Else Beekman
‘Boquerones en vinagre’ are one of Spain’s most famous tapas. Now Spain’s food safety authority AESAN has issued a consumer warning after Listeria monocytogenes was found in boquerones (anchovies) in oil and garlic sold under the Iber Cocktail brand.
The product was primarily distributed in the regions of Valencia and Murcia, though it may have reached other parts of the country as well.
The warning about listeria in boquerones concerns 110g packs of chilled boquerones in oil and garlic. The packs have lot number BD0-040225 and a use-by date of 04/08/2025. The alert followed a report from Murcia via the national Rapid Alert Network (SCIRI). Although the initial distribution occurred in Murcia and the Valencian Community, AESAN has not ruled out wider circulation throughout Spain.
Authorities have since notified other regional governments and called for the immediate withdrawal of the affected product from the market.
What Is listeria and what are the symptoms?
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to headaches, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. Symptoms can appear a few days to several weeks after consuming contaminated food.
What should consumers do?
The food experts of AESAN strongly advise consumers not to eat the product in question. Anyone who has already consumed it and is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea or fever should seek medical attention. Listeria monocytogenes can be particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and pregnant women.
AESAN specifically urges pregnant women to follow strict hygiene guidelines and avoid foods known to carry a higher risk of Listeria contamination. Infection can have serious consequences for the unborn child.
Recent food safety alerts in Spain
This is not the first food safety warning in recent weeks. Other recent alerts in Spain have included:
- Excessive mercury levels in fish products
- Stones found in Mercadona chocolate bars
- Salmonella risk in snacks sold by supermarket chain Aldi
- E.coli found in Spanish burgers