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Salmonella and Listeria risk sparks Co-op recall
The ‘Co-op Smooth Brussels Pate’ was recalled as a precautionary measure, the supermarket chain said. An ongoing investigation into the possible contamination is now underway.
The pate is sold in 175g packs, with the recall including packs with use by dates of 19 November 2024, 21 November 2024 or 28 November 2024.
Symptoms caused by Salmonella usually include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, while Listeria monocytogenes consumption can lead to the development of Listeriosis and symptoms including a high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), some people are more vulnerable to Listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
Co-op is displaying point of sale notices in stores where the product is sold which inform customers about the recall.
Anyone that has purchased the product should not eat it and instead return it to a Co-op store for a refund.
New caffeine guidance
Meanwhile, the FSA and Food Standards Scotland have issued fresh guidance on the use of caffeine in supplements.
The guidance has been created following a case in the UK where a man died after miscalculating the amount of caffeine powder he was meant to use, with the fatal dose representing the equivalent of up to 200 cups of coffee.
“While caffeine is found naturally in many food products, we have evidence that people are unaware of the higher levels of caffeine in some supplements and the risk this can pose,” said FSA chief scientific advisor Professor Robin May.
“Pure and highly concentrated caffeine supplements such as caffeine powder can be extremely potent, so you should always follow the dose instructions on the label and use appropriate measuring equipment to make sure it’s accurate.
“If people are experiencing caffeine side effects, such as sleeplessness and agitation, they should consider the amount of caffeine they are getting from supplements in addition to other components of their diet. We are also recommending that pregnant women limit their daily caffeine consumption to 200mg (the equivalent of roughly two mugs of instant coffee or one mug of filter coffee) and check the label for a warning that the product may be unsuitable.
“We are also reminding businesses of their responsibility to supply safe food and comply with food labelling and compositional requirements, so that consumers will have information to help them make informed choices about what they’re eating.”
Further details about the guidance can be found on the FSA website.
In other news, the owner of Quorn Foods has suffered a £63m pre-tax loss.
