Tesco recalls Swiss raclette cheese sold in UK stores after food safety officials detect dangerous listeria contamination

Tesco recalls Swiss raclette cheese sold in UK stores after food safety officials detect dangerous listeria contamination

If you recently stocked up on fancy cheese for a cozy night in or a dinner party, you might want to double-check your fridge.

A batch of Swiss cheese sold at Tesco has been urgently recalled due to a potentially dangerous bacteria contamination.


Health Scare Over Listeria Contamination

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning to customers about Le Superbe Raclette, a rich, full-fat cheese made from pasteurised milk.

There are concerns that this specific cheese could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis—an illness linked to serious health complications in vulnerable people.

While most people experience mild symptoms, like fever and muscle aches, listeriosis can be extremely risky for pregnant women, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and newborn babies.

According to the World Health Organization, the more serious form of the disease carries a mortality rate of up to 30%.


What Are the Symptoms?

The FSA explained that early signs of listeriosis often mimic the flu.

You might feel feverish, have chills, muscle aches, or even experience nausea and diarrhoea.

In some rare but severe cases, the infection can lead to dangerous complications like meningitis or blood poisoning (septicemia).

So, if you’ve eaten this cheese and start to feel unwell, especially if you fall into a high-risk group, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice quickly.


Tesco Issues Recall: What You Need to Know

The recall only applies to 150g packs of Le Superbe Raclette cheese sold at Tesco with a best before date of May 12, 2025.

The product is distributed by Castelli UK Ltd, who issued the recall out of an abundance of caution.

Tesco has already put up warning signs in stores where the cheese was sold. If you’ve purchased one of these packs, don’t eat it—just bring it back to any Tesco location and you’ll get a full refund.

And don’t worry, you don’t need a receipt to claim your money back.


Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Listeria outbreaks are relatively rare, but they can be very serious.

This recall is a reminder of how important it is to pay attention to food safety warnings.

If you know someone who might be affected—especially pregnant friends or elderly relatives—be sure to give them a heads-up.