Lidl Ireland recalls chicken over salmonella concerns

News imageFood Safety Authority of Ireland A plastic wrapped container of chicken breast fillets. The pack has an Irish tricolour on the front along with a picture of a farmer. Food Safety Authority of Ireland

A recall notice for two types of Lidl Ireland branded Irish chicken breast fillet products has been issued due to the presence of salmonella.

The Food Safety Authority Ireland (FSAI) said that although the batches are past their use-by date, they were "suitable for home freezing".

The impacted products are batches of Lidl's Free Range 100% Irish Chicken Breast Fillets 291g, and 100% Irish Diced Chicken Breast Fillets 550g - each with a use-by date of 12 April.

The FSAI advised customers to check their freezers for implicated batches and urged people not to eat any of the products.

"People infected with salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between six and 72 hours," the FSAI said.

The Food Standards Agency and Lidl Northern Ireland have been asked if the bacteria is present in any batches sold in stores in Northern Ireland.

News imageFood Safety Authority of Ireland A plastic wrapped container of chicken breast fillets. The pack has an Irish tricolour on the front along with a picture of a farmer. Food Safety Authority of Ireland

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract.

It can cause food poisoning, typically resulting in symptoms like fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Salmonella can be found in a number of food sources including:

- Raw or under-cooked poultry or meat

- Eggs

- Unwashed fruit and vegetables

- Unpasteurised milk