ALTS decision on the assessment of STEC/VTEC in flour and products made from it
Feb 21, 2022 - Foods
ALTS decision on the assessment of STEC/VTEC in flour and products made from it
In recent years, there have been more frequent detections of STEC/VTEC in flour and products made from it, such as baking mixes and raw doughs. Therefore, the ALTS addressed the assessment of such STEC/VTEC detections at its last working meeting.
A profile of the potentially pathogenic E. coli strains STEC/VTEC can be found at the following link:
According to Opinion 2021/88/02 of the 88th ALTS working meeting, the detection of STEC/VTEC is to be considered as harmful to health within the meaning of Article 14, paragraph 2, letter a of the General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.
However, such an assessment must also take into account the normal conditions of use by the consumer and the information provided. Since it cannot be ruled out that products made from flours are consumed raw, a warning is required. This must be clearly perceived as a safety notice and clearly formulated. The ALTS provides the following example in its opinion: “Cereal flours, baking mixes and doughs are not intended for raw consumption and must always be thoroughly heated.”
If such an appropriate warning is missing, the food is to be considered harmful to health in the event of a STEC/VTEC detection.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly carry out tests for pathogenic E. coli such as STEC/VTEC. We provide you with quick and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
Further information on STEC/VTEC can also be found on the websites of the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.