Food & Climate
The Belgian Federal Food Safety Agency (FAVV) and food producer Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge have decided to recall approximately 30 types of sandwich spreads from the market after discovering excessive levels of the fungal toxin ochratoxin A.
All of the recalled sandwich spreads are packaged in glass containers. These spreads are available at the Bioplanet supermarket chain and also in small organic food stores, according to a report reviewed by Food and Climate.
Around 30 different types of sandwich spread are being recalled. They are from the “La Vache qui regarde passer les trains”, “La Délicieuse”, “The veggie family” and “Koro” brands, according to a report seen by “Food & Climate” platform.
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin, a toxic substance produced by certain molds. It’s a common contaminant of various agricultural products and can pose health risks to humans and animals.
All new products are being tested after the sandwich spreads crisis
The sandwich spreads have been found to contain excess levels of the mould toxin ochratoxin A. As a result, the products are being recalled by the company that produces them, Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge.
Renson Raphael of Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge says that the mould ended up in the spreads through sunflower seeds. “The seeds have been supplied by the same supplier for a long time. We have never had any problems with them before, so we are also shocked. From now on, every new delivery will be checked specifically for mould”.
Both the Federal Food Safety Agency and the company that produces the sandwich spreads are asking customers not to eat them. “Return them to the shop and you will receive a refund. We will destroy all the contaminated products”, Raphael said, according to “vrt news”.
Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge is a producer of food products intended to provide fresh and canned products. The company offers mustard, spreads, cold sauces, dressings, warm sauces, and ready meals, and also offers know-how and subcontracting services to other enterprises, enabling customers’ access to a wide range of food products from a single source.
Conserverie et Moutarderie Belge was founded in 1953, and formerly Known As: Filou, Gloria, according to “Pitch Book”.
What is Ochratoxin A?
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin, a toxic substance produced by certain molds. It’s a common contaminant of various agricultural products and can pose health risks to humans and animals.
It is found in various foods: Cereals, dried fruits, coffee, wine, beer, and even some meat products can be contaminated with OTA.
OTA is also considered a potential carcinogen, and can be genotoxic, nephrotoxic, immunotoxic, and neurotoxic.
Humans are primarily exposed to OTA through the consumption of contaminated foods.
OTA is a very stable molecule, meaning it’s difficult to remove from contaminated products, even with cooking or other processing methods.
OTA can accumulate in animal tissues and be passed on through the food chain, for example, from grains to meat.
In summary, OTA is a toxic mold byproduct that can contaminate a wide range of foods and pose health risks, particularly to the kidneys and liver, with potential carcinogenic effects.