A significant food safety alert has been issued for consumers in Northern Ireland regarding contaminated salad products from McCormack Family Farms.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced an urgent recall of multiple spinach and mixed leaf items due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The contamination affects eight different product lines with various pack sizes, creating substantial health concerns for vulnerable groups.
Over 65s, expectant mothers, newborns under one month old, and those with compromised immunity face particularly severe risks from this bacterial contamination.
Several products remain within their best-before dates, making immediate consumer awareness crucial for preventing potential illness.
The recalled items include Spinach/Baby leaves in 100g, 200g and 500g packages, with expiry dates ranging from July 25 through to August 4.
Mixed Leaves in 75g packs, Energise Super Mix 100g portions, and Irish Spinach Leaves in 250g bags are also affected.
Additional contaminated products comprise Rocket Leaves in 75g containers and Family Pack Lettuce in 200g sizes.
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Listeria infection symptoms mirror those of the flu, including muscular discomfort and nausea or vomiting
While many items have already exceeded their best-before dates, several products remain fresh until August 9 and August 10, including Family Pack Lettuce with batch codes JD205 and JC212.
All impacted McCormack Family Farms products must not be consumed to avoid health complications.
The FSA warned that listeria infection symptoms mirror those of the flu, including elevated body temperature, muscular discomfort, shivering sensations, nausea or vomiting, and feeling or being sick.
While these effects are typically manageable, “serious complications” can develop in certain cases.
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In Ireland, major supermarkets have recalled products from McCormack Family Farms
Meningitis represents the most severe potential consequence of Listeria exposure, though such outcomes remain uncommon.
Individuals aged over 65 face heightened vulnerability to severe illness, as do women during pregnancy and their developing babies.
The FSA’s warning follows recalls by various major supermarket chains across the Republic of Ireland.
SuperValu has recalled SuperValu Spinach bag 250g (Unwashed), while Tesco Ireland has recalled McCormack Family Farms Mixed Leaves.
Lidl Ireland has pulled Irish Spinach Leaves from circulation, and Aldi Ireland has recalled Egan’s Irish Baby Spinach 250g.
In all cases, shoppers were told not to consume the items but instead, return them for a full refund.
All products recalled across Ireland have now exceeded their best-before dates.
Shoppers in Northern Ireland have been advised: “If you have bought the above products, do not eat them. Instead, return the products to where they were bought for a full refund.”
Retail outlets displaying these items will feature point-of-sale notifications detailing the contamination risk and refund procedures.
Recalled products within their best-before dates
McCormack Family Farms Family Pack Lettuce
Pack size: 200g
Batch code: JD205 JC212
Best before: August 9, 2025; August 10, 2025 (plus August 2, 2025; August 3, 2025)
Recalled products past their best-before dates
McCormack Family Farms Spinach / Baby Leaves
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: All date codes listed
Best before: July 27, 2025; July 28, 2025; July 29, 2025; July 30, 2025
McCormack Family Farms Spinach / Baby Leaves
Pack size: 100g
Batch code: JC199, JC200, JC202, JC203, JC205, JC207
Best before: July 25, 2025; July 26, 2025; July 27, 2025; July 28, 2025; July 29, 2025; July 30, 2025; August 1, 2025; August 3, 2025
McCormack Family Farms Spinach / Baby Leaves
Pack size: 200g
Batch code: JC199, JC200, JC202, JC203, JC205, JC206, JC207
Best before: July 25, 2025; July 26, 2025; July 27, 2025; July 28, 2025; July 29, 2025; July 30, 2025; August 1, 2025; August 2, 2025; August 3, 2025; August 4; 2025
McCormack Family Farms Mixed Leaves
Pack size: 75g
Batch code: JC199, JC202, JC204, JC205
Best before: July 26, 2025; July 29, 2025; July 31; 2025; August 2, 2025; August 3, 2025
McCormack Family Farms Energise Super Mix
Pack size: 100g
Batch code: JC199, JC203, JC205
Best before: July 28, 2025; July 29, 2025; July 30, 2025; August 3, 2025
McCormack Family Farms Irish Spinach Leaves
Pack size: 250g
Batch code: All date codes listed
Best before: July 25, 2025; July 26, 2025; July 27, 2025; July 28, 2025; July 29, 2025; July 30, 2025
McCormack Family Farms Rocket Leaves
Pack size: 75g
Batch code: JC204, JC206
Best before: July 31, 2025; August 8, 2025
