A food safety alert has been issued for a goat's cheese product that may contain dangerous bacteria.

Horgan's Delicatessen Supplies has initiated a recall of SPAR Chèvre Goats Cheese 100g bearing today's use-by date.

Testing has revealed that the products may harbour Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that poses health risks when consumed.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the recall affects cheese distributed through SPAR's extensive network in Northern Ireland. According to SPAR's official website, this currently stands at 293 family-run shops.

Consumers who have purchased the affected cheese should avoid eating it and instead seek reimbursement at their point of purchase, no receipt required.

Health authorities have warned that listeria infection typically presents with flu-like symptoms.

Officials warned that affected individuals may experience a high temperature, muscular discomfort, shivering, nausea, and digestive upset.

SPAR Chèvre Goats Cheese 100g may harbour Listeria monocytogenes

While many cases remain mild, certain populations face heightened danger from listeria exposure.

The FSA identified several at-risk categories: elderly people above 65, expectant mothers and their developing babies, newborns under four weeks old, and those with compromised immunity.

Officials cautioned that severe listeria infections could lead to "severe" conditions, including meningitis.

SPAR confirmed in an official notice: "There is a risk that Chèvre Goats Cheese 100g may contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that is potentially harmful if consumed.

Shoppers should return the affected product to SPAR for a full refund

"Please return the affected products to store, where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required."

The retailer has positioned customer alerts at checkout areas and shelves where the cheese is sold.

The FSA's advice echoed the retailer's caution: "If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return the product to where it was bought for a full refund."

SPAR's recall comes after M&S, Tesco, Lidl and more pulled food from shelves over Listeria monocytogenes fears.

The major supermarket chains were instructed to immediately remove specific batches of hummus and fresh herbs from shelves in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, just days ago, Co-op issued an urgent food safety warning after an undeclared ingredient was discovered in a product.

While food recalls aren't too common, they must always be taken seriously to ensure customer safety.

The FSA explained: "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 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 action to be taken on behalf of consumers."