M&S has issued an urgent recall for its Truffle Gouda cheese over fears it may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the recall, warning consumers not to consume the product.
Product Details and Refund
The affected batch carries the product code 29424887 and has a use-by date of October 9, 2026. M&S has instructed customers to return the cheese to any store for a full refund. In-store notices are being displayed to alert shoppers.
In a statement, M&S said: “Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store where a full refund will be given. Only the displayed date codes are impacted. No other M&S products are affected.”
Health Risks and Symptoms
The FSA’s risk statement explained: “Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.” It added that vulnerable groups include people over 65, pregnant women, unborn babies, infants under one month, and those with weakened immune systems.
Understanding Listeriosis
According to the NHS, listeriosis is usually caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria. The health service notes: “Listeria can contaminate a wide range of foods, but most infections are caused by eating chilled, ready-to-eat foods.” Common sources include cold cooked sliced meats, cured meats, smoked fish, cooked shellfish, soft mould-ripened cheeses like camembert and brie, blue-veined cheeses, pâté, pre-prepared sandwiches and salads, pre-cut fruit, and unpasteurised milk products.
The FSA emphasised that not all such foods contain listeria, and consumers who have eaten them recently need not take action unless symptoms appear.
