Netherlands: Tuberculosis outbreak at Maître factory in Oude-Tonge

[Shiloh]

Source: https://nltimes.nl/2025/02/16/tuberculosis-outbreak-maitre-factory-oude-tonge


Sunday, 16 February 2025 - 18:50
Tuberculosis outbreak at Maître factory in Oude-Tonge

Multiple employees at Maître, a meal supplier in Oude-Tonge, Zuid-Holland, have tested positive for tuberculosis (TB), according to a company statement released Sunday on its website.

Van Loon Group, the parent company of Maître, was first informed of the outbreak on Oct. 18, 2024, when the Rotterdam municipal health service (GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond) confirmed that one employee had contracted an infectious strain of TB. Contact tracing was conducted in November and December, revealing three additional infections.

Further testing took place on Feb. 10 at the Oude-Tonge facility. On Feb. 13, the results showed multiple additional cases. The company did not specify the exact number of infections, but De Telegraaf reported that 80 employees had tested positive out of a workforce of approximately 165. Two workers were reportedly severely ill.

A spokesperson for GGD Rotterdam-Rijnmond could not confirm the reported infection count on Sunday.


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[Mary Wilson]

Google translate:

Update on TB infections at our Oude-Tonge location
17 February 2025

Media reports

The media reports that 80 positive cases of TB have been detected at Maitre are incorrect. These employees had a positive reaction to the skin test, which does not mean that they are infected with TB. This indicates that these people may have been exposed to the bacteria, or have been vaccinated previously, or are reacting for other reasons. To determine whether there is contamination with the TB bacteria, additional research is required by means of a lung X-ray and a blood test. This research is ongoing. This is further explained in the attached statement from the GGD.

Food safety

Van Loon Group has been in direct contact with the GGD since the first report in October 2024 and therefore closely follows the GGD guidelines. According to the GGD, no additional measures are required at the location. TB can only be transmitted through the air. The bacteria cannot be transmitted via food, drink or contact, including, for example, stair railings or equipment. There is therefore no risk with regard to the food safety of our products. This is confirmed again in the attached statement from the GGD.

Continuity:

At the moment, all production lines are operating normally, with full staff and at full capacity. All products are delivered in the usual way and there is no indication that this will change.

For more information, please contact:

Madeline Plasmans, Communications Manager, tel. 06 43 78 10 96 and/or GGD Rotterdam tel. (010) 433 9955 (press) or (010) 433 9540 (if you have any questions about TB)

TB research at a company in Oude-Tonge | ggdrotterdamrijnmond.nl​

Update inzake TBC-besmettingen op onze locatie Oude-Tonge
17 februari 2025​
https://maitre.com/?page_id=12283