10 July 2018
The likely source of an ongoing outbreak of Listeriosis affecting five European countries including the United Kingdom is frozen sweetcorn and other mixed vegetables. Listeriosis is a rare foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis is usually avoided by cooking products as per the cooking instructions and ensuring food is piping hot, and by using good hand hygiene.
If affected, healthy individuals may experience a flu-like illness, sickness or diarrhoea. It can be more serious for individuals with a weakened immune system and also the elderly, pregnant women and infants.
Late last week, Greenyard Frozen UK Ltd voluntarily recalled certain frozen vegetable products as a precaution as they may be affected by Listeria. The affected brands recalled that are commonly sold on St Helena are:
- Ross sweetcorn pack (1kg), best before July 2020
- Growers Pride mixed vegetables (450g), best before July 2021
- Iceland frozen mixed vegetables (900g), best before dates between January 2020 and June 2020 inclusive
Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc and W.A Thorpe’s & Sons Ltd have already removed the relevant items from their shelves. They have also displayed notices explaining why the product is being recalled and what to do if customers have already bought the product from their shops.
If you have purchased any of these products, do not consume them. Return them to your retailer for a refund.
If customers would like further clarification on which products are affected, then please contact Environmental Health on tel: 22500 or speak to your retailer.
Links used:
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/180703
https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-35-2018-update-2
https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-35-2018-update-1
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SHG
10 July 2018