Global food conglomerate, Del Monte Foods Inc. has issued a recall of some of its canned corn, including the Fiesta Corn, seasoned with red and green peppers, stating that it is under-processed and could result in, "contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed." Photo: Internet Source

Chief Environmental Health Officer of the Virgin Islands (VI), Mr Lionel E. Michael through a Government Information Service (GIS) press release has indicated that thorough inspection and investigation reveals that the Del Monte Fiesta Corn recall poses no health risk to the VI. Photo: VINO/File

Global food conglomerate, Del Monte Foods Inc. has issued a recall of some of its canned corn, including the Fiesta Corn, seasoned with red and green peppers, stating that it is under-processed and could result in, "contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed," the company noted.

Product not in Territory

Just November, an E-Coli outbreak prompted an immediate recall of Romaine Lettuce and bagged salads containing the lettuce—through the US Centres of Disease Control (CDC)—where residents of the Territory were cautioned against its consumption.

But according to Mr Michael, this time around the recalled product is not in the VI, “We contacted the major local suppliers and importers and they confirmed that this product is not in the Territory,” he said.

Mr Michael continued, “I want to thank them for their continued cooperation and I would like to inform the public there is no need to be concerned.”

Further, the Environmental Health Division is also taking the time to encourage the public to take the measures to avoid foodborne illnesses during the holiday season.

Precaution

The department says to wash hands thoroughly before preparing food and to take caution to separate raw and cooked foods to avoid the transfer of bacteria.

They urged to clean and sanitise food preparation areas and equipment by using one tablespoon of household bleach to a gallon of water to wipe countertops and to sanitise cutting boards for raw foods, cooked foods, fruits and vegetables.

“Do not place raw meat, eggs, fish and poultry with vegetables, fruits and ready to eat foods in the same area of the cart or shopping bag,” they warned.

The Environmental Health Division said it is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently.