SO MUCH FOR SUPERMARKET AUDITS OF THEIR SUPPLIERS

The latest food scare is in relation to frozen vegetables, where over 50 products have been recalled due to concerns that they may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a dangerous bacterium particularly for pregnant women and their unborn children, very young children, the elderly and anyone with a comprised immune system, as it can lead to an illness know as Listeriosis. Listeria has previously been found in cooked meat products, and in milk & cheeses, which are unpasterised (heat treated to eliminate bacterium where it exists). The latest recall was from a supplier called Greenyard Frozen UK Ltd, who sold to Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s & Waitrose. This recall is believed to have been from their Hungarian frozen foods warehouse. Reports suggest that across Europe, 47 people in five European countries have been made ill, and nine people have died (two of whom are British), although this outbreak could have effected over 100 countries. Unfortunately Listeria has the highest mortality rate per number of cases, of all the major foodbourne illnesses. So what does this have to do with keeping meat hygiene inspections independent? You may recall our letters to the supermarkets, who claimed that consumer safety was their priority, and outlined how they audited their suppliers. Given the recent food scares, their auditing does not appear to be working, and hence we need truly independent inspections & auditing to ensure consumer safety, particularly as we all need food to live. You may also not be surprised to learn of soy sauce and pastry recalls recently, due to possibly having metal wire in them. There is an excellent article in the Daily Express outlining products that have been recalled. Unfortunately, the article cannot be accessed by hyperlink, but is available to view via the Daily Express website, by searching the heading ‘Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl & Asda issue URGENT recall of 100 food products – FULL LIST’. Thank you all for your continued help and support.