Working with information supplied by the Food Standards Agency, Horsham District Council is warning local takeaways, restaurants and cafes of frozen diced chicken products originating from Brazil which is believed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytongenes.
The affected chicken originates from the C. Vale Brazilian agricultural co-operative, being imported by a company named Food Bridge UK based in Manchester, but then subsequently supplied onward to numerous businesses nationwide, including Express Foodservice, a popular wholesaler based in West Sussex who initially detected the L. monocytongenes contamination.
The specific products of chicken known to be of concern include the tikka, hot & spicy, and barbeque varieties of flavoured chicken pieces, but further lines could also be impacted.
Businesses who may have received the affected products are advised that while they can continue to be used, it is critical to ensure that the chicken pieces are thoroughly cooked before being served to customers: This must be to an internal temperature of over 70oC for at least 2 minutes to destroy any Listeria that could be present.
Business will also need to consider if there could have been any cross-contamination of equipment, facilities, or other products during handling of the chicken in their premises and take appropriate action to control any additional hazards identified, in line with their documented food safety management systems.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr David Skipp said:
“Listeria can cause serious illness in people, particularly those aged over 65 years, young children and immunocompromised individuals, but also in pregnant women and their unborn babies.
“Environmental health officers will be visiting businesses that may have received the contaminated product to ensure that it is being handled and cooked in ways to ensure that it is rendered safe to eat.”
For further information or to report the suspected availability of the affected items being for sale, please contact the Council’s Environmental Health & Licensing team via ehl@horsham.gov.uk
or by telephoning 01403 215 100.