Salmonella and E. coli bacteria found in packets of shelled nuts
The HPA reports that a recent study carried out by the Health Protection Agency and LACORS (Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services) has revealed the presence of Salmonella and E. coli bacteria in a small number of samples of ready-to-eat shelled nuts. The article stated that:
"Consumption of nuts has gone up, reflecting a growing preference for snacks that are both healthy and convenient. The study was therefore undertaken to explore the microbiological safety of a selection of these products including brazil nuts, cashews and peanuts.
Between October 2008 and March 2009, councils collected 2,866 samples of nuts of different varieties from randomly selected retail premises such as supermarkets and health food shops. Testing of the nuts showed that at least 99% were of a satisfactory or acceptable quality in microbiological terms. However 0.1% of samples were found to be unsafe due to the presence of Salmonella, which is unacceptable in ready-to-eat foods. E. coli, the presence of which indicates poor hygiene was found in a total of 0.8% of the samples; and in 0.03% of samples the level of E. coli was assessed as being too high and therefore unsatisfactory in microbiological terms."
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"Consumption of nuts has gone up, reflecting a growing preference for snacks that are both healthy and convenient. The study was therefore undertaken to explore the microbiological safety of a selection of these products including brazil nuts, cashews and peanuts.
Between October 2008 and March 2009, councils collected 2,866 samples of nuts of different varieties from randomly selected retail premises such as supermarkets and health food shops. Testing of the nuts showed that at least 99% were of a satisfactory or acceptable quality in microbiological terms. However 0.1% of samples were found to be unsafe due to the presence of Salmonella, which is unacceptable in ready-to-eat foods. E. coli, the presence of which indicates poor hygiene was found in a total of 0.8% of the samples; and in 0.03% of samples the level of E. coli was assessed as being too high and therefore unsatisfactory in microbiological terms."
Follow the link to find out more.
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