Co-op Food recalls camembert over food poisoning concerns

The Co-operative Food is one of three UK supermarkets to recall camembert products, after detecting the possible presence of listeria.

The food retailer has taken steps to recall its batch of 250g Truly Irresistible Camembert with a use by date of 21 February, after routine testing detected the presence of listeria monocytogenes. The bacteria can cause foodborne illness, with pregnant women, young children, those with weakened immune systems and anyone over 60 years old particularly at risk.

“Product safety is our absolute priority and as a precaution we have recalled the product following routine testing,” said a Co-operative Food spokesperson.

“Notices have been placed in all stockist stores and we have alerted the Food Standards Agency. We would advise customers not to consume this product and return it to store or call 0800 0686 727 for a full refund.”

Listeria can be found in soil, water and some animals, and can be present in foods made from unpasteurised milk. Unlike other bacteria, listeria can grow in cold temperatures, such as in fridges. Symptoms of listeria food poisoning include fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness and vomiting, and sometimes diarrhoea.

The spokesperson added: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standards of product safety and quality.”

Co-operative Food was announced speciality cheese retailer of the year at the International Cheese Awards 2015, and it’s Truly Irresistible Camembert won gold in the 2013 awards and was highly commended in 2014.

Following similar routine testing, Asda has recalled its own brand Extra Special Camembert de Pays 250g packs with use by dates of 14, 21 and 28 February, also after the possibility of listeria was detected. Sainsbury’s has recalled its 250g Camembert Pays with use-by dates up to and including 6 March 2016, and as a precaution also recalled its 250g Taste the Difference French Camembert Cheese and 250g Taste the Difference Baking Camembert Cheese.