Health Ministry: Bacteria in meat

THE Ministry of Health yesterday advised the general public that recent random sampling of products from Erin Meat Packers Limited has confirmed that several of these items have been infected with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

In a statement, the Health Ministry said: “The public is hereby advised to immediately dispose of the following products from Erin Meat Packers Ltd if they have them in their possession: Chicken Franks (Code Numbers 230-235, 237, 238, 240-242, 246, 248, 249, 253, 254), Spiced Ham (Code Number 240) and Turkey Ham (Code Numbers 231, 238, 245 and 252).” The Ministry stated that it is now working with the company and plant operators to ensure that steam cleaning, hot water treatment, fumigation and sanitation are effected in order to bring the plant to acceptable standards.

The Minister added that retailers must not sell products of this description bearing the above code numbers. In addition, the public is advised to take note of the following steps before they prepare “ready-to-eat foods”:
(1) Reheat until steaming hot the following types of ready-to-eat foods: hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, fermented and dry sausage and other deli-style meat and poultry products. If you cannot reheat these foods, do not eat them.
(2) Wash hands with hot soap water after handling these types of ready-to-eat foods. Wash at least 20 seconds. Also wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils. Thorough washing helps eliminate any bacteria that might get on your hands or other surfaces from food before it is reheated.
(3) Do not use any perishable pre-cooked ready-to-eat products after the date of expiry.