Listeria food safety warning issued over Baronet soft cheeses

One death has been reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which has identified three cases of listeria potentially linked to an outbreak.
 
The FSA is warning the public not to eat Baronet semi soft cheeses which it says have been recalled because they are contaminated with listeria, in some cheeses at exceptionally high levels.
 
It reported that whole Genome Sequencing surveillance of listeriosis samples by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified three cases of listeria potentially linked to an outbreak. 
 
Baronet, a pasteurised semi soft cheese, is sold in individual rounds and as 1kg wheels which are sometimes served sliced from a deli counter.
 
Consumers have been advised to contact the retailer where they bought their cheese to find out if their purchase is from the businesses and batches affected. 
 
Leigh Day product safety team partner Michelle Victor said:
 
“Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems. It's most commonly caused by eating improperly processed deli meats and unpasteurized milk products. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. It is important that anyone who has suffered with these symptoms and thinks they may be affected by having eaten Baronet cheese immediately seek medical advice. Anyone who feels they may benefit from legal guidance is welcome to get in touch with our food safety team.”