HAS THE FSA KEPT QUIET, WHEN THERE IS MORE BAD NEWS?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Food Standards Scotland (FSS) both appear to have failed to alert consumers about minced meat that was recently recalled, after a warning by the supplier that it contained E.coli.
 
This was noted, as there were no alerts on either of their websites in relation to the recall. They both normally use alerts to inform consumers of any problems with food.
 
The Scottish meat supplier appears to have informed Costco, the FSA & FSS about a batch of Aberdeen Angus minced beef that contained the potentially deadly bacterium, had been sent to stores.  The Costco stores reported to have received the meat were Edinburgh, Glasgow, Watford and Thurrock between 3rd and 7th September.
 
Costco appear to have done the correct thing, by informing consumer members at the affected stores.
 
The link to the news report in DC Thomson Media’s Press and Journal is below.

The FSA/FSS were going to undertake a risk assessment after it learned of this problem.
 
The meat supplier’s slaughterhouse was audited by the FSS on
3rd April this year and although it was found generally to be satisfactory, it did have two major non-compliances with hygiene regulations.
 
A major non –compliance is one that is likely to compromise public health, animal welfare or could lead to unsafe or unsuitable food if no action is taken, according to the FSA and FSS definition.
 
The first major non-compliance from this audit was; 
 
Hygienic production – Food Business Operators Controls during processing

1. Any visible contamination removed without delay by trimming or alternative means having an equivalent effect.

Contamination means the removal of faecal matter that may contain bacterium such as E.coli O157.

The second major non- compliance was under:
Staff training/instruction and supervision.

2. The implementation of the operating procedures is effective and supported by records. 

This is also a problem that was highlighted earlier this year in cutting plants; where meat was incorrectly labelled in relation to kill by dates which can then impact on use before dates. (In one meat cutting plant at that time staff were reportedly retrained).
 
The company in question was also audited last year on 06/02/17 and again found to be generally satisfactory, but again with two major failings namely:

Slaughter process 
1. Stunning methods ensure quick and effective loss of consciousness and sensibility followed by death (stunning and simple stunning). 

This appears to suggest animal welfare issues at that time.

As for 1 above in the audit this year

2 All handling and processes from slaughtering to despatch are done in a way that avoids the contamination of meat and offal entering the food chain. 

Is the FSA concealing bad news? 

If so, is it due to the pressure and scrutiny they are now under, due to all those meat scares in the last year?

In any risk assessment by the FSA or FSS the results above should have been given serious consideration. Should they be more cautious and make informing the public a priority?

Thank you all for your continued help and support.