A new food safety warning has been issued for shoppers in Ireland, with a Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall announced due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. If you recently bought this product from Lidl, it is important to check the pack details immediately and avoid consuming the affected batch.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has flagged the recall as a Category 1 “For Action” alert, meaning swift action is required by retailers and consumers. Here is what shoppers need to know, including the affected batch details, the health risks linked to listeria, and what to do if the product is in your fridge.
Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese Recall: Affected Product Details
The Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall applies to one specific batch only. According to the FSAI alert, the implicated product is:
- Product: Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese
- Pack size: 150g
- Batch code: 100534252
- Use by date: 08/11/2026
- Country of origin: Spain
Recall notices are being displayed at point-of-sale in Lidl stores, where the product was sold. Anyone who purchased this cheese should check the batch code and use by date carefully before deciding whether it is safe to keep.
Why the Cheese Has Been Recalled
The reason for the Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall is the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. Food recalls involving listeria are treated seriously because the infection can range from mild illness to severe complications in vulnerable people.
While some healthy adults may only experience short-term symptoms, others face a much greater risk of serious illness. This is why consumers are being clearly advised not to eat the affected batch.
What Is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can survive and grow in chilled environments, making it especially relevant in ready-to-eat foods and dairy products. Unlike some other bacteria, listeria can remain a concern even when food is refrigerated correctly.
Because of this, contaminated cheese and other refrigerated products can pose a hidden food safety risk if consumed.
Listeria Symptoms and Who Is Most at Risk
One of the most important parts of the Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall is understanding the potential health impact. In healthy people, listeria infection may cause:
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
However, listeriosis can be much more serious in people who are more vulnerable to infection. Higher-risk groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Infants
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
For these groups, infection may lead to severe complications, which is why public health authorities act quickly when listeria is detected in food products.
How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear?
The incubation period for listeria is another reason this recall matters. Symptoms do not always appear immediately. The FSAI notes that the average incubation period is around three weeks, although it can range from as little as three days to as long as 70 days.
That long timeframe means some people may not connect symptoms to a food they ate weeks earlier. If you have consumed the affected cheese and later feel unwell, especially if you are in a high-risk group, medical advice may be appropriate.
What Consumers in Ireland Should Do Now
If you have the affected product at home, the guidance is straightforward. As part of the Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall, consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.
Take these steps:
- Check the product name, pack size, batch code, and use by date.
- Do not consume the cheese if it matches the recall details.
- Return it to the place of purchase if the retailer’s returns policy allows, or follow in-store recall instructions.
- Watch for recall notices displayed in Lidl stores for further information.
If the cheese has already been eaten and no symptoms develop, there may be no issue. But anyone experiencing illness after consumption should monitor their condition, particularly if they fall into a vulnerable category.
Advice for Retailers and Food Businesses
The Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall also carries obligations for businesses in the food supply chain. Retailers have been requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at the point of sale.
Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers, and retailers should ensure the affected stock is identified quickly and isolated from sale or service. Prompt action helps reduce consumer exposure and supports traceability throughout the recall process.
Why Food Recall Alerts Matter
Food recall notices play a critical role in consumer protection. They help prevent illness by alerting the public before a contaminated product is eaten more widely. In Ireland, FSAI alerts are an important source of trusted information on product recalls, contamination risks, and food safety actions.
For consumers, the key lesson is simple: always read batch-specific recall details carefully. A recall often affects only one batch or date code, not an entire product line. Checking packaging can quickly tell you whether your item is included.
It is also wise to stay informed about current food alerts in Ireland, especially for chilled dairy, ready-to-eat foods, and products intended for vulnerable consumers.
Conclusion
The Deluxe Spanish Castellano Sheeps’ Cheese recall is a serious food safety alert affecting a specific 150g batch sold through Lidl in Ireland. Because the product may contain Listeria monocytogenes, consumers should not eat batch code 100534252 with use by date 08/11/2026. Checking your fridge now could help you avoid unnecessary health risks, particularly if you are pregnant, older, immunocompromised, or shopping for someone who is.
