A Dundee meat distribution company has been linked to an E-coli outbreak which has affected nine people across Scotland.
Highland Game, based on the city’s Baird Avenue, were named as being linked to the outbreak after an investigation by Health Protection Scotland raised questions over raw venison products produced by the group.
Nine people across Scotland have so far been affected by the infection after eating sausages, steaks and meatballs which were purchased raw and cooked at home.
One is still being treated in hospital with the rest recovering at home.
Food Standards Scotland confirmed that the city firm took immediate action after discovering the link.
A spokesperson for the watchdog said: “Epidemiological investigations led by Health Protection Scotland and Scottish Health Boards into an outbreak of E coli O157 have pointed to a link with certain raw venison products produced by a company called Highland Game with use-by dates from 4th September 2015 to 1 October 2015.
“As these use-by dates have passed, products will no longer be on sale, but consumers may have products in their freezers at home. These products should not present a risk to health if they are handled and cooked properly. For advice on handling and cooking of meat and meat products, please refer to the FSS website.”
A Highland Game spokeswoman said: “This is a very rare incident and venison has an excellent track record of safety and standards, and there is no substantiated evidence to support the actual source of the outbreak.
“Our stringent hygiene controls at Highland Game are second to none, however, as with all meats, there can be a risk of contamination somewhere in the food chain.
“As a precaution and in the interests of public health, anyone who has products as specified in the FSS alert should cook them thoroughly.
“These products should not present any risk to public health if they are handled and cooked properly.”
“There is today no concrete evidencethat the food scare is related to Venison nor Highland Game.”
She added that the company would not comment further until “a full investigation has been concluded and the source of the food scare has been identified”.
See Wednesday’s Courier for more on this story.