
In 2020, Primula cheese was recalled due to the discovery of Clostridium botulinum in one of its products. Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness that can lead to breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis. The Environmental Health Directorate warned that the contaminated cheese must not be consumed as it could be lethal if consumed in certain amounts. Consumers were advised not to eat any Primula Cheese tubes and were offered full refunds. The incident raised concerns about product safety standards and the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated food products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | High in calcium and protein |
| Additives | Free from artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives |
| Allergens | Contains milk and gluten-free |
| Suitability | Suitable for vegetarians and pregnant women |
| Contamination | May be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness |
| Recall | All cheese tubes recalled in 2020; consumers advised not to eat and entitled to a full refund |
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What You'll Learn
- Primula cheese may contain harmful bacteria
- The Environmental Health Directorate has warned against consuming Primula Cheese Spread
- Symptoms of botulism include breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis
- Affected customers are entitled to a full refund
- Primula Kids Mild Squeezy Cheese contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives

Primula cheese may contain harmful bacteria
In June 2020, the cheese maker Primula withdrew all of its cheese tubes from sale after the discovery of Clostridium botulinum in one of its products. Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin under certain conditions. This toxin can be lethal if consumed in certain amounts and not diagnosed and treated within a sufficient timeframe. Foodborne botulism can be the result of improperly processed foods.
The Environmental Health Directorate issued a warning that Primula Cheese Spread must not be consumed as it was potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The durability dates of the potentially contaminated products ranged from 25 December 2020 to 28 January 2021.
The company advised customers not to eat any Primula Cheese tubes they may have at home and to return recalled products to the shop they were bought from for a full refund, even without a receipt.
In January 2024, a forum user posted about a friend who had consumed some of the recalled Primula cheese and was intending to sue the company due to the health issues she had suffered. The friend was advised that she may struggle to find legal representation given that three years had passed since the recall.
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The Environmental Health Directorate has warned against consuming Primula Cheese Spread
Primula Cheese Spread was recalled in June 2020 due to potential Clostridium botulinum contamination. The bacterium can produce a lethal toxin, leading to foodborne botulism, a rare but severe illness. As a result, the Environmental Health Directorate took swift action to protect public health by warning against consuming the product and providing clear durability dates for the affected batches.
The recall affected multiple Primula Cheese Spread variants, including Spicy Cheese n' Jalapenos, Light Cheese, Cheese n' Ham, Cheese n' Chive, Cheese n' Prawns, Original Cheese, and ambient versions of Cheese n' Ham and Cheese n' Chives. Consumers were advised to return any recalled products to the shops for a full refund, even without a receipt.
The presence of Clostridium botulinum in food products is a serious health hazard. It can cause botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness. Symptoms of botulism include breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis, requiring immediate medical attention. The Environmental Health Directorate emphasized the urgency of avoiding consumption and seeking timely diagnosis and treatment to mitigate the risks associated with the contaminated product.
The Environmental Health Directorate's warning against consuming Primula Cheese Spread highlights its commitment to safeguarding public health. By promptly addressing the issue and providing clear guidance, the Directorate helped prevent potential health risks and ensured consumer safety. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and follow the Directorate's recommendations to protect their well-being.
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Symptoms of botulism include breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis
In 2020, cheese maker Primula withdrew all of its cheese tubes from sale after the discovery of Clostridium botulinum in one of its products. Consumers were advised not to eat any Primula cheese tubes they had at home and were entitled to a full refund. Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness. Symptoms of botulism include breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis.
Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal illness that can be caused by improperly processed foods. The Environmental Health Directorate warned that the affected Primula cheese spreads must not be consumed as they were potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin under certain conditions. This toxin can be lethal if consumed in certain amounts and not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Symptoms of botulism can include breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis. Botulism can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It is important to note that not all cases of botulism will present with the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of toxin ingested.
In addition to breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis, other symptoms of botulism can include blurred vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and fatigue. In some cases, botulism can also cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms of botulism are suspected.
The risk of developing botulism from consuming contaminated Primula cheese is relatively low, but the potential consequences can be severe. It is important to follow food safety guidelines and consume products before their durability dates. Additionally, practicing good hygiene and safe food handling practices can help reduce the risk of botulism and other foodborne illnesses.
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Affected customers are entitled to a full refund
In June 2020, cheese maker Primula withdrew all of its cheese tubes from sale after the discovery of Clostridium botulinum in one of its products. The bacterium Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness that can lead to breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis. The Environmental Health Directorate issued a warning to consumers, advising them not to eat any Primula Cheese tubes they may have at home. The affected products included Primula Spicy Cheese 'n' Jalapenos, Primula Light Cheese, Primula Cheese 'n' Ham, Primula Cheese 'n' Chive, and Primula Cheese 'n' Prawns, with durability dates ranging from 25 December 2020 to 28 January 2021.
Primula offered a full refund to customers who had purchased the recalled products, even without a receipt. Customers were advised to return the products to the store where they were bought or contact Primula directly. The company worked "round the clock" to address the issue and apologized for the inconvenience caused during the period when their cheese was unavailable.
In addition to the refund, customers who have experienced health issues after consuming the contaminated product may consider legal action against Primula. However, as seen in a forum post from January 2024, seeking legal representation may become more challenging as time passes since the recall. Customers considering legal action should be prepared to provide evidence, including the cheese packaging, receipt, and medical documentation. It is essential to note that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims may apply, and customers should seek legal advice promptly if they intend to pursue legal recourse.
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Primula Kids Mild Squeezy Cheese contains no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
In 2020, the Environmental Health Directorate issued a warning against consuming certain Primula cheese spreads, as they were potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a lethal toxin under certain conditions. This discovery led Primula to withdraw all of its cheese tubes from sale, and consumers were advised not to eat any Primula Cheese tubes they had purchased. The recalled products included Primula Spicy Cheese 'n' Jalapenos, Primula Light Cheese, Primula Cheese 'n' Ham, and Primula Original Cheese, among others, with durability dates ranging from October 2020 to January 2021.
While the presence of harmful bacteria in some batches of Primula cheese has raised concerns, it is important to note that the brand has taken steps to address the issue. Consumers who purchased the recalled products were entitled to a full refund, even without a receipt. This incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety warnings and staying informed about product recalls to minimize potential health risks.
Despite this incident, Primula cheese has been a beloved staple for many, with its classic original cheese enjoyed by cheese lovers worldwide since 1924. The brand also offers a range of flavors, such as Spicy Cheese 'n' Jalapenos and Cheese 'n' Ham, catering to diverse taste preferences.
Primula Kids Mild Squeezy Cheese, in particular, stands out for its absence of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This variety is designed with children in mind, providing a healthier option for parents seeking convenient and tasty cheese spreads for their little ones. Free from artificial additives, Primula Kids Mild Squeezy Cheese offers a natural cheese experience, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious families.
While the 2020 recall raised concerns about food safety, Primula's response and the absence of similar incidents since then suggest that the issue was effectively addressed. As with any food product, it is essential to follow proper storage and consumption guidelines, as well as stay vigilant about product recalls and safety warnings, to ensure the best and safest experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Primula cheese can be bad for you. In 2020, the Environmental Health Directorate warned that Primula Cheese Spread must not be consumed as it was potentially contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin that can be lethal if consumed in certain amounts.
Primula withdrew all of its cheese tubes from sale and stopped distributing its products to retailers. Consumers were advised not to eat any Primula Cheese tubes that they had at home and were entitled to a full refund.
Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, a rare but potentially very serious illness that can result in breathing difficulties and muscle paralysis.

























