Product recallFSA
The Old Cheese Room Baronet and Baby Baronet Soft Cheeses recalled over Listeria
The Cambridge Food Company Limited is recalling The Old Cheese Room Baronet and Baby Baronet Soft Cheeses because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in some batches of these products. The Cambridge Food Company Limited trades under the names Rennet & Rind and Cheese +.
Point-of-sale notice published with the recall
Check your product
Only products that match these details are covered. Have your pack in front of you.
The Old Cheese Room Baronet Soft Cheese 1kg
- Best beforeOn the lid, base or back of the pack.
- 21 March 2023
- 22 March 2023
- 11 April 2023
- 12 April 2023
- 16 April 2023
- 18 April 2023
The Old Cheese Room Baby Baronet Soft Cheese 200g
- Best before
- 04 April 2023
- 10 April 2023
What to do now
This recall is about Listeria monocytogenes. Chilling does not stop it and there is no smell or change in colour to warn you, so treat the affected The Old Cheese Room Baronet and Baby Baronet Soft Cheeses as contaminated.
- Keep it out of the meal plan altogether. Cooking at home is not the remedy the recall asks for.
- Clean the fridge shelf, containers and boards it touched with hot soapy water. Listeria can survive on cold surfaces after the food has gone.
- Take it back to the shop where you bought it for a full refund, or throw it away if you prefer. You do not usually need a receipt.
- If you froze some or put it into another container, check those portions too.
Why it matters. Listeriosis can take a long time to show itself, sometimes weeks after eating. In pregnancy it can harm the baby even when the mother only feels mildly unwell, which is why the FSA treats any Listeria finding in ready-to-eat food as a reason to clear the shelves.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- a high temperature
- aches and pains
- chills
- feeling or being sick
- diarrhoea
Get help urgently
- you are pregnant and have eaten the product, even if you feel well — speak to your midwife, GP or NHS 111
- a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion or a severe headache — call 999 or go to A&E
- a newborn baby who is unwell, floppy or not feeding
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Shops selling the product will display a point-of-sale notice and accept returns. You are entitled to your money back; you are not obliged to accept a voucher or replacement unless you want one.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, food must be of satisfactory quality and as described. A recalled product does not meet that standard.
From the official notice
Published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA-PRIN-08-2023). Quoted as issued.
Summary
The Cambridge Food Company Limited is recalling The Old Cheese Room Baronet and Baby Baronet Soft Cheeses because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in some batches of these products. The Cambridge Food Company Limited trades under the names Rennet & Rind and Cheese +.
The risk
The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in some batches of the products listed above.
Symptoms caused by this organism 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.
Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
Action taken
The Cambridge Food Company Limited is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products. Please see the attached notice.
Advice to consumers
If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, contact The Cambridge Food Company Limited to organise collection and receive a full refund by emailing mike@cheese-plus.co.uk
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has The Old Cheese Room Baronet and Baby Baronet Soft Cheeses been recalled?
This recall is about Listeria monocytogenes. Chilling does not stop it and there is no smell or change in colour to warn you, so treat the affected The Old Cheese Room Baronet and Baby Baronet Soft Cheeses as contaminated. Listeriosis can take a long time to show itself, sometimes weeks after eating. In pregnancy it can harm the baby even when the mother only feels mildly unwell, which is why the FSA treats any Listeria finding in ready-to-eat food as a reason to clear the shelves.
How do I know if my product is affected?
Compare the best before on your product with the details listed under “Check your product” on this page. Only items that match are covered by the notice.
What should I do now?
Keep it out of the meal plan altogether. Cooking at home is not the remedy the recall asks for. Clean the fridge shelf, containers and boards it touched with hot soapy water. Listeria can survive on cold surfaces after the food has gone.
Can I get a refund?
Shops selling the product will display a point-of-sale notice and accept returns. You are entitled to your money back; you are not obliged to accept a voucher or replacement unless you want one. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, food must be of satisfactory quality and as described. A recalled product does not meet that standard.
I have already eaten some. What now?
Most people who eat food with Listeria do not become ill. Keep an eye out for flu-like symptoms over the coming weeks. If you are pregnant, over 65 or have a weakened immune system, tell your GP, midwife or NHS 111 that you ate a recalled product, even if you feel fine.
