According to press reports, award-winning Loch Arthur Creamery Criffel cheese have been deemed risky for certain people, including pregnant women, young children and anyone with an illness leading to reduced immunity.  The recall is the second time in less than a year that the same cheese has had to be removed from sale because of the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

“Loch Arthur Creamery has recalled batches of its Criffel unpasteurised cheese, because Listeria monocytogenes has been detected in the product,” said a statement from the Food Standards Agency yesterday. “Listeria monocytogenes can cause illness in certain groups such as pregnant women, unborn and newborn babies, and anyone with reduced immunity, particularly the over-60s.”

The batches affected were produced on 11 and 15 November. Consumers who have purchased the product have been advised not to eat it and to return it to the shop where it was purchased. It is not thought that anyone has fallen ill as a result of eating the cheese.

Pregnant women and the in-firm are often advised to avoid food products which could be a high risk for listeria, including unpasteurized cheeses, smoked salmon, deli meats and pate. It can also be found on fruit and vegetables grown in soil.

Although it is fairly rare, listeria causes more deaths from food poisoning in the UK than other food-borne bugs. Most people infected with listeria are hospitalized and approximately a third die.