Last update - 00:00 01/11/2006
Tnuva recalls two products after bacteria is found in factory
By Eti Aflalo
Tests have discovered Listeria monocytogenes bacteria on the production line of Tunuva's Mama Of pre-packed food factory, The Marker has learned Wednesday.
On Monday, Tnuva announced it has removed two products of the Mama Of brand manufactured on October 19, 2006 - chicken schnitzel and sesame-crusted chicken filets.
The company announcement stated that the fault only affected the packaging of the two products, but the products themselves were tested and found to be in order. But Tnuva's advisory note to the Ministry of Health stated that Listeria monocytogenes bacteria had been found on the production line of the two products, contradicting the statement indicating a technical fault prevented their distribution and sale.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria risk individuals with a weak immune system, the elderly and infants. It is also dangerous for pregnant women and may cause miscarriage, as well as meningitis.
This is the second time a health-risk related to a Tnuva product is exposed. In 1995 it was revealed that Tnuva injected silicone in its low-fat milk.
The Mama Of factory said in response "there was indeed a fault in the production line, which was fixed immediately. As soon as we discovered [the fault] we called the products back. In out estimate, most of them have already been retrieved. It should be noted that all the tests conducted on the product itself proved the products are in order."