They withdraw tortillas from Ahorramas linked to a possible outbreak of bolutism

The Alipende potato omelette with onion and the Alipende onion-free potato omelette have been cautiously withdrawn from Ahorramas establishments, as reported by the distribution chain. The withdrawal of the product is linked to the four confirmed cases of bolutism and two probable ones, according to a health alert published by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (ASEAN).

The Ahorramas chain offers consumers a refund of the amount upon presentation of the purchase receipt and offers a customer service telephone number (900 113 213) after the publication of this alert from the Ministry of Health. Given the still lack of certainty, since the investigation is still open, it has opted for a precautionary withdrawal.

The cases have occurred in several autonomous communities and the public health services of the autonomous communities and cities have been informed through the Report on Alerts and Preparedness and Response Plans, to reinforce early detection in the event of the appearance of new cases. cases with suspected botulism if they occur.

Up to now, there are four confirmed cases of bolutism and two probable cases with a common link of consumption in the previous days of packaged potato tortillas purchased in different supermarkets.. Several food safety investigations are still open, Asean says.

In at least three of the confirmed cases and in one of the probable ones, the company that makes the tortillas is the same. To date, it has not been possible to establish evidence, neither in the products nor in the processes, that relates cause and effect.

The investigation is based on the possibility that there is a product on the market that is not safe or if there are deviations in the production, distribution, storage or transport processes that justify the existence of that risk.

The Ministry of Health reminds consumers, given the high temperatures, of the importance of preserving food products at the storage temperatures indicated on the label and following the instructions for use indicated by the manufacturers, since they guarantee the safety of the products for for which an expiration date is established.

“The case of packaged potato tortillas is especially important, since there may be a false feeling that they are like preserves, that they have thermal stability, and keeping them without refrigeration at the current room temperature can lead to health problems after consumption. “, details.