Sandwiches stored at unsafe levels

Nearly one third of pre-packaged sandwiches sold by retailers and caterers were stored or displayed at unsafe temperatures a study published today has revealed.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) found 29 per cent of sandwiches tested were stored above 5 degrees. Of these, five were classified as “unsatisfactory or unacceptable/potentially hazardous” with four being stored above 8 degrees and one displayed unrefrigerated at 17.9 degrees.

The study, to assess the microbiological safety of pre-packaged sandwiches, showed 99 per cent of the sandwiches were satisfactory when tested for the foodborne bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and coagulase positive staphylococci.

Sandwiches should be stored at 5 degrees or below to stop or slow the growth of bacteria.

FSAI chief executive Prof Alan Reilly said the survey highlighted an unacceptable disregard for temperature control.

“The onus is on retailers and caterers to ensure pre-packaged sandwiches are refrigerated at the recommended temperature of 5 degrees or cooler.

“Equally important, manufacturers must ensure that accurate and realistic use-by dates are applied to the sandwiches they make.”

While the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes infection is rare in Ireland there is a high mortality rate (up to 40 per cent), and only small numbers need to be consumed to cause serious infection the FSAI said. Those most vulnerable to infection include pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems and the elderly.

The study involved the Health Service Executive testing 948 pre-packaged sandwiches from retailers and caterers across the country.