In 2019, 216 infections due to the bacterium were diagnosed in Andalusia. Listeria monocytogenes in people who had consumed a contaminated batch of mechada meat. There were 3 deaths and several abortions, so the situation became critically important health crisis. 5 years have passed, but we have not forgotten how serious infection with this bacterium can be. Therefore, when the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) A few days ago it issued a food alert for contaminated sausages There was quite a bit of panic. the good thing is that the alarm was raised quickly and so far no cases have been diagnosed. Furthermore, the control of other cured meats has been strengthened to the point of finding more contaminated lots.
With this details, AESAN has launched a new food alert to which it adds three other products. In total, there are already seven batches of sausages that have suffered contamination Listeria.
The health authorities have taken steps to inform the health authorities of the various autonomous communities, and also the various distributors, so that the withdrawal of the product is as rapid as possible. This happens through the Coordinated System for Rapid Information Exchange (SCIRI)thanks to which this type of reporting is normally closed without any documented case.
sausages hit by Listeria
according to the data contained in the food alert, the sausages are infected Listeria they are as follows:
Lacon in tapas
- Product name: knife cut lacón in tapas.
- Brand: MMR.
- Product appearance: sliced and packaged in a protective atmosphere.
- Batch number: 2425040376.
- Expiration date: 02/01/2025.
- Unit weight: 170g.
- Temperature: refrigerated.
Sliced pig head
- Product Name: 1st Sliced Pork Head.
- Brand: MMR.
- Product appearance: sliced and vacuum packaged.
- Batch number: 2425100013.
- Expiry date: 12/29/2024.
- Unit weight: 200g.
- Temperature: refrigerated.
Smoked Mortadella
- Product name: Smoked Mortadella.
- Brand: MMR.
- Product appearance: sliced and vacuum packaged.
- Batch number: 2425010183.
- Expiration date: 01/17/2025.
- Unit weight: 90g,150g and 200g.
- Temperature: refrigerated.
Iberian cooked ham
- Product name: Sliced Iberian cooked ham.
- Brand: MMR.
- Product appearance: Sliced and packaged.
- Batch number: L 2420730018.
- expiry date: 12/23/2024.
- Unit weight: 100g.
- Temperature: refrigerated.
fried pork rinds
- Product Name: Sliced Fried Chicharrones.
- Brand: MMR.
- Product appearance: Sliced and packaged
- Batch number: L 2421680050.
- expiry date: 12/30/2024.
- Unit weight: 150g.
- Temperature: refrigerated.
Lacon in tapas
- Product name: knife cut lacón in tapas.
- Brand: MMR.
- Product appearance: sliced and packaged.
- Batch number: L-2425040373.
- Expiry date: 12/29/2024.
- Unit weight: 200g.
- Temperature: refrigerated.
What should we do in the face of a food alert like this?
As always with a food scare of this type, we must check whether we have the affected products at home. There is no longer any danger of purchasing them, since these types of warnings They promptly cut supply chains. But, if we had already purchased it, we should not consume it under any circumstances.
Now, what if we’ve already eaten? If so, it depends on why the food alert was issued. This was a case of contamination with Listeria monocytogenesthe responsible bacteria listeriosis. It is indeed a disease that affects the digestive system, producing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and high fever. Given these symptoms we must contact our family doctor.
Pregnant women, even without symptoms, should consult their doctor if they have consumed contaminated meat. It’s like this as I am a population group at very high risk. Not them, actually, but the fetuses.
Also pay attention to children and the elderly. Normally it is a disease that occurs without complications, but in these cases, as we have already seen in Andalusia, it can be fatal. There should be no panic, since everything happened very quickly, but, just in case, we must be vigilant.
What steps can individuals take to minimize the risk of Listeria contamination in their diets?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Listeria Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today to discuss a pressing public health issue that has resurfaced recently—the contamination of sausages with Listeria monocytogenes. To start, can you provide some context on why Listeria infections are a meaningful concern for public health?
Expert: Good morning! Thank you for having me. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can lead to serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The infection can result in severe outcomes,including meningitis,sepsis,and,as we saw in Andalusia in 2019,even deaths and miscarriages.The 2019 outbreak highlighted how quickly a foodborne illness can escalate into a health crisis.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, that incident led to widespread panic. Given recent reports of a new food alert from the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), how has the response changed since the 2019 outbreak?
Expert: Since 2019, ther has been an increased awareness about Listeria contamination, and health authorities have improved their surveillance and response protocols. AESAN’s prompt response to the recent contamination alert demonstrates this progress. They acted quickly to issue the alert and notify various communities and distributors, which is critical in mitigating the impact of potential outbreaks.
Time.news Editor: It’s reassuring to hear that quick action is being taken. However, the fact that we’re seeing multiple batches of contaminated sausages raises concerns about food safety standards. What steps can be taken to strengthen these standards further?
Expert: Absolutely, food safety standards need constant evaluation and betterment. Enhanced monitoring at production sites, stricter quality control measures, and regular inspections can help identify potential contamination points before they reach consumers. furthermore, educating manufacturers and consumers about best food handling practices is essential for preventing outbreaks.
Time.news Editor: speaking of education, can you share any data about how consumers can protect themselves from Listeria?
Expert: Certainly! Consumers should always follow safe food handling practices. This includes washing hands thoroughly before preparing food, cooking meat to safe temperatures, and ensuring that ready-to-eat foods are properly stored and consumed before their expiration dates. For pregnant women or those at higher risk, it is particularly crucial to avoid certain high-risk foods, such as deli meats, unless they are heated to steaming hot.
Time.news Editor: That’s very informative. With the current concern over contamination, how can consumers stay informed about food safety alerts?
Expert: Consumers can stay informed by keeping an eye on official announcements from food safety agencies like AESAN or similar organizations in their regions.Signing up for alerts or following their social media pages can also provide timely updates on food safety issues, including product recalls or contamination alerts.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for that valuable advice! as we reflect on the last five years since the Andalusian outbreak, what lessons have been learned that can help prevent similar situations in the future?
Expert: One of the key lessons has been the importance of rapid communication and collaboration among health authorities, food producers, and consumers.Transparency in reporting and a well-coordinated response can significantly reduce the impact of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, investing in research to understand Listeria better and improving our food safety systems will be crucial in preventing future outbreaks.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that while significant progress has been made, continuous vigilance and education are essential in combating foodborne illnesses like Listeria. Thank you for your time!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s always vital to keep these discussions alive for the health and safety of the public.