The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) has reported that pathogenic organisms have been detected in smoked sprats from Lithuania, in particular the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause infectious listeriosis.

The producers of the smoked sprats are reported to be UAB "Pro industrija" and UAB "Ostsee Fish Kretinga".

The companies themselves do not comment on this information.

Listeriosis has been recognised as an important public health problem in many countries around the world in recent years. The infection is most dangerous for pregnant women, newborns and immunodeficient adults.

The disease is caused by Listeria monocytogenes and is characterised by meningitis, meningoencephalitis, sepsis and, less commonly, endocarditis or conjunctivitis.