Spain Issues Nationwide Food Safety Alert
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición, AESAN) has issued an urgent alert, number ES2026/477, through its Coordinated System for Rapid Information Exchange (SCIRI). The alert was triggered after health authorities in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia detected Salmonella contamination in a batch of frozen cooked shrimp during a routine inspection.
Following the alert, Spanish authorities have initiated emergency procedures nationwide to trace and recall all affected products, preventing them from reaching consumers and protecting public health.
Details of the Affected Product
The food safety alert specifies the details of the product at risk to help consumers identify it. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators or freezers for the following product:
- Product Name: Frozen cooked peeled shrimp (Langostino cocido pelado ultracongelado)
- Brand Name: Ocean Sea
- Packaging: 200g plastic package
- Affected Batch Number: X1392618BUXX
- Best Before Date: November 2027
According to information released by AESAN, the product is supplied by an importer and originates from Honduras.
Health Risks of Salmonella and Prevention
Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen that can cause salmonellosis. Typical symptoms include acute fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While symptoms are mild for most people, the infection can lead to serious complications and pose a higher health risk for children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
It is crucial to note that standard home freezing does not effectively kill Salmonella. Therefore, even if the affected batch has been kept frozen, the food safety risk remains, and the product should not be considered safe to eat.
Official Recommendations and Follow-up Actions
Spanish authorities have initiated a comprehensive product recall, requiring all points of sale to immediately remove and secure products from batch number X1392618BUXX and to trace their distribution.
AESAN offers the following clear recommendations to consumers:
- Stop Consumption: If you have the specific batch of the product mentioned above at home, stop consuming it immediately.
- Proper Disposal: Consumers can either discard the product or contact the point of purchase for information on returns.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you have already consumed the product and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Inform your doctor that you may have consumed the contaminated product to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
