Spar Northern Ireland recalls cooked chicken products over bacteria presence

Several cooked chicken products are being recalled from Spar stores in Northern Ireland due to the presence of a pathogenic bacteria.

Traces of Listeria monocytogenes have been found in several batches of the supermarket’s Enjoy Local pieces, slices and fillets ranges.

The alert is specific to Northern Ireland and was first issued on Monday.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) extended the recall on Thursday and customers are advised to return the products for a full refund.

Listeria monocytogenes is a species of bacteria that can cause symptoms similar to flu.

Consumers may experience high temperatures, chills, and muscle aches or pains.

They may also experience feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

In rare cases, the infection can have more severe consequences, causing serious complications such as meningitis.

Pregnant women, people over 65, babies under one month old, and people with weakened immune systems can be more vulnerable to listeria infections.