Warning as more artisanal species are urgently being recalled with a “do not eat” warning over listeria fears

More batches of artisanal soft cheeses have been urgently recalled over fears they pose a health risk.

Last week, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a “do not eat” warning for five batches covering three products manufactured by The Old Cheese Room.

Now there are fears that even more cheese could be contaminated with Listeria, as six more batches of cheese have been placed on the ‘do not eat’ list.

The bacterium, which can cause fever, nausea and diarrhea, has been found on some Wiltshire brand Baronet, Baby Baronet and Mini Baronet varieties.

The Old Cheese Room has recalled the products with certain best-before dates, urging customers not to eat the cheeses and instead contact them for a refund.

Food safety watchdogs have placed a “do not eat” warning on products manufactured by The Old Cheese Room

The Old Cheese Room’s Baronet Cream Cheese (pictured), Baby Baronet Cream Cheese and Mini Baronet Cream Cheese are all affected by the recall

Listeria are bacteria that pose a particular danger to the elderly, pregnant women and babies.

For most people, listeria poisoning can resemble the flu and include a high temperature, muscle aches or pains, chills, and nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms usually subside after a few days.

However, some vulnerable groups can develop life-threatening complications such as sepsis and meningitis.

The FSA carries out food recalls – when customers are asked to return a product – when problems are identified with food which mean it should not be sold.

The Old Cheese Room said the move was a “precautionary measure”.

It said: “Please do not consume these products. Verify that you have purchased the affected lot codes.

‘Customers can contact us for a full refund (with or without a receipt).’

A recall affects the £32 1kg Baronet with best before dates of 21 March, 11 April, 12 April and 18 April 2023.

The other two recalls are the 270g Mini Baronet, which costs £9, and the 200g Baby Baronet.

The Mini Baronet is being recalled for three batches: March 22, April 10, and April 18, 2023.

The Baby Baronet is being recalled for batches on March 22, April 4, April 10, and April 16, 2023.

Listeria most commonly infect refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods such as prepackaged sandwiches, pies, and soft cheeses.

Rarely, listeriosis occurs, which can cause fever, vomiting, and pain.

According to the latest available data, a total of 124 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2020.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that around 1,600 people develop listeriosis each year.