A number of food outlets owned by a catering firm in Donegal and Tyrone have been closed as a precautionary measure following the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes in some products during a routine examination at one of its Strabane premises by local environmental health inspectors.
While there have been no reports of any illnesses, health authorities on both sides of the Border are working with Galfee's, which also has outlets in Letterkenny and Buncrana. The firm also has a contract catering business.
The Environmental Health Service in Northern Ireland and the North Western Health Board are providing support and advice to the company to help resolve any food safety issues. The firm's decision to close its outlets and production facilities until further notice was a voluntary one. Listeria can cause food poisoning but the risk is minimal.
Pregnant women, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system who have recently eaten any of the sandwiches, rolls, coleslaw or potato salad manufactured by Galfee have been advised to seek medical help if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Listeriosis is a type of bacteria which can cause an unusual type of food poisoning. It is a common bacteria which is present in soil and water and on raw vegetables. Listeriosis can also contaminate foods of animal origin, such as meats and dairy products.
Mr Paddy Cosgrove, Strabane Council's chief environment health officer, said the infection was found during a recent inspection in the Galfee factory in Orchard Road, Strabane.