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E-coli -O157- contaminated frozen meats, originating from Germany, were discovered by the Food Control Agency in Northern Greece’s regional branch in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The products are minced beef and spicy beef meatballs, distributed in LIDL chain of supermarkets, sais Zougla.gr.

Chair of Food Control Agency makes reassuring statements

Georgos Nichas, the chairman of the Food Control Agency points out that “the bacteria discovered in LIDL’s meats in not the one that brought panic all over Europe recently, but is similar and also dangerous. “

“This shouldn’t bring distress among consumers, since the operation shows adequate reactions on part of the Food Control agency, which, in collaboration with the Illness Control and Prevention Centre has been conducting random sample analysis and after locating the contaminated batch, demanded its immediate withdrawal. “

Consumer instructions

The product in question is frozen minced meat in a vacuumed pack of 500g (2X250g), branded “Marvest” and distributed by the German “Griechenland Rind, Vion Hilden GmbH” (Westring 21, D-40721, Hilden) of the Greek “LIDL Hellas & and Co.”

The job number of the product is L91185010 and expires 6/11/2011.

The other product is “Marvest” frozen beef meatballs, in a vacuumed pack 1000g shipped by the German “Vion Convenience GmbH” (Postfach 1269 21, D-31502, Wunstorf) of the Greek “LIDL Hellas & Co.” The product’s job number is L1 102 BT and expires on 8/11/2011.

Inspections continue

The Food Control Agency demanded immediate withdrawal of the products form the Greek market and is running the respective checks. Those who have already purchased the abovementioned products are advised not to consume them.

The E-coli symptoms

The E-coli infection may cause HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome). The symptoms include:

- abdominal spasms

- vomiting

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- diarrhea (dysentery), which may cause dehydration

- extreme fatigue

-anemia

- uremia (kidney insufficiency)

- hemorrhage tendency

Hygienic awareness among the population must be raised in order to restrict the disperse of the infection.

It includes thorough washing of the hands before the preparation or consumption of food products, and, of course, after visiting the toilet.

Raw fruits and vegetables should be carefully washed under running water, as well.

The awareness campaign includes some advice from the Illness Control and Prevention Centre regarding hygienic rules for processing and consumption of food products:

-        hands hygiene when processing food products, before consumption and after using the toilet

-        proper thermal prcessing of food products (over 70 degrees for more than 2 minutes)

-        separating cooked from raw foods, and extra caution when handling raw meat and raw vegetables

-        in case any of the symptoms of gastroenteritis appear, consumers are advised to seek health care