Consumers in Ireland are being urged to check their home freezers following a significant recall of chicken products due to the potential presence of Salmonella. The recall, which involves a wide range of poultry items, was initiated by Manor Farm, with several major retailers across the country impacted by the safety alert.
As a news editor monitoring food safety standards, I must emphasize that while the specific batches identified in this recall have passed their printed “use by” dates, the products were sold as fresh and are widely considered suitable for home freezing. Households may still possess these items in their freezers, posing a continued risk of exposure to the pathogen.
Understanding the Recall Scope and Retailer Impact
The recall, categorized by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as a “Category 1” action—the highest level of urgency—affects numerous chicken products distributed through Aldi, Dunnes Stores, and Lidl. According to the official alert notification 2026.23, the affected items are identified by the approval number IE 803 EC and share a common batch code of 235753.
The products, which were marked with a “use by” date of 12/04/2026, include a variety of fresh class A chicken cuts. At Aldi, the recall encompasses Irish Free Range Whole Chicken, Medium Whole Chicken, Chicken Drumsticks, Chicken Oyster Thighs, Cook-in-bag Whole Chicken, and 2-pack Chicken Breast Fillets. Dunnes Stores customers are advised to check for Irish Chicken legs, Free Range Chicken Breast Fillets, Drumsticks and Oyster Thighs, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Fillets, Chicken Wings, and various whole chicken offerings.
Safety Guidance for Consumers
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. While the batches in question are technically past their “use by” date, the risk remains if the product has been stored frozen and is subsequently thawed and consumed without proper handling or thorough cooking. Consumers who have purchased these products are advised not to consume them.
Retailers have been instructed to display point-of-sale notices to inform customers of the recall. If you discover any of these items in your freezer, the safest course of action is to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for further instruction. Proper kitchen hygiene, including washing hands and surfaces after contact with raw poultry, remains the most effective defense against cross-contamination.
Why Food Safety Recalls Matter
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining robust food safety monitoring systems. In the European Union, the rapid exchange of information regarding food safety—often coordinated through systems like the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF)—is designed to remove contaminated products from the supply chain as quickly as possible. For consumers, staying informed through official channels like the Food Safety Authority of Ireland is the best way to ensure your kitchen remains a safe environment.
The current situation serves as a reminder that “use by” dates are not the only factor in food safety. When a product is identified as potentially hazardous, It’s vital to act on the specific batch information rather than relying solely on the date printed on the packaging, especially for goods that are frequently frozen for long-term storage.
As Here’s a developing situation regarding consumer health, I encourage our readers to stay vigilant. We will continue to monitor the situation for any further updates or guidance from health authorities. Please share this information with friends and family who may be regular shoppers at the affected retailers to ensure they are aware of these specific product batches. If you have any concerns regarding your health after consuming poultry products, please consult with a medical professional immediately.