A report from The Guardian and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) has found that pork products sold at Asda and Sainsbury’s have been found to be contaminated with a livestock strain of MRSA.
According to the report, a sample of 97 UK-produced pork products from supermarkets were tested, from which three samples – two samples of minced pork from Asda and one sample from Sainsbury’s – were found to have the superbug strain.
The tests were carried out by Dr Mark Holmes, director of studies in clinical veterinary medicine at Churchill College, Cambridge University.
A statement from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “Livestock-associated MRSA is not the same as MRSA strains that can cause healthcare-associated infections and if meat is handled and prepared properly the risk to people is low. Defra and the National Pig Association recommend that pigs imported to Britain are screened for LA-MRSA.
“The government is reviewing options for surveillance, which will be proportionate to the very low health risk posed to livestock-associated MRSA.”
According to The Guardian it is not possible to clarify whether the contaminated products came originally from imported pigs, or whether UK pig herds have been infected through imports.
In a statement, Sainsbury's said: “We only allow the use of medicines on farm for animal health and welfare purposes, and under the strict supervision of a vet. We work closely with our farmers to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly.
“MRSA CC398 is uncommon in British pork and, through basic kitchen hygiene and thoroughly cooking meat, any food safety issue is removed.”
A statement from Asda added:“Our customers can be assured that we are working closely with industry groups and farmers to make sure that antibiotics are used responsibly in farm animals.
“We are doing all we can to promote good animal health and welfare conditions without relying on antibiotics with the support of RUMA."
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
