Food manufacturing at Ballymaguire Foods restarted after a month-long halt due to Listeria contamination detection.
Ballymaguire Foods, a leading Irish food manufacturer, has resumed production following a month-long suspension due to a listeria outbreak. The company implemented enhanced food safety protocols to address the issue and restore trust among customers and retailers.
Listeriosis, an infection caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes, is usually acquired by eating contaminated food. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) launched an investigation into an extensive outbreak of listeriosis, which led to the suspension of production at Ballymaguire Foods.
To combat the issue, Ballymaguire Foods has implemented a series of rigorous measures. These include a pharmaceutical-grade clean-down of the affected production site, close collaboration with public health authorities and external specialists, and a commitment to continuous monitoring and improvement.
Patrick Wall, a public health expert and former chief executive of the FSAI, was appointed to lead Ballymaguire's response to the Listeriosis incident. Mr. Wall stated that Ballymaguire implemented protocols exceeding industry norms and aligning with regulatory standards.
Every measure taken by Ballymaguire is grounded in international best practice and scientific evidence, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and consumer health protection. The company has strengthened and deepened its expertise to apply new industry-leading standards for food safety.
The FSAI confirmed one person had died with the rare bacterial infection. Ballymaguire voluntarily suspended production and recalled 141 products from Aldi, Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and other supermarkets. The authorities' decision to grant approval for production to resume reflects their confidence in the steps taken by Ballymaguire.
Edward Spellman, managing director of Ballymaguire Foods, acknowledged the support, rigor, and professionalism of public health authorities and independent experts throughout the review process. Ballymaguire acknowledges the concern caused by the Listeriosis incident and is resolute in its commitment to learning from it and strengthening the trust placed in the company by its partners, customers, and consumers.
The actions taken by Ballymaguire are backed by substantial investment and reflect a renewed focus on precision, accountability, and continuous improvement. Production resumed at Ballymaguire Foods on Friday, with products returning to retail shelves from Tuesday. Food safety has always been central to Ballymaguire's identity, but the company has been challenged to enhance its systems, deepen its expertise, and apply new industry-leading standards.
- Ballymaguire Foods, in response to the Listeriosis outbreak and to ensure food safety, has implemented protocols that not only meet industry norms but exceed them, aligning with regulatory standards and grounded in international best practices and scientific evidence.
- As part of its renewed focus on health and wellness, lifestyle, and food-and-drink sectors, Ballymaguire Foods has strengthened its expertise to address medical-conditions like listeriosis, applying new industry-leading standards and maintaining the highest levels of food hygiene and consumer health protection.
