CFS urges public not to consume two batches of cold cuts suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 19) urged the public not to consume two batches of pre-packaged cold cuts as the products might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately.

Details of the products are as follows:

(1) Product name: Cold Cut - Chili
Product brand: the house of Charcuterie
Packer: Hart Limited
Best before date: May 3, 2016

(2) Product name: Beef Pastrami
Product brand: the house of Charcuterie
Packer: Hart Limited
Best before date: May 2, 2016

The spokesman said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned cold cut samples at APITA, a supermarket in Quarry Bay for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that both samples contained Listeria monocytogenes. The CFS has informed the supermarket and packer of the products concerned of the test results and instructed them to stop sale and remove from shelves the affected batches of the products and initiate a recall."

For enquiries about the recall, members of the public may call APITA (2885 0331) and Hart Limited (2557 0988) during office hours.

Furthermore, the CFS is tracing the sources and distribution of the affected products.

"Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperatures. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in the newborns," the spokesman said.

He urged members of the public to stop consuming the affected products if they have purchased any, and to seek medical advice if they feel sick upon consumption. The CFS will also alert the trade to the incident and urge them to stop using or selling the affected batches of the products immediately should they still possess them.

The CFS will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, April 19, 2016