The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reassured consumers that there is currently no evidence that a recent food recall involving spinach is linked with the listeriosis outbreak related to ready-to-heat meals that is currently under investigation.
It comes after various branded spinach and mixed leaves products produced by McCormack Family Farms are being recalled due to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.
In addition, there have been no confirmed cases of listeriosis associated with the spinach and mixed leaves products that are the subject of this recall.
A spokesperson for the FSAI said: “While we urge people to be aware of the risks, and to take precautions when using ready-to-eat foods, they can be assured that there is a robust food control system in place in Ireland, which contributed to the identification of the latest need for a recall.
“The FSAI advice, as always, is that if anyone has eaten any recalled foods and are feeling well, they do not need to do anything. However, if anyone has eaten any recalled foods and feels unwell, they should seek medical advice.”
Infection
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is usually acquired by eating contaminated food.
The listeria bacteria that can cause illness is killed by cooking food thoroughly (i.e. until piping hot throughout).
Serious infection with Listeria monocytogenes is very rare. On average each year, there are between 14 and 22 cases of listeriosis reported in Ireland.
Listeria poses a particular risk to elderly people, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. These individuals in particular, should avoid higher risk foods and ensure that they cook food thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
“Listeria monocytogenes is widespread in the environment and gets into food via animals and plants. What sets it apart from many other harmful bacteria is its ability to survive and grow in moist cold environments; conditions found in food production factories.”
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. / Philip Doyle
Inspections
The FSAI said that producers of ready-to-eat foods are aware of the need for strict controls to ensure the safe production of food.
To control the incidence of the bacteria, producers can minimise water usage; fix damaged walls, floors and equipment; robustly clean and disinfect; keep air clean and restrict the movement of people and equipment in factory areas where food products are produced.
Producers of ready-to-eat food must test factory areas and equipment for Listeria on a regular basis to pick up early signs that it may have contaminated their production processes. They also test the finished food to verify that all the Listeria control measures in the factory are working as designed.
In addition, the FSAI and the official agencies carry out inspections of food production facilities and review all the control measures in place.
Where Listeria monocytogenes is found in any official control samples, enforcement action is taken to minimise or eliminate the risk to consumers.
Precautionary recalls of food due to Listeria monocytogenes can be found by either the food business itself or the authorities and happen from time to time, reflecting the high level of awareness, control and testing that takes place in factory settings.
Read more
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The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has reassured consumers that there is currently no evidence that a recent food recall involving spinach is linked with the listeriosis outbreak related to ready-to-heat meals that is currently under investigation.
It comes after various branded spinach and mixed leaves products produced by McCormack Family Farms are being recalled due to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes.
In addition, there have been no confirmed cases of listeriosis associated with the spinach and mixed leaves products that are the subject of this recall.
A spokesperson for the FSAI said: “While we urge people to be aware of the risks, and to take precautions when using ready-to-eat foods, they can be assured that there is a robust food control system in place in Ireland, which contributed to the identification of the latest need for a recall.
“The FSAI advice, as always, is that if anyone has eaten any recalled foods and are feeling well, they do not need to do anything. However, if anyone has eaten any recalled foods and feels unwell, they should seek medical advice.”
Infection
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It is usually acquired by eating contaminated food.
The listeria bacteria that can cause illness is killed by cooking food thoroughly (i.e. until piping hot throughout).
Serious infection with Listeria monocytogenes is very rare. On average each year, there are between 14 and 22 cases of listeriosis reported in Ireland.
Listeria poses a particular risk to elderly people, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. These individuals in particular, should avoid higher risk foods and ensure that they cook food thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
“Listeria monocytogenes is widespread in the environment and gets into food via animals and plants. What sets it apart from many other harmful bacteria is its ability to survive and grow in moist cold environments; conditions found in food production factories.”
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. / Philip Doyle
Inspections
The FSAI said that producers of ready-to-eat foods are aware of the need for strict controls to ensure the safe production of food.
To control the incidence of the bacteria, producers can minimise water usage; fix damaged walls, floors and equipment; robustly clean and disinfect; keep air clean and restrict the movement of people and equipment in factory areas where food products are produced.
Producers of ready-to-eat food must test factory areas and equipment for Listeria on a regular basis to pick up early signs that it may have contaminated their production processes. They also test the finished food to verify that all the Listeria control measures in the factory are working as designed.
In addition, the FSAI and the official agencies carry out inspections of food production facilities and review all the control measures in place.
Where Listeria monocytogenes is found in any official control samples, enforcement action is taken to minimise or eliminate the risk to consumers.
Precautionary recalls of food due to Listeria monocytogenes can be found by either the food business itself or the authorities and happen from time to time, reflecting the high level of awareness, control and testing that takes place in factory settings.
Read more
Supervalu spinach being recalled to bacteria detection
Adult dies after contracting listeriosis
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