If you've recently picked up a pack of bresaola from The Curing Barn, step away from the charcuterie board. The Food Standards Agency has issued a recall after Listeria monocytogenes was found in the company's British Bresaola. Listeria is one of the more dangerous foodborne bacteria out there -- it can survive at fridge temperatures and cause serious illness, particularly in people who are pregnant, over 65, or have a weakened immune system. This isn't one to shrug off.
The recall covers a single product:
If you've got a pack matching those details, it needs to go. Bresaola is a cured, air-dried beef product that's eaten without any further cooking, which means there's no heat step to kill off any bacteria present. That's exactly why Listeria in ready-to-eat meats like this is taken so seriously.
The advice is straightforward:
Pregnant women should be especially alert. Listeria infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. If you're pregnant and think you may have eaten this product, speak to your midwife or GP even if you don't feel unwell.
Listeria is particularly sneaky because it thrives in the conditions we rely on to keep food safe -- cold temperatures and vacuum-sealed packaging. That's why ready-to-eat charcuterie, deli meats, and soft cheeses crop up in Listeria recalls more often than other foods. It doesn't make these products inherently dangerous, but it does mean recalls like this one need to be taken seriously. Check your fridge, check this site, and stay informed.