Food Safety shake-up
The recent outbreak of a deadly strain of E. Coli in Germany prompted the local Food Safety Initiative (FSI) to compile food product recall guidelines. These guidelines allow a product recall to be initiated by the food processor/supplier, or a regulatory body such as the department of health, or by a consumer complaint. This is an important and necessary measure, and my only criticism is, why did it take the outbreak of a deadly disease to instigate these changes? More concerning however, is the outbreak itself.
The German strain of E. Coli is particularly potent and causes not only bloody diarrhoea but also neurological disorders, including paralysis in some cases. The potentially fatal complication is called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
Initially it was believed that Spanish cucumbers were to blame for the deadly outbreak, but it was later determined that bean sprouts, from an organic farm in northern Germany, were in fact responsible. The former accusation had dire effects on Spanish food exporters, and some were brought to a standstill.
The number of new cases is declining and the product has been recalled and is no longer available. To date this new strain has been responsible for 35 deaths. Although it seems that the worst is over, the recovery will not be easy and some of the damage caused to the reputation of food producers in the region may take even longer to repair.
Albert Pretorius
Please feel free to make comments or raise new issues by emailing the editor
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New Products
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Fruit Pack introduces 4-pack
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New Aloclair Mouth Wash
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Events
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InneSense Cellar2Cellar Trail Run & Wine Experience
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