AFDLHF asks FDA to test Cadbury chocolates for Listeria contamination

After last week’s recall of six Cadbury chocolate desserts from shelves across the United Kingdom (UK) over fears of Listeria virus contamination, the All Food and Drug Licence Holder Foundation (AFDLHF), a pan-India association, has written to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, demanding an investigation into possible Listeria virus contamination of chocolates sold by Cadbury in Maharashtra.

Abhay Pandey, national president of the AFDLHF, wrote to the FDA commissioner of Maharashtra on May 6, requesting that tests for Listeria virus contamination be conducted after drawing random samples of Cadbury chocolate desserts and action be taken accordingly. “The Listeria virus causes flu-like symptoms in the human body such as high fever, cough, cold and muscle pain and can also lead to Meningitis which causes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Cadbury products are also sold in Indian markets on a huge scale so there are chances this virus could hit the Indian population too, especially children,” Pandey wrote.

Ashwin Bhujbal, joint commissioner of FDA, Pune region, said that Cadbury has a manufacturing unit in Pune district and since it has been issued licence by the central government, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will conduct the inspection. “The FSSAI will take action and conduct an inspection at the manufacturing unit and take samples from the manufacturing unit. In Pune, we will conduct the inspection as part of the investigation and samples will be taken from distributors, wholesalers and retailers. The samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, and action will be taken based on the laboratory reports,” Bhujbal said.

In the UK, six Cadbury chocolate desserts namely Daim, Crunchie, Flake, Dairy Milk Chunks, Dairy Milk Buttons, and Heroes with May 17 or 18 as ‘use by’ date have been recalled over Listeria concerns. Customers who may have purchased the recalled products have been warned not to consume them and to promptly return them for a refund. The company has further clarified that no other products apart from these six chocolate desserts have been affected by the recall.

As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Listeriosis is one of the most severe food-borne diseases. Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by Listeria Monocytogenes which can be found in soil, water, vegetation and the faeces of some animals and can contaminate foods. Although the number of cases of Listeriosis is not very high, the high death rate associated with this infection makes it a significant public health concern. Pregnant women, new-borns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to be affected.

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Yodda, an elderly healthcare service provider headquartered in Pune, has partnered with Medulance, an emergency medical response service provider, to offer emergency medical care to patients requiring medical support. The collaboration aims to provide well-equipped ambulances for prompt and efficient first-point medical attention during transit to hospitals.

Speaking on the collaboration, Tarun Sharma, founder and chief executive officer (CEO), Yodda, said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Medulance, a leader in emergency medical response services. This partnership not only strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional care for the elderly but also reinforces our vision of empowering seniors to live independently and with dignity. Combining Medulance’s expertise in prompt and efficient emergency care with Yodda’s comprehensive eldercare services, we are confident that this collaboration will make a significant positive impact on the lives of senior citizens. Together, we will continue to innovate and drive the quality of care for the elderly to new heights.”