Slovenian researchers have published details of a food fraud incident that posed a risk to public health.
The case concerns the illegal use of sulfites in processed meat products and minced meat (minced meat) in Slovenia in 2019, and was determined to be an intentional act aimed at economic gain.
The case began with a notification of an allergic reaction by a consumer after consuming a meat product. Authorities have responded by tightening regulations on markets and retailers, but risk management and risk communication analysis shows slow response times, lack of recalls of sulphite-treated meat products, and lack of detailed risk assessments. The shortcomings were discovered.
Sulfites were illegally added to food to maintain the meat's attractive red color and make it look like fresh meat. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sanitary Engineering Research, companies are intentionally omitting sulfites from product labels, posing a risk to people with such intolerances.
timeline of events
Sulfites occur naturally in some foods and are used as food additives to prevent microbial spoilage and preserve color. Some sensitive people may experience reactions such as wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.
The warning began in December 2017 when a consumer called the Food Safety and Veterinary Department and Plant Protection Agency about health concerns related to the consumption of meals prepared from ground meat. However, this received no response.
A written complaint was sent to authorities in March 2018 regarding a previous telephone conversation and health problems after eating ground meat. At that time, authorities had not received any related complaints or information about the health condition.
In April 2018, food inspectors carried out an official inspection at a retail store in Ljubljana as the use of additives in processed meat products was not established. They did not take samples of the meat preparations and their findings were recorded in an official memo. Despite requesting information regarding the complaint, the consumer was not provided with any feedback.
In May 2019, authorities received a call about additives being used in meat products sold at a national retail chain. Based on the report, inspectors visited the supermarket in June and tested two samples of meat preparation and ground meat, both of which tested positive for sulfites. The inspector did not issue any further orders, nor did he notify the Commissioner of the Food Agency.
Detection results of sulfites in meat
In June 2019, a supermarket in Ljubljana was also formally inspected by another retail chain. A supermarket meat sales manager admitted the use of sulfites. However, the inspector only made a written note about it and no sampling was done. The vendor destroyed the processed meat products on display. Inspectors ordered no corrective action or penalties, and the company was not required to recall any meat products.
In August 2019, inspectors began monitoring the presence of sulfites in processed meat products, raw meat, and fish to assess the potential for this practice to occur more comprehensively. Of the five samples, one meat processing test came back positive. Based on this outcome, oral and written decisions were made and violation proceedings were initiated. However, no recall was requested. Inspectors also found sulfites in the butcher shop, and the retailer admitted to using the additive. Her two other positive samples of processed meat products were discovered during the control of a large supermarket in the Sabaniska area.
Inspection conducted by a certified veterinarian in September 2019. Food company staff said the use of sulfites has been common practice for a long time. The inspector gave a final decision, both oral and written, but did not request a recall.
Although authorities received reports on the first two positive tests in June, relevant ministers only received information about sulphites in processed meat products in October 2019.
Although risk management measures addressed identified cases, there was insufficient awareness of the health risks associated with the illegal use of sulphites in meat products. The researchers said this may explain why trace-and-recall measures were not triggered and why more systematic investigations into the use of sulphites were not initiated.
“Despite the efforts of governments and inspection agencies to prevent food fraud, food safety is never risk-free. Still, we must collect all the evidence and make efforts to reduce risk.” “Ineffective and inadequate risk management in this case reflects a lack of effective training and internal risk communication for inspectors,” they added.
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