UK FSA issues second Koon Yick Wah Kee tofu recall notice due to Bacillus cereus
Koon Yick Wah Kee tofu
Image/FSA
The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a second recall update on on tofu that originated in China due to high levels of the bacterium, Bacillus cereus, according to a recent FSA Food Alert.
This follows the original recall notice in late December when Koon Yick Wah Kee Rose Bean Curd and Chilli Bean Curd (Tofu) was recalled by the Dutch company, Liroy B.V for contamination by Bacillus cereus and yeast.
The FSA says the affected products have a best before date of 30 December 2013 but there are currently no distributions details available. The levels of the bacteria detected can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Bacillus cereus is a well recognized and common cause of food poisoning worldwide. It is commonly found in low levels in raw, dried and processed foods. The bacteriumcauses two types of toxins: a diarrheal type and a vomiting type.
The diarrheal type of this food poisoning is usually associated with meats, milk and vegetables. The onset for the disease is from 8-16 hours and it lasts 12 to 14 hours.
The vomiting type of this food poisoning is due to rice, grains, cereals and other starchy foods. The onset is quite rapid (30 minutes to 6 hours) and usually lasts a day or so. This type is frequently associated with outbreaks due to cooked rice held at room temperature.
This type of food poisoning is rarely fatal and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
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