Safety in food This is a priority and fundamental question. Recently, the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN)attached to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, launched an alert which worried many consumers because they may have purchased the food for which this alert was brought to their attention. The organization indicated that a very popular product from Aldi it could be compromised due to the presence of dangerous bacteria. This situation provoked an immediate reaction from the supermarket chain, which decided to preventively withdraw the item and pay the people who bought it.
The bacteria in question Listeria monocytogenesis the cause of the disease known as listeriosisan infection that can be mild in healthy people but serious in certain segments of the population, such as pregnant women, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. AESAN’s announcement not only concerns Aldi, but also mentions another similar product from the Bonpreu brandwhich has generated a climate of alert and caution among consumers. In both cases, those affected are recommended to return the products or dispose of them to avoid possible risks. We will then see which products the alert refers to, what listeriosis consists of and what symptoms could appear in the event of exposure to this bacteria.
They demand the urgent withdrawal of this famous Aldi product
The Aldi product singled out by the AESAN are the cooked pork hands of the brand “El Mercado”, with an expiration date of November 14. The alert regarding this food came via the Coordinated System for Rapid Exchange of Information (SCIRI)in a joint effort to detect possible health risks and act quickly. This system informed the health authorities of Catalonia, who confirmed the presence of Listeria in the lot concerned, which bears number 249. Although it was initially distributed in Catalonia, it is not excluded that the product has reached other autonomous communities.
On the other hand, the alert also includes another similar product: precooked pork trotters from Bonpreu supermarketswith an expiration date of November 1 and a batch number 136distributed in Aragon and Catalonia. Both companies were informed and the supermarkets concerned took measures to prevent the circulation of these products.
Aldi’s response to the alert: return and preventive withdrawal
Upon notification, aldi decided to act preventively by removing cooked pig trotters from sale in order to avoid any risk for its customers. In a statement, Aldi said consumers who purchased the product can return it to any store in the chain and receive the corresponding refund. In addition, Aldi has made available customer service through its telephone number 900 902 466 and a web form to resolve any additional questions.
This rapid response aims not only to protect the health of customers, but also to preserve confidence in their products. Aldi stressed the importance of not consuming the product If it was recently contracted and you have symptoms compatible with listeriosis, go to a health center.
What is listeriosis and how is it transmitted?
THE listeriosis It is an infection caused by bacteria Listeria monocytogeneswhich is mainly transmitted through contaminated food. This bacteria is frequently found in refrigerated products with a long shelf life, such as heat-treated meat foods, smoked fish or soft cheeses. Although most healthy people usually overcome the infection with mild symptoms, the risk groups mentioned above can develop serious complications, such as meningitis or sepsis.
The incubation period of this bacteria is variable and can range from a few days to three months, which complicates the process of identifying the contaminated food causing the infection. Symptoms of listeriosis in healthy people include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea and vomiting. However, in at-risk groups, this infection can lead to more serious symptoms requiring hospitalization.
Precautions and risky foods
AESAN recalls that the best way to prevent infections such as listeriosis is avoid the consumption of contaminated products and pay particular attention to food alerts issued by health authorities. The foods most likely to be contaminated with Listeria are usually ready-to-eat foods that require refrigeration, as the bacteria can survive and grow in cold environments. Among them stand out:
- Sausages and cooked or cured meats that do not require cooking before consumption.
- Fish smoked and seafood.
- Dairy products such as soft cheeses, raw milk ice creams and pâtés.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits if they are not washed properly.
What to do if you have already consumed the product?
If you have recently eaten Aldi cooked pig’s trotters or Bonpreu pre-cooked pig’s trotters and have symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrheait is important to go to a medical center. Listeria infections require medical evaluation, especially in people in risk groups. AESAN recommends not to underestimate any symptom if it coincides with the ingestion of the products concerned.
The alert issued by AESAN on Aldi and Bonpreu products recalls the importance of be informed of possible risks associated with certain foods and act immediately if suspected. Aldi’s quick response, removing the product from its shelves and offering a refund to its customers, shows the chain’s commitment to the safety of its consumers. It is nevertheless essential that those who have purchased the cooked pork hands from Aldi or precooked pork trotters de Bonpreu examine their purchases and, if necessary, return the products to avoid any risk.
