Ice cream maker in listeria scare

The ice cream was on sale at ice cream vans

A north Wales creamery has been ordered to stop producing ice cream after traces of a form of listeria were found in a batch.

Flintshire magistrates told Shotton-based Deeside Creameries to cease production until further tests could be carried out.

Listeria affects the unborn or new-born

The court action was brought by Flintshire Council's environmental health department after a routine sample was taken at the factory, which makes ice creams for sale on vans in the area.

It is feared some of the products could have been sold to the public.

North Wales Health Authority has notified GPs in Flintshire, Wrexham and Chester.

'Pregnant women'

Health authority specialist Dr Richard Roberts told the court that the form of listeria had no marked risks to healthy adults, but could be of potential risk to pregnant women, children and the elderly.

He urged anyone who had eaten the locally-produced ice cream, and who then felt unwell, to contact their doctors immediately.

Company officials say they will do all they can to help with investigations. They will continue to sell other brand-named ice creams which are not affected by the order.

The court heard the problem was caused by machinery failure.