A recent alert issued by the State Agricultural and Food Inspection (SZPI) has highlighted a potential health risk associated with chicken meat sold by popular supermarket chain Tesco. The chicken breasts, sourced from Ukraine and packaged in Slovakia, were found to be contaminated with the salmonella infantis bacteria, which can lead to the foodborne illness salmonellosis. While the tainted meat was detected by inspectors in a Most store, it has already been removed from sale.

Despite bearing a “Consume by” date of July 26th, 2023, the SZPI strongly advises consumers who may possess this product in a frozen state at home to refrain from consuming it. Freezing, unfortunately, has minimal impact on bacterial contamination, which is a critical consideration for food safety.

This incident isn’t the first instance of the SZPI warning about potentially hazardous chicken meat originating from Ukraine. In a similar occurrence in July, two batches of chicken without giblets, also imported from Ukraine, were identified at JIP stores in České Budějovice and Harrachov, both of which were found to be tainted with salmonella.

The SZPI’s primary focus is safeguarding consumer health and safety. Such incidents serve as reminders of the importance of meticulous quality control by manufacturers and retailers alike. Consumers need to be vigilant regarding the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated food products. In the case of the dangerous chicken meat, the salmonella infantis bacteria could trigger salmonellosis, leading to symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

Amid this scenario, it is imperative for consumers to carefully review food labels before making purchases. Proper storage and timely consumption before the product’s expiry date are essential practices for ensuring food safety. The SZPI’s proactive efforts underscore its commitment to maintaining stringent standards and protecting public health.

As this incident unfolds, consumers are urged to be cautious and proactive, ensuring that the products they purchase and consume adhere to the highest safety standards. The focus on food safety remains a shared responsibility, involving producers, retailers, and consumers working collectively to mitigate risks and prevent such occurrences in the future.

Article by Prague Forum