AVA recalls Pinguin's frozen mixed vegetables and sweet corn kernels after listeria alert

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has recalled Pinguin's frozen mixed vegetables and sweet corn kernels after a listeria outbreak in Europe.

The affected items are:

• Pinguin frozen mixed vegetables (1 kg) with an expiry date up to 03/2020
• Pinguin sweet corn kernels (2.5 kg) with an expiry date up to 02/2019

The country of origin of both products is either Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands and other European countries. 

This recall by AVA comes after a listeria outbreak in Europe, possibly due to microbial contamination from a production plant in Hungary. The frozen vegetable products may have been re-packed and distributed to other regions, including Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands and Singapore. 

The recall has now been completed.

"Consumers who had purchased the implicated products are advised not to consume it," says AVA. 

Also, it is advised to adequately heat frozen vegetables to reduce the risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection. 

What Exactly is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection. It is caused by eating foods that are contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Generally, soil, water, and faeces contain the bacteria.

Food which can get contaminated by the bacteria include pre-cut melons, cold salads, raw seafood and smoked salmon, unpasteurised milk products, sprouted seeds and raw mushrooms.

Some of the common symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, as well as nausea and/or diarrhoea. If the infection spreads to the central nervous system, you may even experience headaches, stiff neck, lack of balance and flu-like symptoms. 

Listeriosis Is Treatable with Antibiotics If Diagnosed Early 

It is important to note that the incubation period of listeriosis ranges from three to 70 days. Hence, symptoms can appear many weeks after eating contaminated produce. Wash fruits thoroughly before consumption to prevent infection.

Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever and muscle aches, preceded by diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms within 70 days of consuming the implicated products.

Listeriosis affects mainly pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with weakened immune systems.

In pregnant women, the infection can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth. If you are pregnant and get listeriosis, antibiotics can often prevent infection of the foetus or newborn.

Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy.

Source: AVA

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