Supermarkets Co-op and Asda forced to recall camembert after listeria fears
Two of the UK's biggest supermarkets have been forced to issue a recall notice, over fears a brand of cheese could have listeria monocytogenes present – which can harm pregnant women and their unborn babies.
The Co-operative has warned shoppers to return any of its own brand Truly Irresistible Camembert "as a precautionary measure", the Food Standards Agency said. The Co-op product is the 250g Co-operative Truly Irresistible Camembert with a use by date of 21 February 2016.
Asda has asked purchasers of its Extra Special Camambert de Pays for the same reason. The Asda product is the 250g Extra Special Camembert de Pays. Use by dates are 14, 21 and 28 February 2016.
Refunds are being offered in both cases.
"Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, particularly among vulnerable groups – these are pregnant women, unborn and newborn babies, those over 60 years old and anyone with a weakened immune system," the FSA said.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid camembert throughout their term as a matter of course.