CFS urges public not to consume a kind of prepackaged fruit and nut bar suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 24) urged the public not to consume a kind of prepackaged fruit and nut bar imported from the United Kingdom (UK) due to possible contamination with Salmonella, a pathogen. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Fruit & Nut Bar – Brazil & Sultana, with Peanuts and Almonds
Brand: Eat Natural
Place of origin: UK
Importer: Janus Trading Company Limited
Packing size: 50 grams per pack
Best before dates: October 31, 2020 and November 30, 2020

A CFS spokesman said, "The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted a notice issued by the UK Food Standards Agency that the manufacturer of the product is recalling the above-mentioned batches of the product which may be contaminated with Salmonella."

Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up with major local importers and retailers. Preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported the above batches of the product and some of them were sold. Upon notification by the UK manufacturer earlier, the importer concerned had already stopped sale of the affected product and initiated a recall. Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2890 7265 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and patients with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected batches of the product if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Monday, August 24, 2020