Karmactive Staff
Tesco has pulled a popular Swiss cheese from its shelves after tests revealed possible contamination with dangerous bacteria. The supermarket giant is asking customers to return Le Superbe Raclette cheese immediately.
The 150g packs with a best-before date of May 12, 2025, might contain Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause serious illness. Supplier Castelli UK Ltd initiated the recall as a safety measure.
“Don’t eat this cheese if you’ve bought it,” says the Food Standards Agency (FSA). “Take it back to any Tesco store for a full refund – you won’t need your receipt.”
The risk is particularly serious for certain groups. Pregnant women, elderly people over 65, babies under one month old, and anyone with a weakened immune system face the highest danger. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency shows listeria infections have jumped by nearly 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 179 cases reported in England and Wales in 2024, including 28 deaths.
The infection can hide in your body for up to two months before showing signs. While healthy people might just feel like they have the flu, vulnerable groups could face life-threatening complications.
If you’ve eaten this cheese, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- High temperature
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Diarrhea
For pregnant women, the stakes are especially high – listeria can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. In vulnerable people, it might cause meningitis or blood poisoning.
This recall highlights an ongoing challenge with Listeria in our food supply. The FSA identifies certain foods as higher risk, including soft cheeses, pate, smoked fish, and chilled ready-to-eat products.
The FSA and Tesco have acted quickly on this threat. Point-of-sale notices are up in all affected Tesco stores, and the supermarket has removed all affected batches from its shelves.
Customers with questions can call 01732 835446 for more information about the recall. If you’re worried about symptoms after eating this cheese, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, contact your doctor right away.
Remember: This recall only affects the 150g Le Superbe Raclette cheese with the May 12, 2025 best-before date bought from Tesco. Other Le Superbe products and Castelli UK Ltd items are safe to eat.
