Urgent Food Recall: Café Sol Pesto Pasta & Chicken Withdrawn Over Listeria Risk

Freshways has issued an immediate recall of a batch of Café Sol Pesto Pasta & Chicken today after dangerous Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was detected in the ready-to-eat meal. The recalled product has a use-by date of 25 September 2025, making this recall particularly urgent.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has issued a Category 1 "For Action" alert for the 224g packs of the Irish-manufactured product. Retailers across the country are being instructed to remove the affected batch from shelves immediately and display recall notices at point-of-sale.

Consumers who have purchased the product are advised not to eat it under any circumstances. The recall specifically affects products with today's use-by date, meaning anyone who bought this item recently should check their fridge immediately.

Listeria monocytogenes poses serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups including pregnant women, babies, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like effects to severe gastrointestinal problems including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

The infection can take anywhere from three days to ten weeks to manifest, with an average incubation period of three weeks. In rare cases, the bacteria can cause serious complications, making the recall critical for public safety.

This marks another listeria-related food recall in recent months, highlighting ongoing concerns about food safety standards in ready-to-eat products. Earlier this year, Ireland experienced significant listeria outbreaks affecting ready meals and fresh produce, including a fatal case linked to contaminated products.

Wholesalers and distributors have been instructed to contact all affected customers immediately and ensure the contaminated batch is removed from the supply chain. Caterers and food service providers must also check their stock and dispose of any affected products.

Anyone who has consumed the recalled product and feels unwell should seek medical advice, particularly if they fall into one of the vulnerable categories. The lengthy incubation period means symptoms may not appear for several weeks after consumption.

The recall demonstrates the importance of checking use-by dates and batch codes when food safety alerts are issued. The FSAI maintains active surveillance of the food supply chain to protect public health.