PACKS of cheddar cheese have been pulled from shelves at Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's over fears they contain a deadly bacteria.
Shoppers are being urged not to eat Galloway Coloured Medium Grated Cheddar.
The recall has been issued nationwide by all three supermarkets but Asda says it only affects stores in Scotland.
We've asked Tesco and Sainsbury's to specify the regions in which the cheese was sold and we'll update this story when we hear back.
In the warning issued by the Food Standards Agency, the cheese is being recalled as a precautionary measure as "there is a risk of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes".
If contaminated food is eaten, Listeria can cause listeriosis, which in extreme cases can cause life-threatening illnesses including sepsis, meningitis and encephalitis.
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is the species of pathogenic bacteria which can cause the infection listeriosis if ingested.
It can grow and reproduce inside the host's cells and is one of the most virulent food based pathogens.
Symptoms can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis and life-threatening infections.
Up to 20 to 30 per cent of food borne listeriosis infections in high-risk individuals may be fatal.
In the European Union listeriosis is on an upward trend that began in 2008, causing 2,161 confirmed cases and 210 reported deaths in 2014, 16 per cent more than in 2013.
The deadly disease is a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies.
It causes flu-like symptoms such as high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
Listeria infection can go unnoticed in healthy people but it is a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies.
The bacteria is currently the cause of a food poisoning scandal in the NHS that has so far killed five patients after pre-packed hospital sandwiches were found to be contaminated.
But the recall notice by the cheese makers Lactalis McLelland Ltd emphasised that the "health risk to the public remains low".
It read: "Individuals should only seek medical attention if they develop symptoms."
Only one batch of the cheese has been pulled from shelves. Affected products have a code number of 9154G53 and a best before date of August 26 2019.
The manufacturer said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any questions please contact the Galloway Team on 08000834358."
Customers should return the cheese to where they bought it from in exchange for a full refund.
No other Galloway product is known to be affected by the recall.
Earlier this month, two Cadbury desserts were recalled over fears they contain the deadly bacteria too.
Your product recall rights
PRODUCT recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full redund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.
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