Ballymaguire Foods has said that it has been granted Health Service Executive (HSE) to resume production as it plans on having products back on shelves by Tuesday.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recalled a large number of ready-made meals manufactured by Ballymaguire Foods on Tuesday 22 July due to the possible presence of the pathogenic bacteria listeria monocytogenes in the meals.
The recall came after the FSAI had detected at one of the manufacturers production sites in July.
Products including beef stew dinners, spaghetti carbonara, beef lasagna, cottage pie, chicken and ham dinner and creamy fish pie stocked in stores such as Supervalu, Centra and Tesco were among those that featured on the recall list.
Ballymaguire Foods said on Friday that it had received the green light from the National Environmental Health Service division of the HSE to recommence production.
A “comprehensive process” has taken place since the FSAI issued the recall notice and production is to resume from Friday, the company said.
Ex-FSAI boss leads response
Former CEO of the FSAI Professor Patrick Wall was appointed to lead Ballymaguire Foods’ response to the detection, which it said was carried out in close collaboration with public health authorities.
Professor Wall stated on Friday that protocols have been put in place at the company that go beyond those in place as standard across the food processing industry.
“Listeria is a naturally occurring, complex, and challenging bacteria that, while rare, requires close attention and strong controls in food environments,” he commented.
“Managing it is not just about routine hygiene—it requires a deep understanding of how it behaves and an unrelenting attention to detail.”
Investment
The food safety expert said that Ballymaguires Foods’ response has been “backed by substantial investment and reflect a renewed focus on precision, accountability and continuous improvement”.
“Every measure 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 decision to grant approval for production to resume reflects the authorities’ confidence in the steps taken.”
Prof Wall said that listeria infection is rare and primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those undergoing medical treatment, but even low-probability risks must be managed with the “utmost seriousness”.
“The steps taken at Ballymaguire Foods reflect a genuine commitment to protecting every consumer, and to doing so with transparency and integrity,” his remarks concluded.
Food safety ‘central’
Co-founder and managing director of Ballymaguire Foods Edward Spellman stated that “food safety has always been central” to the company.
“This experience has challenged us to go even further—to enhance our systems, deepen our expertise, and apply new industry-leading standards,” Spellman said.
“We acknowledge the concern this situation has caused. We are resolute in our commitment to learn from it and to strengthening the trust placed in us by our partners, customers, and consumers.”
Read more
Adult dies after contracting listeriosis
Supervalu spinach being recalled to bacteria detection
Coriander latest product recalled due to listeria
Various Ballymaguire Foods-branded prepared meals being recalled
Ballymaguire Foods has said that it has been granted Health Service Executive (HSE) to resume production as it plans on having products back on shelves by Tuesday.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recalled a large number of ready-made meals manufactured by Ballymaguire Foods on Tuesday 22 July due to the possible presence of the pathogenic bacteria listeria monocytogenes in the meals.
The recall came after the FSAI had detected at one of the manufacturers production sites in July.
Products including beef stew dinners, spaghetti carbonara, beef lasagna, cottage pie, chicken and ham dinner and creamy fish pie stocked in stores such as Supervalu, Centra and Tesco were among those that featured on the recall list.
Ballymaguire Foods said on Friday that it had received the green light from the National Environmental Health Service division of the HSE to recommence production.
A “comprehensive process” has taken place since the FSAI issued the recall notice and production is to resume from Friday, the company said.
Ex-FSAI boss leads response
Former CEO of the FSAI Professor Patrick Wall was appointed to lead Ballymaguire Foods’ response to the detection, which it said was carried out in close collaboration with public health authorities.
Professor Wall stated on Friday that protocols have been put in place at the company that go beyond those in place as standard across the food processing industry.
“Listeria is a naturally occurring, complex, and challenging bacteria that, while rare, requires close attention and strong controls in food environments,” he commented.
“Managing it is not just about routine hygiene—it requires a deep understanding of how it behaves and an unrelenting attention to detail.”
Investment
The food safety expert said that Ballymaguires Foods’ response has been “backed by substantial investment and reflect a renewed focus on precision, accountability and continuous improvement”.
“Every measure 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 decision to grant approval for production to resume reflects the authorities’ confidence in the steps taken.”
Prof Wall said that listeria infection is rare and primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those undergoing medical treatment, but even low-probability risks must be managed with the “utmost seriousness”.
“The steps taken at Ballymaguire Foods reflect a genuine commitment to protecting every consumer, and to doing so with transparency and integrity,” his remarks concluded.
Food safety ‘central’
Co-founder and managing director of Ballymaguire Foods Edward Spellman stated that “food safety has always been central” to the company.
“This experience has challenged us to go even further—to enhance our systems, deepen our expertise, and apply new industry-leading standards,” Spellman said.
“We acknowledge the concern this situation has caused. We are resolute in our commitment to learn from it and to strengthening the trust placed in us by our partners, customers, and consumers.”
Read more
Adult dies after contracting listeriosis
Supervalu spinach being recalled to bacteria detection
Coriander latest product recalled due to listeria
Various Ballymaguire Foods-branded prepared meals being recalled
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