The bagged salad industry is reeling after the Health Protection Agency this week linked 300 cases of consumer illness to cryptosporidium in spinach.
The HPA said the 300 cases were in England and Scotland in May 2012, with a strong association to pre-cut salad products labelled as ‘ready to eat’. The outbreak was short lived and most reported cases were mild to moderate illness, with no deaths. Diarrhoea is the most common symptom.
The strongest association with infection was found to involve pre-cut spinach in two supermarkets, which were identified in media reports as Morrisons and Asda. However both stores have distanced their products from the outbreak.
HPA said it was not issuing any specific advice to consumers, but stressed the co-ordinated government-industry approach to investigations should help prevent future outbreaks.
“This outbreak was fortunately short lived but it was important to see if we could find the source,” said Dr Stephen Morton, regional director of the HPA in Yorkshire and Humber and head of the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team.
Morrisons hit back at reports linking it with cryptosporidium, saying: “Morrisons is not the source of this outbreak. We have received no complaints of illness and no Morrisons products have tested positive for cryptosporidia. Morrisons shares the same supply chain used for its bagged salads with several other retailers, meaning they would also have been affected by this outbreak. The HPA appears to be concerned with making an eye-catching announcement before being disbanded in two weeks’ time.”
Asda described the HPA research as “statistically flawed”, adding it did not prove Asda was the source of the outbreak. “Product safety is our top priority and if we had any serious concerns we’d act immediately. So far this hasn’t been necessary,” it insisted.
Florette commercial director Sandy Sewell said: “It is disappointing that the Health Protection Agency, despite such inconclusive evidence, has chosen to point the finger of blame at the leafy prepared salad industry.”
FPC CEO Nigel Jenney said cases of cryptosporidium were extremely rare and consumers should still enjoy produce. “It’s common sense for consumers to follow good hygiene practices when preparing food.”
