Fresh Listeria Alert: McCormack Family Farms Recalls More Spinach and Salad Products

• Cork residents are urged to check their fridges immediately as McCormack Family Farms issues another major recall of spinach and mixed leaves products due to Listeria detection, marking the sixth significant food safety alert for the bacteria in Ireland this summer.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland announced the Category 1 recall today, 30 August 2025, affecting multiple batches of spinach, mixed leaves, and salad products sold under both McCormack Family Farms and Egan's branding. The Irish-produced items are being withdrawn after testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The recall covers extensive product ranges with batch codes ranging from JD233 to JD240, including popular items such as McCormack Family Farms Baby Leaves Spinach (500g), Irish Spinach Leaves in various sizes, Mixed Leaves, Energise Mix, Oriental Mix, Red Chard, and Family Pack products. Egan's Irish Baby Spinach in 250g packs is also affected.

Authorities have stressed that this latest recall is not connected to the ongoing listeriosis outbreak investigation related to ready-to-heat meals. This represents a new, separate incident for McCormack Family Farms, who previously recalled spinach products in late July.

The summer of 2025 has seen an unusual cluster of Listeria-related recalls across Ireland. Since July, authorities have withdrawn Ballymaguire Foods ready meals, Tom & Ollie hummus, multiple batches of goat's cheese from Spar and SuperValu, alongside the earlier McCormack spinach recall. While officials maintain these incidents are unrelated, the frequency has heightened consumer awareness around food safety.

Symptoms of Listeria infection typically include mild flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, certain groups face significantly higher risks: pregnant women, babies, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems can experience severe complications.

The bacteria's lengthy incubation period, averaging three weeks but potentially ranging from 3 to 70 days, means symptoms may not appear immediately after consuming contaminated products. This extended timeframe makes it crucial for anyone who has eaten affected products to remain vigilant.

Retailers across Cork, including major chains, have been instructed to immediately remove all implicated products from sale and display prominent recall notices. Wholesalers and distributors must contact affected customers, while caterers have been warned not to use any of the recalled items.

Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products should not eat them. Those who have already consumed the products and feel well need take no action, but anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their GP, particularly if they belong to a vulnerable group.

The FSAI has previously noted that Ireland typically sees only 14 to 22 listeriosis cases annually, with the robust food control system enabling early detection through regular testing. However, the concentration of recalls this summer has prompted increased scrutiny of food production facilities.