Contamination of Picante Chorizo Extra with salmonella

Friday 19 November 2004

Food Alert: for Action

Ref: 60/2004 England 61/2004 Scotland (For Information)

Heads of Environmental Health and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that following formal sampling by a local authority a brand of chorizo has been found to test positive for salmonella.

The brand affected is Alejandro Picante Chorizo Extra and is manufactured by Embuttidos A Lejandro of Logrono, Spain and distributed in the UK by Brindisa Ltd of Balham, London.

A distribution list has been sent to local authorities.

Description of product

Brand name: Alejandro Picante Chorizo Extra

Pack size: 200g

Affected batch code: 384

Best before end: 03-2005

The product is packed in a hoop shape into a vacuum sealed, controlled atmosphere plastic bag. The top third of the bag is pale brown in colour and displays the brand name inside a maroon banner, above which is the word PICANTE on a maroon background. Immediately above this in maroon writing is the product ingredient list. The bottom two-thirds of the packet consist of a viewing window with the words ‘Qualité Supérieure Fort’ appearing in white at the bottom. The EU approval number ESP 10.6584/LO also appears on the front of the packet.

Action to be taken by local authorities
The product does not comply with the food safety requirements specified in the Food Safety Act 1990 due to contamination with salmonella.

If any of this product is found on sale within their area, enforcement officers should ensure that it is withdrawn from sale, if necessary using the Food Safety Act.

The distributor Brindisa Ltd has contacted their customers and advised them of the problem with this product, requesting that any of the affected batch is removed from sale immediately.