Concerns have been raised that superbug-infested pork products have not been recalled by two of the biggest supermarket chains in the UK.
With a strain of MRSA found in British-produced mince pork sold in Asda and Sainsbury's , people in Hounslow are concerned the products are still being sold in their local store.
Two samples of minced pork from Asda and one from Sainsbury's tested positive for livestock-associated (LA) MRSA, according to the Guardian.
One shopper told Getwestlondon the food products were still available in Asda in the town centre, having purchased the meat as recently as Monday (October 3), unaware of the reports at the time.
A concerned parent from Hounslow, who wished to remain anonymous, thinks Asda should stop selling the meat for the time being.
She said: “I found that a couple of British supermarkets are selling meat that is infected with MRSA.
“The pork tested positive to MRSA in Cambridge University.
“I purchased the pork from Asda in Hounslow, but would have thought that they would at least recall the product.
“For the health and safety of the vulnerable elderly, young children and low immunity people in our community I think it would help to raise the awareness and request Hounslow's Asda to stop selling it.”
Live-associated (LA) MRSA strain of MRSA which can potentially be fatal to humans, is currently affecting Danish farms, but this is the first time it has been found in British pork.
The bacteria is resistant to antibiotics therefore much harder to treat if someone is infected.
It is normally passed on between animals, but poor hygiene or undercooked meat can see it passed on to people.
A spokeswoman for Asda said: "Our customers can be assured that we are working closely with industry groups and farmers to make sure that antibiotics are used responsibly in farm animals.
"We are doing all we can to promote good animal health and welfare conditions without relying on antibiotics."
A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, added: "Livestock-associated MRSA is not the same as MRSA strains that can cause healthcare-associated infections and if meat is handled and prepared properly, the risk to people is low.
"Defra and the National Pig Association recommend that pigs imported to Britain are screened for LA-MRSA.
"The Government is currently reviewing options for surveillance, which will be proportionate to the very low health risk posed by livestock-associated MRSA."
A spokeswoman for Sainsbury's said: "We only allow the use of medicines on farms for animal health and welfare purposes, and under the strict supervision of a vet. We work closely with our farmers to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly.
"MRSA CC398 is uncommon in British pork and, through basic kitchen hygiene and thoroughly cooking meat, any food safety issue is removed."
