Deadly bug discovered in salmon

Listeria alert for smoked fish

SCOTTISH smoked salmon products have been recalled after being infected with the potentially deadly bug listeria.

Yesterday Essex-based company Scotch Smoked Salmon Co Ltd – which delivers direct to online buyers’ homes – warned its customers not to eat any of the fish from the affected batch and asked for the products to be returned.

Routine testing found the salmon contained listeria monocytogenes which, if consumed, is fatal in one in five cases.

The bacteria triggers symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness, to meningitis and septicaemia.

The bug poses the most danger to the elderly, pregnant women, babies and adults with weak i mmune systems.

Two products, Smoked Scottish Salmon and Smoked Scotch Salmon, have been recalled from the market. Those with a use by date of 14.03.2016 and batch code 219ds should be returned to the supplier. Packs of 100g, 200g and 400g are all affected.

The Food Standards Agency issued a Product Withdrawal Information Notice yesterday warning people not to eat the fish.

Food safety bosses issued a statement stressing the risk to humans if consumed. It warned: ‘Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, particularly among key vulnerable groups, includ- ing pregnant women, unborn and newborn babies, those over 60 years old and anyone with r educed immunity.

‘If you have bought the above products, do not consume them. Instead, return to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.’

It continued: ‘ No other Scotch Smoked Salmon Co Ltd products are known to be affected.’

Yesterday Scotch Smoked Salmon Co apologised to customers. In a statement it said: ‘ Our testing has indicated the presence of listeria monocytogenes i n this batch of Smoked Scottish Salmon.

‘As a precautionary measure we are recalling the affected product and recommend customers do not consume the product due to the possible risk of illness.’

It added: ‘We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.’

The company, which calls itself a gourmet food suppler, sources raw fish from Scotland before smoking it over oak in its premises in Rainham, Essex.

The website states: ‘Many customers ask us to send, for example, smoked salmon as a present – which we can gift wrap for you – to a relation or friend, and we are delighted to offer this option.’

It continues: ‘ Our salmon is prepared and smoked today as it has been for centuries – in a traditional smoke box over oak – to yield the superb smoky flavour and texture that can only be achieved using timehonoured techniques.’

The bacterium is naturally widespread in the environment and can contaminate a wide range of foods.

‘Do not consume

the product’