Authorities detect lysteria in cheese from Frutillar

SANTIAGO.- A new case of lysteria contamination was detected in Frutillar after a sample of cheese analyzed by health authorities tested positive for the bacteria, prompting a sanitation investigation into the company.

According to reports from the Ministry of Health, announced by the Ministerial Head of Health in Los Lagos, one of the five samples taken from the company, "Lácteos Frutillar" tested positive for the presence of the bacteria that causes listeriosis.

According to the corporation's webpage, the company also produces manjar caramel spread and butter.

Minister of Health Álvaro Erazo confirmed the report and stated that "apart from this particular finding, which will have to be investigated, we are generally calm with regards to the number of cases that have arisen during 2009".

When asked if some of the products made their way to market, Erazo stated that he did not have information on the matter, but asserted "we are absolutely on top of this; we are supervising and working along with SAG (The department of Agriculture and Farming)".