The State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) has raised a red flag concerning a potentially hazardous batch of chicken meat associated with the Tesco retail chain. The contaminated chicken breast products, originally sourced from Ukraine but packaged in Slovakia, have been found to be tainted with the salmonella infantis bacterium, a known cause of the foodborne illness salmonellosis. While the implicated chicken meat, identified as “Tesco Chicken Breast Cutlet,” lot: 23293102, has already expired on July 26, 2023, the SZPI is urging consumers not to consume the product even if it’s stored in their freezers, as freezing does not necessarily eliminate bacterial contamination. The warning was conveyed by Marek Bartík, representing SZPI.

The contaminated chicken meat was initially discovered in a Tesco store located in Most, sparking concerns about the safety of poultry products within the supermarket chain. The chicken, though raised and processed in Ukraine, was packaged by WE Trade in Horné Saliby, Slovakia. This alarming finding was officially reported through the European Rapid Alert System for Food (RASFF), a crucial mechanism for swift cross-border communication about potential threats to food safety.

The sample that led to this discovery was obtained by SZPI as part of a preplanned emergency microbiological inspection. In response, the authority has taken decisive action against the store operator, initiating administrative proceedings that may result in fines. This underscores the seriousness with which regulatory bodies treat incidents that compromise food safety.

This isn’t the first time that concerns have arisen about the quality and safety of chicken meat originating from Ukraine. In a similar occurrence this past July, SZPI flagged two batches of chicken, lacking offal, that were traced back to Ukraine. These batches were found in JIP East Bohemia stores situated in České Budějovice and Harrachov. Those samples also tested positive for the presence of salmonella, raising significant concerns about the control of foodborne pathogens in poultry products sourced from the region.

The recent incident highlights the critical importance of vigilant food inspection practices and rapid response mechanisms to ensure public health and safety. It serves as a reminder to consumers to remain cautious about the origin and handling of the food products they purchase, even from well-established retail chains. The SZPI’s proactive approach and transparent communication are integral in safeguarding the interests and health of consumers.

Article by Prague Forum