Dangerous bacteria detected! Statement from Şenpiliç: Products are being recalled

Şenpiliç, one of Turkey's leading white meat producers, faced a major crisis during an inspection conducted by the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry.

In the samples taken during the inspection, the L. monocytogenes bacteria, which is extremely harmful to human health, was detected in the product named “Annemin Köftesi Piliç Kasap Köfte”.

RECALL AND DESTRUCTION DECISION ISSUED

Following the official control, the analysis result for the relevant batch of products revealed a violation of the Turkish Food Codex Microbiological Criteria Regulation. The product was recalled from the market and destroyed in accordance with the Veterinary Services, Plant Health, Food and Feed Law No. 5996.

While a fine of 210,622 TL was imposed on the company, the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry issued a written warning to all provinces.

WHAT IS L. MONOCYTOGENES AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?

L. monocytogenes is known as one of the most lethal foodborne pathogenic bacteria. It poses a serious health risk for pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, annual deaths linked to this bacteria exceed 300.

Listeriosis is generally transmitted through soil, water, milk, and meat products. Infected individuals experience high fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and digestive system disorders.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM ŞENPİLİÇ

In a written statement issued following the incident, Şenpiliç stated the following:

"Listeria bacteria was detected in the 'Annemin Köftesi Piliç Kasap Köfte' product with an expiration date of 10.03.2025, in a sample taken by the Sakarya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry from our cooked processed production facility on 10.02.2025...

...Upon notification, it was determined that there was a risk in one batch of products that had been distributed, and our recall procedure was rapidly activated on the same date; the products in question were collected from the supply chain and brought back to our facility..."

The statement also noted that all production processes have been reviewed, the frequency of sampling for product safety has been increased, and no negative findings have been encountered in any products other than the batch in question.