CFS urges public not to consume a batch of roast beef suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (February 21) urged the public not to consume a batch of roast beef as the product might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately should they possess it.

Details of the product are as follows:

Product name: Roast Beef
Product brand: Leo's Fine Food
Manufacturer: Leo's Fine Food Co Ltd
Use-by date: February 27, 2017

The spokesman said, "The CFS collected the above-mentioned roast beef sample from an online shop for testing under its regular Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained Listeria monocytogenes. The CFS has informed the vendor of the test result and instructed it to stop sale of the affected batch of the product and initiate a recall. The manufacturer has suspended its production temporarily to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection. According to the distribution record of the vendor, the affected batch of the product has been sold to four clients. The vendor is initiating the recall action with concerned clients."

For enquiries about the recall, members of the public may call Leo's Fine Food Co Ltd (2814 1766) during office hours.

"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 product if they have purchased any, and to seek medical advice if they feel sick upon consumption.

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, February 21, 2017