Antipasti contaminated with Listeria bacteria

Recall: Antipasti contaminated with Listeria bacteria

26.09.2011

A distributor from southern Germany recalls so-called antipasti appetizers from the German trade. In a sample of stuffed peppers and hot peppers Listeria bacteria were detected by laboratory techniques. The pathogens cause stomach pain, diarrhea and nausea in humans. In severe cases severe listeriosis can be triggered. Affected by the recall are in addition to smaller shops supermarkets Kaufland and Edeka. Already purchased goods should be returned for reimbursement of the purchase price. It is expressly warned against consumption.

Again Listeria bacteria were found in food. This time, products of the manufacturer Momeni based in the district of Tübingen are affected. Among other things, the producer produces antipasti goods with cheese filling. These are small Italian starter plates, which are also enjoying increasing popularity in this country. From the recall by the manufacturer are affected a total of three antipasti products from the range of Momeni. These are small pieces of peppers (mini peppers) and red and green peppers, all of which are filled with cream cheese. During a test, the health-threatening Listeria pathogens were found in a sample, as the company's managing director „Alireza Momeni“ confirmed. The bacterium is of the genus Listeria monocytogenes and also causes diarrhea, nausea and vomiting in healthy adults. Although only one sample was noticed during the internal audit, in the interests of consumer protection, all goods in the batches were to be taken out of the shops between 2 and 19 September 2011.

Health authorities are alerted
The veterinary authority and all intermediaries have already been informed by the company. The public was turned on to warn customers about their consumption. "We feel responsible for the safety of our customers," said Momeni. The delicatessen dealer delivers his goods to numerous small grocery stores, butchers, which are mainly located in southern Germany. According to some media, however, the states of Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Saxony and Berlin are also affected. Even larger supermarket chains like Edeka and Kaufland sell the affected articles and are already warned.

Circumstances still unclear
The manufacturer did not know, according to their own information, how the bacterial contamination could happen. The company receives the cream cheese for the affected products exclusively from German wholesalers. Since the company was founded 24 years ago, there has never been such a contamination. In order to ensure an independent quality assurance, the food is continuously examined by an external laboratory to ensure that the goods comply with hygienic standards. Just at that control, the Listeria bacterium was detected, as the CEO reported. Now we have to wait and see what additional laboratory tests and examinations of the health authorities show. For this the products are traced back. To be on the safe side, all deliveries were currently stopped. "Until we know for sure what the cause is, we will not deliver the three affected products."

The supermarket chains have already responded. A spokeswoman told our editors that the affected items were taken out of the shelves immediately. „Once such a warning is issued, the goods are removed from the sale“. Customers who have already bought the named appetizer items should not eat them but return them to where they were purchased. Even without presentation of the receipt, the purchase price will be refunded immediately. The producer of the antipasti called on the shops and supermarkets to immediately destroy existing goods. After all, the bacteria can trigger a serious infectious disease even weeks after eating the contaminated product.

Bacteria can trigger listeriosis
Every year, hundreds of Listeria contaminations are reported to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. Mostly fresh products such as cheese (especially raw milk cheese), fish or meat are contaminated with bacteria. According to the state institute, the reported cases of illness in Germany have increased slightly in recent years.

Food products contaminated with listeria can not be recognized by taste, smell, appearance or naked eye. Only a laboratory food test can tell if the cheese or meat is contaminated. People with only a weakened immune system have a high disease risk. Accordingly, pregnant women, infants, the chronically ill and the elderly are particularly at risk. In pregnant women, premature or premature births can be triggered. In addition, pregnant women are about 12 times more likely to develop listeriosis. Healthy adults often hardly feel anything about an infection. Nevertheless, there is also a health hazard here.

The course of listeriosis is similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. Patients first complain of diarrhea and abdominal pain. As the disease progresses, fever, headache, paralysis, dizziness and lightheadedness may occur. In some cases, the course of the disease even ends fatally.

A difficult task is the diagnosis of listeriosis. Between the infection and the outbreak can take up to eight weeks. Hardly a patient can remember then, which food he ate two months ago. However, a bacteriological examination can ensure medical diagnosis. As the first remedy of choice antibiotic drugs are administered, which usually bring the disease to an end. At the first sign of infection, consumers should consult a doctor. (Sb)