UAE withdraws pepperoni beef product from supermarkets over contamination

Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is currently investigating the potential contamination of a brand of pepperoni beef and as a precautionary measure ordered withdrawal of the product from the UAE markets.

According to the ministry, the product is under investigation for contamination with listeria monocytogenes – a bacteria that can pose health risks.

The ministry is said to be coordinating with local regulatory authorities and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to address the situation. However, the ministry is yet to disclose the name of the brand.

The ministry underlined that coordination is underway with the producing company to withdraw the affected product from UAE markets until laboratory examinations are completed and the details of the incident are verified.

Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hamadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity at MOCCAE, assured the public that the ministry prioritizes food safety and is collaborating with various authorities to ensure all food products, both locally produced and imported, meet the highest safety standards. He noted that the ministry is intensifying its investigation of the product to ensure its safety for consumption as quickly as possible.

Dr. Al Hamadi confirmed that laboratory and field teams are collecting additional samples for testing in specialised labs while the product is being removed from all UAE markets.

He reiterated the ministry's commitment to enhancing food safety as a priority to protect the community, ensuring that relevant authorities take all necessary actions to guarantee product safety and protect consumers from any food-related risks.

To further support these efforts, the ministry confirmed the Gulf Rapid Alert System for Food (GRASF) facilitates the immediate exchange of information about health-threatening food products among GCC countries. The system uses a standardized methodology and mechanism for quick responses, enhancing the ability of GCC countries to take preventive measures and effectively protect consumer health.