Fit Fruit and Vegetable Wash News
International Salmonella outbreak linked to "ready-to-eat" fresh herbs
A recent report details a food study led by the Health Protection Agency and the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS).
The survey revealed an international outbreak of salmonellosis. Thirty-two human cases of S. Senftenberg infection were subsequently identified throughout England and Wales, and a further 19 in Scotland, Denmark, the Netherlands and the USA.
Jim McLauchlin, Director of the Health Protection Agency's Food, Water & Environmental Microbiology Services, said: "Our survey found six herb types to be contaminated with ten different types of salmonella. The basil samples that were found to be contaminated with S. Senftenberg were all grown in Israel."
"The presence of salmonella in ready-to-eat foods such as fresh herbs is unacceptable, and in each case the retailer and the Food Standards Agency were immediately informed and action was taken to prevent the risk of people becoming ill."
"There are two important measures that can be taken to protect the public from becoming ill as a result of consuming herbs. The first is in the growing process where careful steps should be taken to control potential points of contamination. The second is that consumers can also wash their herbs, particuarly if they are to consume them without further cooking, so as to minimise the risk that their herbs aren't contaminated with any bacteria."
This report is timely as a number of Hygiene Audit Systems catering clients have recently improved their salad washing procedures by using Fit antibacterial produce wash and they are pleased with the results!
Fit Wash is a 100% natural produce wash. It removes pesticides, waxes, people-handling residues and other contaminants. Independent testing shows that it kills harmful bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria. Unlike traditional based fruit and vegetable washes it contains no chlorine and therefore leaves no nasty residues, aftertaste or smells.
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