symptoms may not appear immediately after consuming contaminated food, complicating efforts to trace and contain infections.
In addition to the broad recall of ready meals, Ballymaguire Foods has also recalled specific batches of Good Food Locally Sourced Freshly Prepared Bacon and Cabbage Dinner with use-by dates ranging from June 30 to July 7, 2025. This recall also stems from concerns about potential listeria contamination.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) advises that most cases of food poisoning can be managed at home with rest and adequate hydration. People are encouraged to sip fluids regularly to avoid dehydration and start with small, bland meals such as toast and rice as their appetite returns. Oral rehydration solutions, available over the counter at pharmacies, are recommended especially for vulnerable individuals.
However, medical advice should be sought if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, if individuals are unable to keep fluids down due to vomiting, or if signs of severe dehydration appear, such as confusion or rapid heartbeat. Pregnant women, older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly urged to consult a GP promptly if they suspect food poisoning.
Retailers across Ireland are cooperating fully with the recall, removing implicated products and posting notices explaining the situation and advising customers on what to do if they have purchased the recalled meals. The FSAI has made a full list of affected products publicly available to help consumers identify and dispose of any potentially dangerous items.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the Irish food industry and public, highlighting the critical importance of food safety protocols. While Ballymaguire Foods reassures that such cases are extremely rare, the company’s swift response and collaboration with health authorities underscore the seriousness of the outbreak and the collective effort required to protect public health.
As investigations continue, health experts emphasize vigilance among consumers and retailers alike. The tragic death linked to this outbreak serves as a somber reminder of the risks posed by foodborne pathogens and the necessity of rigorous food safety standards.
For now, the message is clear: check your freezers, heed recall notices, and when in doubt, throw it out. The stakes are simply too high to take any chances with potentially contaminated ready meals.
