Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd. announces recall of Headcheese product due to
salmonella contamination
LANGLEY, BC, July 14 /CNW/ - Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd. (Freybe) announced today a class 1 recall of Freybe-brand Headcheese due to a salmonella contamination. The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has confirmed 10 reported cases of salmonella in British Columbia, the majority of which involved elderly individuals who fell ill after consuming Freybe Headcheese. Freybe has issued a recall while further testing is being conducted to determine the source and nature of the salmonella contamination.
The affected product would have been purchased in mid- to late-June from over-the-counter delis. The product is manufactured for Freybe by Brandt Meat Packers (Establishment number 164), which operates a federally-inspected facility in Mississauga, Ontario. No other products manufactured at Brandt Meat, or manufactured by or at Freybe's facility, have been affected by this recall.
The product has been distributed to the Overwaitea Food Group (which includes Save-on-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Urban Fare and Cooper's Foods) and Thrifty Foods stores, as well as other smaller delis in Western Canada and the Yukon.
"Our customers' health and safety comes first, which is why we are issuing a recall," said Henning Freybe, Chairman of the Board for Freybe Gourmet Foods. "We are suspending further distribution of Headcheese and will continue working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the BCCDC and Brandt Meat Packers to determine the source of the contamination."
While the investigation is underway, Freybe has taken the precaution of suspending distribution of Ham Suelze, the only other product manufactured for Freybe at Brandt Meat's Mississauga facility.
Consumers who purchased Freybe Headcheese in mid- to late-June can either return it for a full refund at their point-of-purchase location or contact Freybe Gourmet Foods at 1-800-879-3739 for further information.
According to the BCCDC, symptoms of salmonella infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever and headaches. These symptoms commonly occur 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, and can last a few days to a week. Most people recover without treatment. If symptoms persist for longer than a few days or are unusually severe, sick people should see their doctor. People at highest risk include young children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems.
Freybe has a longstanding commitment to health and safety excellence. In addition to conducting thousands of additional tests each year based on a detailed risk assessment protocol, Freybe routinely updates employee training and certifications on industry regulations, contamination issues and labelling practices.
About Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd.
Freybe Gourmet Foods Ltd. was established in 1844 by Johann Karl Freybe in Stettin, Germany. More than 165 years and six generations later, the Freybe family company has grown to around 400 associates and proudly produces more than 130 varieties of sausages, ham and specialty deli meats for customers across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Japan. Freybe Gourmet Food's state-of-the-art production facility in Langley, B.C is equipped with the most advanced technology and showcases a design based on the highest food safety requirements.
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For further information: Yvonne Yuen, 604-488-1100, [email protected]
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