28
Oct
Subject:
McEnnedy Corn Dog recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Products Recalled:
McEnnedy Corn Dog, available in 530 gms with best before dates of 28 April 2024, 10 June 2024 and 10 August 2024
Problem:
- On September 5 2023, Lidl issued a voluntary recall of McEnnedy Corn Dog and accompanying sauce. The product recall has been initiated because of Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- This product has the potential to cause serious health issues in humans.
- Point-of-sale notices were displayed where the product was sold. These notices explain to customers why the product has been recalled and what to do if they have already bought it [1].
Scientific Evidence:
- Listeriosis is a severe foodborne illness that affects primarily those with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium group called Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes infection is normally acquired via ingestion of contaminated food.
- Listeriosis can cause symptoms that mimic flu and include muscle ache, high temperature and chills. Other symptoms include feeling sick and diarrhoea. In severe cases, Listeriosis can cause complications such as meningitis, which is associated with mortality [2].
What Regulations Clarifies:
- According to the regulations, bacterial outbreak is a risk that an establishment producing food products exposed to the post-lethality environment must control through its HACCP plan or prevent in the processing environment by a Sanitation SOP or other relevant programme.
- The law requires food businesses to exclude anyone from work if they have an infection that can be passed on through food and there is any likelihood of them contaminating food directly or indirectly.
- Good construction and maintenance of premises, as well as effective cleaning and disinfection procedures, need to be in place to minimise the risk and remove potential sources of L. monocytogenes contamination.
- As raw foods can be contaminated with L. monocytogenes, healthcare/social care organisations should take appropriate steps to control cross-contamination from raw food directly or indirectly onto ready to eat (RTE) food products.
- monocytogenes can grow in refrigerated storage. Putting in place controls to minimise the shelf life will limit the opportunity for L. monocytogenes to grow to harmful levels.
- Organisations must maintain the cold chain of chilled RTE food at relevant temperatures.
- Some manufacturers may specify a storage temperature lower than 5°C, which must be followed [3].