By Dayo Ade Olusola | M10News | Consumer Safety | 30 July 2025.
Aldi has issued an urgent recall of one of its popular ready-to-eat pasta dishes after food safety authorities detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness or even death
The recall, announced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) on Wednesday, affects Aldi’s Roast Chicken Pesto Pasta. Customers are being warned not to consume the product due to the potential health risk.
The affected product is sold in a 284g pack and has a use-by date of 31/07/2025. It has already been removed from Aldi stores across the country as a precautionary measure.
While the FSAI confirmed that the bacteria had been found in this specific product, it stressed that the recall is not linked to an ongoing listeriosis outbreak tied to contaminated ready-to-heat meals, which has already resulted in one death.
In a statement, the FSAI said: “Aldi is recalling the above batch of its Roast Chicken Pesto Pasta due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.”
Distributors and wholesalers have also been instructed to notify their customers and ensure that any stock of the implicated product is withdrawn from sale immediately.
Retailers have been asked to display a point-of-sale recall notice to inform consumers who may have already purchased the affected product.
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause mild to severe symptoms, including flu-like illness, vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. In rare but serious cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications.
Those most at risk from the infection include pregnant women, newborns, older people, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The FSAI also confirmed that this recall is not connected to a separate advisory involving spinach and mixed leaves products that were also pulled over contamination concerns.
Although serious Listeria infections are rare in Ireland, the consequences can be severe when they occur. Each year, between 14 and 22 cases are typically reported nationwide, with a small number proving fatal.
According to the FSAI, the average incubation period for Listeria monocytogenes is three weeks, though in some instances, it can range from three to 70 days after consumption of contaminated food.
Health experts have reminded the public that thorough cooking – until food is piping hot throughout – can kill the Listeria bacteria and prevent infection.
However, the recalled Aldi product is a ready-to-eat pasta meal and is typically not reheated before consumption, making the risk of exposure higher if contaminated.
The FSAI emphasised that the recall is a precautionary public health measure and that the overall risk to the general public remains low, particularly if the product has not been consumed.
Aldi has not commented publicly on the recall beyond confirming its cooperation with the FSAI and initiating the removal of the affected batch from shelves.
Customers who have purchased the product are advised to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. No receipt is required.
The FSAI continues to monitor the situation and urges anyone who feels unwell after eating the product to seek medical advice.
Further updates will be issued by the FSAI should new information emerge regarding the source or spread of the contamination.
This recall comes amid broader concerns about food safety this summer, with multiple food products being flagged over bacterial risks and potential health hazards.
Consumers are advised to stay informed via the FSAI’s official website and social media channels, where all recall notices and public health updates are published.
Editing by M10News Consumer Desk | Contact: consumer@m10news.com
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