Sandwich firm in Listeria scare

Sandwiches have been withdrawn from sale

A County Tyrone sandwich company is withdrawing its products from sale over fears of Listeria contamination.

The bacteria have been found in some of products belonging to Galfee which is based in Strabane.

Galfee said the Listeria bacterium - which is most commonly associated with ready-to-eat meats such as hot dogs and cold meats - showed up during routine tests.

As a result, the company is closing its premises in Strabane and is withdrawing all its products from sale, including sandwiches, rolls, baguettes, wraps, coleslaw and potato salad.

Stomach upsets

The Western Health Board said Listeria was "harmless to most people" but posed a risk to pregnant women, older people and those with a weak immune system. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriages and still births.

Complications can arise in older people such as meningitis and blood poisoning.

Only three or four listeria cases are reported in Northern Ireland each year and the health board said there was no point screening people for infection.

However, it suggests that anyone who feels unwell, with flu-like symptoms or stomach upsets over the next month, after eating a Galfee product should see their doctor.