Listeriosis outbreak under investigation
A National Outbreak Control Team is currently investigating an extensive outbreak of listeriosis. A voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is underway due to a link with the outbreak. Nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified as of 22 July 2025. The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of and is investigating the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis. To ensure medical confidentiality, no further information on this patient can be disclosed.
The National Outbreak Control Team is chaired by the HSE National Health Protection Office and comprises the HSE National Environmental Health Service, the HSE Regional Public Health Services, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the National Salmonella, Shigella and Listeria Reference Laboratory and the National Reference Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The investigation is ongoing.
For information on the food alerts recalling implicated food products, please visit the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s website.
For advice for consumers regarding listeriosis outbreak, please visit the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's website.
About listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is usually acquired by eating contaminated food. Listeria is killed by cooking food thoroughly (i.e. until piping hot).
The illness associated with Listeria monocytogenes
Serious infection with Listeria monocytogenes is very uncommon. Infection is very rarely diagnosed in healthy children and adults, where it may cause a flu-like illness or diarrhoea. When serious infection does occur it is almost always in people that are particularly vulnerable to infection. This includes people with certain existing medical conditions, older people and pregnant women.
In serious infection, Listeria monocytogenes bacteria invade the blood stream (blood stream infection). The bacteria can also spread from the blood to the central nervous causing meningitis.
Listeria is most commonly spread through contaminated food. Listeria poses a particular risk to elderly people, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. For these individuals in particular, they should avoid higher risk foods and ensure that they cook ready to heat meals thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
Infected pregnant women may have no symptoms or experience only a mild flu-like illness. However, infection during pregnancy can spread to the infant resulting in very serious infection of the infant. This can lead to miscarriage or early delivery of a very sick baby.
For full information on listeria and how to minimise the risk of infection, please see:
Listeriosis – protecting yourself and eating safely (HPSC website)
Reduce the risk of food poisoning: information for people who are particularly vulnerable (FSAI website)