DUBLIN, Ireland: One person has died following a widespread outbreak of listeriosis, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed this week. The outbreak has been linked to ready meal products made by Ballymaguire Foods, prompting a major product recall.

So far, nine cases of listeriosis have been confirmed. The person who died was an adult, but no further details have been shared for privacy reasons.

The outbreak came after 201 ready-to-heat meals were recalled as a precaution due to the possible presence of listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that cause listeriosis. The products were sold in major Irish supermarket chains, including Aldi, Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and others.

Ballymaguire Foods said the recall was voluntary and precautionary. It was initiated after a quality control check found traces of listeria bacteria. The National Outbreak Control Team has been activated to investigate the source and extent of the contamination.

Listeriosis symptoms can range from mild flu-like signs to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, especially in vulnerable individuals, the infection can lead to serious complications or death. Those most at risk include pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

The illness typically develops within three weeks of exposure but can take anywhere from three to 70 days to show symptoms.

Consumers are strongly urged not to eat the affected meals, to check their fridges and freezers, and to safely dispose of any implicated products. The FSAI is continuing to monitor the situation and is expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

The products recalled are Cottage Pie with Peas & Carrots Dinner, Beef Dinner, Bacon and Cabbage Dinner, Beef Stew Dinner, Chicken Curry and Rice, Beef Burger Dinner, Chicken and Ham Dinner, Leek & White Wine Sauce Dinner, Cottage Pie, Beef Lasagne, Chicken Curry, Chicken and Pasta Bake, Chicken and Broccoli Potato Bake, Carbonara Pasta Bake, Cottage Pie, Mac and Triple Cheese, Beef Lasagne, Beef Bourguignon and Mash, Spaghetti Bolognese and Spaghetti Carbonara.