Food safety officials have triggered a major nationwide recall of popular smoked fish products over fears they could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent alert for multiple products from Haifa Smoked Fish, a prominent supplier to delis and food service companies across the United Kingdom. The affected items include various batches of its pre-packaged smoked salmon and smoked trout.
What Products Are Affected?
The recall encompasses a range of products sold under the Haifa Smoked Fish brand. Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for the following items with specific batch codes and use-by dates:
- Haifa Cold Smoked Salmon Sides (All weights, Use-by: 29 February 2024)
- Haifa Cold Smoked Salmon Sliced (200g, Use-by: 29 February 2024)
- Haifa Cold Smoked Trout Sides (All weights, Use-by: 29 February 2024)
- Haifa Cold Smoked Trout Fillets (All weights, Use-by: 29 February 2024)
What Should You Do?
The FSA's advice is clear and direct. If you have purchased any of the listed products, you should not consume them.
Instead, return the product to the store from which it was purchased for a full refund. Customers with any health concerns are advised to contact their GP or NHS 111 for immediate advice.
Why Is Listeria Dangerous?
Listeria infection, or listeriosis, is a rare but potentially serious illness. For most healthy individuals, symptoms may be mild, including a high temperature, aches, and chills. However, it poses a significant risk to more vulnerable groups.
'It can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems,' a spokesperson for the FSA noted. In severe cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis and septicaemia.
The nationwide recall highlights the critical importance of robust food safety protocols and swift action by suppliers and regulators to protect public health.
