Meat from UAB Biovela-Utenos mėsa unsafe in Latvian market

„Food safety and quality is a top priority for all the products offered in our stores, so we react immediately if we notice any quality violations“ – says Raina Anna Ločmele, „Maxima“ Communications Project Manager in Latvia. Unfortunately, this time pork contaminated with Escherichia coli (E.coli) was distributed in the neighbouring country. It turned out to be produced by – UAB „Biovela-Utenos mėsa“.

The food safety alert appeared in the RASFF system of the State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVT) on 27 May, and was communicated by the responsible Latvian authorities.

„Additional information was received that the product was manufactured by a Lithuanian company. Therefore, the VMVT has banned the placing on the market of 549 kg of the product," clarified the VMVT Public Relations Service, adding that it was collecting data on the recalled quantities.

The UAB „Biovela-Utenos mėsa“, which produced pork chops, was also contacted about the unsafe food case. Unfortunately, the company's spokeswoman did not respond to the questions.

R. A. Ločmele pointed out that the retailer immediately reacted to the notification from the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service (FVS) and took the necessary steps – carried out a full traceability check of the product and sent the necessary documents to the FVS. As the product had already expired, we could not physically recall it from customers or remove it from the shelves," regretted the Communications Project Manager of „Maxima“ Latvia. She also assured that no complaints had been received from customers.

However, E.coli bacteria can cause serious problems such as stomach sensitivity, pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and fever. Usually, the illnesses start 3-4 days after infection. In rare cases, symptoms caused by E.coli can lead to more severe dehydration or kidney disease.

Several cases of unsafe food have also been reported in Lithuania

On 30 May. On 30 May, a report appeared in the RASFF system about frozen duck contaminated with Salmonella spp. that was delivered to UAB „IKI“. Gintarė Kitovė, the company's Communication Manager, stated that she had no information on the case as the product was not available on the market. The VMVT revealed that the information was obtained from the Italian authorities. Later, the RASFF system was updated to clarify that UAB „IKI“ had received potentially contaminated frozen duck legs, which had reached the company's warehouses and freezers. It is likely that the unsafe poultry meat did not reach the outlets.

Another food safety alert appeared on 2 June. It was reported to the MoH by the „Rimi“ supermarket chain. „Salmonella spp“ was detected in chilled minced pork during a self-check, – stated the Public Relations Service of the MoIHCV.

The situation was further elaborated by Dalia Čenkienė, Head of Marketing and Public Relations of UAB „Rimi“. The product in question – a small quantity of chilled minced pork (4.32 kg) –   was only produced in one store of the „Rimi" chain. Following the identification of a possible microbiological non-compliance, the normal product recall processes were immediately activated.

In accordance with the legal requirements, customers were immediately informed of the possibility to return the product. No returns were recorded within the specified time period.

The product was manufactured in a specific store and was not supplied by other suppliers, so the situation was localised and managed promptly,

D. Čenkienė elaborated.