M&S recall as bacteria which can cause meningitis found

M&S is recalling M&S Food Truffle Gouda due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The bacteria can survive and even grow under refrigeration and can cause Listeriosis which can last up to several weeks depending on the severity.

Symptoms include fever, vomiting and headaches, with some cases even resulting in convulsions.

In rare cases, the infection can lead to meningitis.

Wednesday 8 July 2026 – M&S recalls M&S Food Truffle Gouda due to the presence of Listeria Monocytogenes: https://t.co/KS7bBdWiZY

Distribution is in Northern Ireland only.#FoodAlert pic.twitter.com/xMM0aAlNOu

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) July 8, 2026

The affected products are sold in M&S supermarkets in Northern Ireland, have a best before date of October 9 and a product code of 29424887.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “M&S is recalling the above product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

“These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“Symptoms caused by Listeria monocytogenes can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

“However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

“Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.

“If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to where you bought it from for a full refund.”

An M&S spokesman added: “In the abundance of caution, Marks & Spencer is recalling M&S Truffle Gouda due to the potential presence of Listeria.

“Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer and we take food safety extremely seriously.

“Please do not consume this product. Any customers in possession of this product can return it to their nearest store where a full refund will be given.

“Only the displayed date codes are impacted. No other M&S products are affected.

“We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. For more information contact us on 03330 148555.”

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.