The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a product recall of a number of French soft cheeses amid fears that they may have been contaminated with listeria.
Listeria is life-threatening, and only small amounts need to be consumed to cause significant infection.
The product withdrawal affects four French soft cheeses imported from one manufacturer, Fromagerie de la Houssaye, which are being sold in independent retail outlets
The FSAI has advised consumers who have bought the cheeses to return them to the point of purchase.
The products involved were manufactured by Fromagerie de la Houssaye, La Houssaye and are branded Livarot (230g), Pont l'eveque (350g), Pave d'Auge and Deauville.
They have Lot numbers 140 to 210 inclusive and were produced between May 5th and July 27th this year.
The FSAI said the four affected cheeses were ready-to-eat so there was a risk the listeria would not be destroyed before consumption.
Specific segments of the population are at particular risk of listeria, including pregnant women, elderly people and people with impaired immune functions.
Consumers who have the affected products are advised to dispose or return them to the store where they were purchased.
Consumers who may have already consumed this product and are feeling unwell, should seek medical advice.
The FSAI operates an advice line on 1890-336677.
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