The rise in unexplained European cases of Salmonella poisoning linked to the use of cucumbers in ready-to-eat foods reminds manufacturers about the need to stay informed on food compliance matters. SGS Digicomply provides tailored data to help businesses mitigate against the risk of non-compliance. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reported 147 cases of Salmonella enterica poisoning linked to the use of cucumbers in ready-to-eat meals. So far, five countries have been affected – the UK, Denmark, Finland, Germany and Ireland – with the UK being worst hit with 129 cases.
Beginning in 2014, initially the number of reported cases was low, but these have since escalated with early 2017 and 2018 being identified as peaks. Authorities are predicting that the trend will continue with early 2019 anticipated to be another peak.
The EFSA and European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) used whole genome sequencing (WGS) to link all these cases to a single strain of Salmonella enterica – S. Agona – and to the use of cucumbers in ready-to-eat meals. However, despite being able to identify the cucumber’s country of origin – Spain – they have so far been unable to find a connection between supply chains and no single primary producer growing the affected cucumbers. The EFSA reports, “laboratory results for Salmonella in all cucumber samples, taken either at primary production level in Spain or during distribution to/within UK, were negative.”
The food industry is therefore being warned that, without the clear identification of a point of contamination, it can expect more cases of Salmonella enterica poisoning in early 2019. Those involved in the food processing and ready-to-eat food sectors are therefore advised to remain alert to changes in food safety regulations and compliance, and ensure their quality assurance management systems are operating effectively.
SGS recently launched the latest version of its SGS Digicomply online regulatory intelligence platform. The system provides economic operators with a single, comprehensive and targeted online data source to help them stay up-to-date with news concerning changes to food regulations and compliance.
SGS Digicomply
A powerful content management platform that combines high technology with SGS’s expertise in food compliance. The system monitors over 100,000 web sources, distilling the content into one reliable, convenient and simple to use data stream that is tailored to the needs of the individual user. To learn more about SGS Digicomply: [www.digicomply.sgs.com]
For more information, please contact:
Charon Willis
Global Food Testing Business Development Manager
SGS United Kingdom Limited
Phone: +44 (0) 20 3008 7860
Website: www.foodsafety.sgs.com
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world. | 
