Ballymaguire Foods Bounces Back: What Their Swift Return from a Listeria Scare Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs

When it comes to food safety, just how far should a company go to win back consumer trust after a setback? Ballymaguire Foods faced this exact challenge when the HSE detected listeria at one of their facilities, leading to the recall of over 200 product lines from Tesco, SuperValu, Centra, and The Happy Pear. After a rigorous overhaul involving close collaboration with the HSE and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, along with guidance from former FSAI chief executive Prof Patrick Wall, they’ve been given the green light to restart production. It’s a reminder that in business—and especially in food manufacturing—transparency, scientific rigor, and unwavering attention to detail aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the pillars of survival and resurgence. Products will hit shelves again starting August 12, and Ballymaguire’s commitment to “go beyond best practice” might just set a new benchmark for the industry. Curious about how a food company navigates a crisis like this while aiming to rebuild its reputation? LEARN MORE

The HSE has given Ballymaguire Foods permission to recommence production after the harmful bacteria listeria was detected at one of its facilities.

Production resumed on Friday and products are expected to return to shelves in retailers across the country from next Tuesday (August 12).

More than 200 product lines made by the company were recalled last month after the listeria detection, including products made for Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and The Happy Pear.

The Lusk-based firm said it had undertaken a comprehensive process in close coordination with the HSE’s environmental health officers and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

In addition to a review into the listeria detection, the company appointed former FSAI chief executive Prof Patrick Wall to lead its response.

Prof Wall described listeria as requiring close attention and strong controls in food environments.

“Managing it is not just about routine hygiene—it requires a deep understanding of how it behaves and an unrelenting attention to detail,” he continued.

“In response to this incident, Ballymaguire Foods has implemented protocols that go beyond best practice, fully align with regulatory standards, and set a benchmark that exceeds industry norms.

“The actions taken are backed by substantial investment and reflect a renewed focus on precision, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.

“Every measure is grounded in international best practice and scientific evidence, with a focus on maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and consumer health protection. The decision to grant approval for production to resume reflects the authorities’ confidence in the steps taken.

“While Listeria infection is rare and primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those undergoing medical treatment, even low-probability risks must be managed with the utmost seriousness.

“The steps taken at Ballymaguire Foods reflect a genuine commitment to protecting every consumer, and to doing so with transparency and integrity.”

Edward Spellman, co-founder and managing director of Ballymaguire Foods, said: “Our team worked closely with public health authorities and independent experts throughout this review, and I want to acknowledge their support, rigour, and professionalism.

“Food safety has always been central to who we are. This experience has challenged us to go even further—to enhance our systems, deepen our expertise, and apply new industry-leading standards.

“We acknowledge the concern this situation has caused. We are resolute in our commitment to learn from it and to strengthening the trust placed in us by our partners, customers, and consumers.”

As an unlimited company, Ballymaguire Foods does not have to published detailed accounts. In 2019, the firm reported annual turnover of €27.9m.

(Pic: RollingNews.ie)