The Spanish Agency for Food Safety (AESA) has issued a warning due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes found in various Iberian meat products from the brand El Capellán, based in Constantina, Seville. The affected products include assorted meats such as ibérico chorizo, salchichón, and morcilla, as well as wild boar and venison derivatives.
According to reports, AESA received notification of the outbreak through the Rapid Information Exchange System (SCIRI), following alerts from the health authorities of Andalusia. The warning has raised concerns as the Listeria presence is associated with products widely distributed across several autonomous communities, including Andalucía, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, Madrid, and País Vasco.
So far, there has been one confirmed case of listeriosis, but health officials are still investigating whether it is directly related to the consumed products. The Junta de Andalucía has intervened, citing the company's lack of control measures to prevent bacterial outbreaks. On December 5, El Capellán took the initiative to remove not just the implicated products from both their online store and physical outlets but also those not directly associated with the alert.
Specific products identified include regular and spicy ibérico chorizo, different varieties of venison and boar chorizo, as well as multiple types of morcilla, all with varying expiration dates extending to May 2025. Consumers are advised to refrain from consuming any products connected with this alert and to seek medical attention should they experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
Health authorities have emphasized the importance of consumer awareness, urging anyone who may have these products at home to check for their safety and avoid consumption. They stressed the importance of disposing of any potentially contaminated items immediately.
Despite the concerns, there have not been any confirmed links between the raw consumption of these products and any reported cases of illness. The authorities indicated the investigation is still underway and warned consumers not to discard vigilance, as more products may surface as potentially contaminated.
"The risk assessment remains valid, and investigations will continue to shed light on whether additional batches need attention," stated officials from the health department. They have pledged to keep the public updated as new information arises.
With the Christmas festivities approaching, this alert poses significant risks for those planning to indulge in ibérico delicacies during the festive season. There is heightened concern over the safety of such products amid broader health awareness, especially considering the prevalence of listeria and its health risks.
Consumers are reminded to be judicious about product consumption and to stay informed about health advisories related to food safety, particularly as holiday gatherings often feature such meats as delicacies. Therefore, those indulging this festive season should remain cautious.
Industry experts recommend ensuring all meat products are cooked thoroughly and to heed public health warnings to avoid listeria exposure. The general advice remains to maintain proper hygiene when handling food products and to monitor sources for any updates, especially when dealing with ready-to-eat meats during this time.
Authorities will maintain rigorous monitoring of the situation and introduce additional control measures if necessary. Health agencies encourage the public not to panic but to stay informed and be proactive about food safety practices.
