The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has ordered a takeaway shop in the Areia Preta district to stop selling a “problematic” marinated raw shrimp dish after a sample was found to contain excessive levels of bacteria, according to a statement by the bureau yesterday.
The statement said that a routine food inspection detected an excessive amount of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a sample of “Chaozhou-style marinated raw shrimp”.
The affected sample was collected from the takeaway shop “醉強吃貨” (“Strongest Foodie”), the statement said, adding that the test results were classified as “unsatisfactory” under the guidelines for microbiological limits in ready-to-eat food.
According to the statement, the authorities immediately ordered the shop to remove the product from the menu and cease selling it. The operator has also been required to rectify food preparation procedures and ensure compliance with hygiene standards before resuming sales of the Chaozhou-style marinated raw shrimp, subject to reinspection, the statement noted.
In addition, the staff at the outlet must attend food safety and hygiene training courses to strengthen their awareness and handling practices, the statement said, adding that the bureau reminded food businesses to verify the origin and specifications of ingredients before procurement and to strictly follow food safety principles such as separating raw and cooked items to prevent cross-contamination.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative, halophilic (salt-loving) bacterium commonly found in marine environments and seafood, the statement said. While it can be eliminated through thorough cooking, consuming raw or undercooked seafood may lead to infection. Symptoms typically appear within two to 48 hours and include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever, lasting up to five days.
The bureau urged residents, particularly the elderly, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, to avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood and to seek medical attention if symptoms occur after consumption, the statement concluded.
This undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows the “problematic” marinated raw shrimp dish from a takeaway shop in Areia Preta district.
