Actions
Profile 1 – Ready-to-eat foods
When STEC is confirmed in a batch of Profile 1 food this indicates a serious risk to public health. Affected batches and other batches or products which may have been contaminated must be removed from the market. FBOs have a legal obligation to inform their enforcing authority of unsafe foods and the potential food safety risks; and to collaborate with the enforcing authority on appropriate action and follow up investigations to identify the source of the contamination.
If the food is still within the control of the Food Business Operator (FBO), (and has not reached retail level), food may be re-directed for further processing if it can be rendered safe for its intended use. Where this approach is used it must be:
- included in the business’s food safety management system
- approved by the enforcement authority as providing a sufficient level of public health protection
Profile 2 – Foods intended to be consumed following further processing method capable of eliminating STEC
Risk assessment shows it can be reasonably assumed that the risk presented by STEC-contaminated Profile 2 food products will be controlled by normal hygienic practices and conditions of use of the food by the food handler or consumer.
Consideration must be given to the risks associated with the presence of STEC within products taking into account instructions on storage, handling and use of the product. Where appropriate instructions are provided, and there is no additional information indicating a potential public health risk, affected product can remain on the market.
FBOs are responsible for documenting the risk management response to the isolation of STEC in the Food Safety Management System. Enforcement authorities should review the FBOs response during their routine official checks. In situations where handling instructions are not provided, or those instructions will not eliminate the STEC risk before consumption, (e.g. there are no cooking instructions or other controls to protect consumers) affected product must be treated according to food Profile 1.
Important
FBOs are legally obligated to provide to other businesses along the supply chain, or to the final consumer, mandatory information on products including instructions which may be necessary to ensure the food is handled, stored, cooked and consumed safely.
Businesses supplying caterers, particularly those catering vulnerable groups, are legally obligated to inform such caterers of any potential risks associated with their products.