August 12, 2008

Salmonella outbreak linked to meat and poultry

Outbreaks of salmonella in the UK and Ireland have urged food standard agencies to caution consumers of emerging unsafe food practices in some meat and poultry processors.

About 80 cases of Salmonella have been confirmed in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland so far, predominantly in young adults. The outbreak is reportedly the cause of death of an elderly woman in July.

Although food watchdogs don't cite the exact source of the outbreak, it is believed that the disease might have come from meat and poultry products. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is carrying out laboratory testing on potential sources of contamination.

A FSAI spokesperson said the agency is advising "food outlets providing ready-to-eat sandwiches to be particularly strict in adhering to best hygiene practices. It reminds retailers of the importance of ensuring that hot sandwiches must be thoroughly cooked before serving to the consumer".

The agency stresses the need for strict procedures to be followed at all times to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.

The Agency has confirmed that Irish company, Dawn Farm Foods, has recalled some of its products from retail stores and supermarkets as a precautionary measure.

The UK Food Standards Agency has identified cooking, cleaning, chilling and preventing cross-contamination as the four aspects consumers and food businesses should consider in keeping the food safe. The Agency has said it will publish any relevant information immediately of the outbreak source.