Authorities in France have ordered the withdrawal and recall of all products sold by Djen Foods as they could be a threat to public health.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (DGAL) said the items, mainly beef, poultry and smoked fish, were manufactured without the necessary approvals.

The decision follows an inspection by officials in Seine-et-Marne with police in Meaux at a site located in the town. Authorities in Seine-et-Marne this past week ordered all production at the establishment to be stopped until further notice because of the potential risk to human health posed by the foodstuffs produced at the site and placed on the market.

They found the operation of Djen Foods took place in a premises with equipment unsuitable for production of foodstuffs.

Inspection findings
The establishment did not have the sanitary approval necessary for its activity and breaches of hygiene regulations intended to secure the production and placing on the market of products were observed, according to authorities.

They added performing sensitive operations such as drying and smoking or vacuum packing processed and refrigerated products, without control of the hygienic conditions and temperatures of foodstuffs poses a serious risk. Shortcomings were also noted in product traceability.

Officials did not say how long Djen Foods had been operating for or if anyone had reported an illness in relation to products from the site. French media, citing an article in Le Parisien, which is behind a paywall, quoted the owner saying he had been operating since last year and had told the authorities what he was producing and how but had not received a visit.

The recall and withdrawal includes all products marketed by Djen Foods or bearing a Djen Foods label: such as meat and fish, fresh or smoked, or other cooked dishes, in bulk or vacuum packed, kept at room temperature, refrigerated or frozen regardless of the use-by date on the foods.

Products are marketed mainly in Ile de France, probably in establishments specializing in sales of exotic foods. They can be identified by labels indicating: “Made in France by Djen Foods”.

Health officials recommended that those in possession of the implicated products do not consume them and return them to the point of sale for destruction.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food are continuing to investigate particularly around product traceability.