The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent recall of two French brie products sold in Irish supermarkets after batches were found to contain Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous foodborne bacterium.
The affected products are Dunnes Stores Velvety & Mild French Brie (170g) and Traditional Cheese Company French Brie (160g). Shoppers who have purchased Dunnes Stores brie with use-by dates of July 10, July 16, or July 17, 2026, are advised not to consume the product. The Traditional Cheese Company recall covers 160g packs with a use-by date of July 17, 2026.
Retailers have been directed by the FSAI to remove the affected batches from shelves immediately and to display recall notices at points of sale. Wholesalers and distributors have been asked to contact customers and ensure the implicated stock is withdrawn from circulation.
“Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches,” an FSAI spokesperson confirmed, adding that retailers must post visible notices alerting shoppers to the recall.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, an infection with symptoms that range from flu-like illness to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In most healthy adults, cases tend to be mild, but the infection can escalate to a more serious condition in vulnerable individuals.
Those considered most at risk include pregnant women, newborns, elderly people, and anyone with a compromised immune system. For these groups, listeriosis can lead to severe complications, including meningitis or blood poisoning, in rare cases.
One of the more concerning aspects of Listeria infection is its extended incubation period. While symptoms typically appear around three weeks after exposure, they can take anywhere from three to 70 days to develop — meaning those who consumed the affected products in recent weeks should remain vigilant even if they currently feel well.
Anyone who has purchased either of the recalled products is advised to return them to the point of purchase. Consumers with health concerns should contact their GP.
The FSAI regularly monitors food products across Ireland and maintains a public recall database at fsai.ie.
