Marks & Spencer (M&S) has issued an urgent recall of its popular Truffle Gouda cheese amid concerns over contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that the affected batch carries the product code 29424887 and has a use-by date of October 9, 2026.
Shoppers are advised not to consume this specific batch of Truffle Gouda. M&S stores selling the cheese have been instructed to display clear notices informing customers of the recall. The retailer has pledged to provide a full refund to anyone who returns the affected product to their nearest store.
M&S emphasized that only the identified batch is impacted, and no other products are involved in the recall. The FSA detailed that symptoms of Listeria infection can resemble flu and may include high fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea.
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Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to Listeriosis, including pregnant women and their unborn babies, individuals over 65, infants under one month old, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria bacteria can contaminate a range of chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as cold sliced meats, cured and smoked fish, soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie, pâté, pre-prepared sandwiches, salads, pre-cut fruit, and unpasteurized dairy products.
While not all such foods are contaminated, the FSA advises anyone who has consumed potentially affected items to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if they become ill. At this time, those who have eaten the recalled Truffle Gouda and remain symptom-free do not need to take further action.