ICELAND has recalled a popular cheesy food after fears it may be contaminated with a deadly bacteria.
Health chiefs have warned the Cathedral City cheese and ham Gratin contains listeria.
A popular cheese product has been pulled from supermarket shelves over listeria fears
The supermarket which specialises in frozen goods has recalled 400g boxes with the best before date of May 2, 2024.
Symptoms of the bug are flu-like and include fever, muscle aches or pains and vomiting and diarrhoea.
And in severe cases, the illness can kill.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) which issued the alert, recalls food considered unsafe for human consumption.
In a statement to customers yesterday, it said: “Iceland is recalling Cathedral City Cheese & Ham Gratin because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product.
“If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund (with or without a receipt).”
It comes after the Food Standard Agency said in March a Brit had died from listeria in an outbreak linked to contaminated supermarket cheese.
Dozens of cheeses infected with the bug have been stripped from shelves this year.
Previous outbreaks of listeria have been linked to cold meats and pre-prepared sandwiches.
In 2019, there was a significant listeria outbreak in NHS hospitals caused by contaminated sandwiches, leading to the deaths of seven people.
Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, people with health conditions or on immunosuppressant medication, and those over 65.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing listeriosis by around 20 times.
It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in their newborn babies.
More serious infections such as severe sepsis and meningitis can develop in those with weakened immune systems or those over 65 years of age.
People with cancer, organ transplants, HIV or taking oral steroids are just some of the other vulnerable groups.
The mortality rate of severe listeriosis, affecting higher-risk people, is 20 to 30 per cent, according to the World Health Organisation.
Symptoms to watch for
For most people, listeriosis is a mild illness that gets better on its own.
You may experience:
A high temperature of 38C or aboveAches and painsChillsFeeling or being sickDiarrhoea
Signs of a more serious infection include:
Stiff neckConfusionLoss of balanceConvulsions
Pregnant women may also have:
A stomach acheFeel their baby moving less than usual
People at risk of serious illness should contact 111 immediately if they believe they have listeriosis.
You may need a blood test to determine if you’ve been infected.
You should call 999 or go to A&E if you experience more severe symptoms – symptom 7 to 9 on the list.