Food Alerts / Allergy Alerts - Not to consume two kinds of prepackaged cheese spread that may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

Not to consume two kinds of prepackaged cheese spread that may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum

Issue Date	19.6.2020
Source of Information	UK Food Standards Agency
Food Product	Two kinds of prepackaged cheese spread
Product Name and Description	Product name: Original Cheese Spread Brand: Primula Place of origin: UK Importer: CitySuper Packing size: 150 grams per tube Best-before dates: December 29, 2020; January 7, 2021; January 12, 2021; and January 14, 2021 Product name: Cheese Spread with Chives Brand: Primula Place of origin: UK Importer: CitySuper Packing size: 150g per tube Best-before dates: December 29, 2020; January 5, 2021; January 12, 2021; and January 19, 2021
Reason For Issuing Alert	The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted notices issued by the UK Food Standards Agency that the manufacturer of the products is recalling the above-mentioned batches of the products which may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum due to a production fault. Foodborne botulism is caused by ingestion of food containing very potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms of intoxication include marked fatigue, weakness and vertigo, often followed by blurred vision and difficulty in speaking and swallowing. The toxin may paralyse the breathing muscles and cause death. Onset of symptoms is usually around 18 to 36 hours after the ingestion of the toxin, but may range from four hours to eight days.
Action Taken by the Centre for Food Safety	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 products which were sold in its retail outlets. Upon notification by the UK manufacturer earlier, the importer concerned had already stopped sale, removed from shelves the affected products and initiated a recall. The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, continue to follow up and take appropriate action.
Advice to the Trade	Stop using or selling the products concerned immediately if they possess them.
Advice to Consumers	Do not consume the affected batches of the products.
Further Information	The CFS press release Members of the public may call the importer's hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

Centre for Food Safety
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
2020-6-19

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