Vegetables from Hungary may have been contaminated with listeria. Checks were carried out all over France, including Moselle
New alert to listeria in the agri-food sector. In addition to the McDonald’s Caesar salad business, fresh and frozen vegetables from Hungary are also targeted.
The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) has ordered the withdrawal and recall of vegetables produced between 13 August 2016 and 20 June 2018 from a Greenyard site in Hungary .
840 controlled outlets in France
The authority was informed Friday, July 6, 2018 of the export of some of the vegetables concerned in France . It then controlled more than 840 outlets in France , including nearly 25 in Moselle , according to figures from the prefecture.
In Moselle, these controls were carried out “at large and medium-sized agrifood and catering establishments (central kitchens, retirement homes, associative structures …) having received products, object of this recall”.
“In each case, it was found that the professionals had been informed of this withdrawal-recall procedure and that the products concerned were no longer available. However, the recalled products can be incorporated in prepared dishes, the traceability is long and complex and many companies are concerned, as well as many intermediaries (wholesalers).”
The DGCCRF ensures that “the recalled products can be incorporated in prepared meals, the traceability is long and complex and many companies are concerned”.
The main brands targeted are D’Aucy, The plate of Antoine, Thiriet or Freshona, in brands such as Lidl, Super U, Carrefour or Intermarché. The DGCCRF has published the list of products concerned .
The risks associated with listeriosis
Vegetables contaminated with bacteria are a real health hazard for consumers. The Listeriosis , the disease linked to listeria has an incubation period of about 10 to 28 days.
It results in headaches , digestive disorders and fever . It can be extremely dangerous for babies worn by pregnant women . 48 cases have been detected in Europe, including 9 deaths, but none have been reported in France at the moment.
The Ministry of Solidarity and Health has published a list of recommendations for the good conservation of vegetables and thus reduce the risk of contamination.
