Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published information about the voluntary recall of over 80 smoked fish, pickled fish, salads, and cream sauce products by a company out of New York. According to the recall announcement, the products were sold under various brand names to consumers, retailers, and distributors in several states across the country.
The recall was initiated after the potential for Listeria monocytogenes contamination came to light after a routine FDA inspection found the products were processed under unsanitary conditions. Fortunately, there were no reports of illnesses at the time of the recall notice.
“Eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 cases are fatal. Those considered to be most at risk include pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems.”
The food scientists at EMSL Analytical assist food companies with testing so contaminated products do not reach the public, and costly recalls associated with these types of events can be avoided. Their laboratories, located across the United States and Canada, offer raw ingredient and final product testing to identify Listeria and numerous other foodborne pathogens. Testing services are also instrumental for evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures at food processing and handling facilities.
To learn more about Listeria or other food testing and labeling services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
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