Biovela-Utenos mėsa UAB has transported infected meat to Latvia. The VMVT is not in a hurry to take enforcement measures

March 4. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed Safety (RASFF) of the State Food and Veterinary Office (SVVO) has reported that pathogenic micro-organisms Salmonella spp. It turned out that the producer UAB „Biovela-Utenos mėsa“.

The FVO did not elaborate too much on this situation. The representative of the authority pointed out that the RASFF alert appeared after the Latvian authorities had detected an unsafe product during a market control.

„The information has been forwarded to the MoH, the investigation is ongoing“, – the MoH specialist did not mince words.

How long the investigation will take, the MoVT could not say, as this is related to the scope of the investigation itself.

No further details of the contaminated products were disclosed by UAB „Biovela-Utenos mėsa“.

When asked about the quantity of products that went to Latvia, Inga Stepanauskaitė-Miškunec, Corporate Brand Project Manager, replied that the quantity of raw materials supplied to a specific customer is specified in contracts between the supplier and the customer, and is not publicly disclosed.

„I would like to assure you that in order to guarantee the highest level of product safety, our company's laboratory is constantly carrying out comprehensive quality and safety tests. Food safety is one of the top priorities of UAB „Biovela-Utenos mėsa“, therefore, all potential risks are immediately reported to both the responsible authorities and consumers, – assured I. Stepanauskaitė-Miškunec. She added that the company cooperates closely with the Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection to ensure that unsafe products are removed from the market as soon as possible.

Commenting on this specific case, the Corporate Brand Project Manager noted that all necessary actions were also taken immediately.

„The company adheres to the highest standards and always prioritises the safety of its consumers“, – highlighted I. Stepanauskaitė-Miskunec.

A representative of „Biovela-Utenos mėsa“ stated that unsafe products did not enter the Lithuanian market.

The FVO may impose administrative liability, operating restrictions, market restriction measures, etc. on the company following an investigation and if an infringement is found. 

Interestingly, in 2024 alone, this company was subject to 6 inspections for unsafe products distributed on the market. These included an assessment of the causes, distribution and production technology of the unsafe product.

Pathogenic micro-organisms such as Salmonella spp, which have been detected in fresh pork mince, can cause foodborne diseases such as salmonellosis. The incidence of this bacterial infection in Lithuania is quite high. It is estimated that there are 66 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. About half of the cases are children, although infants and people over 60 years of age are the most susceptible.

Symptoms of salmonellosis usually appear within 8 to 72 hours of the bacteria entering the body. Most healthy people overcome the infection within a few days without exceptional treatment. Unfortunately, for those at risk, the disease can lead to extremely dangerous complications.