March 13, 2015
A reported 1895 cases of salmonella in Queensland so far this year has prompted Queensland Health to issue an alert to businesses involved in food preparation, and the community as a whole.
Executive Director of the Health Protection Unit, Sophie Dwyer said the figure was more than double what would normally be expected.
“Half of the cases reported this year have been from the Salmonella Typhimurium strain, with the majority being reported in south east Queensland,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Salmonella Typhimurium has caused 13 outbreaks of foodborne disease in south-east Queensland this year to date, 10 of which have been confirmed or suspected to have involved foodborne transmission.
“These figures show the vital need for food handlers to be aware of food safety procedures.
“For this reason, we have asked all local councils to provide all food handlers in their catchments with our advice on the top causes of salmonella and how to best avoid it.
“We particularly urge people to be aware of safety when handling and consuming eggs, and recently urged consumers not to purchase or consume cracked, dirty or unstamped eggs, and to report any incidences to their local Public Health Unit.”
Ms Dwyer said Queensland Health was investigating the outbreaks to determine appropriate regulatory action.
The main issues observed during investigations into recent foodborne illness outbreaks were:
- Egg wash that had been topped up, used multiple times and kept at room temperature for long periods of time
- Raw eggs products such as mayonnaise, aioli, hollandaise, mousse and tiramisu prepared too far in advance and not refrigerated
- Inadequate cleaning and sanitation throughout food businesses
- Cross contamination of bacteria via tea towels and other equipment
Queensland Health advises those businesses providing food to vulnerable members of the population – particularly young children, patients in hospitals and older people and people with impaired immune systems – to be extra vigilant.
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Darling Downs Fresh Eggs today issued a voluntary recall of its Mountain Range Free Range and Darling Downs Fresh Eggs Cage products.
“We have been advised of a potential production issue with our Mountain Range Free Range and Darling Downs Fresh Eggs Cage with a Julian date of 036 up to and including 063. This is the stamp on the egg itself,” a company release stated.
“It is possible that dirty eggs may have been packed into some of these cartons and we are implementing a voluntary recall of these eggs.
“If you have any product within these dates please return it to your place of purchase and ask for the stock to be replaced.
“Eggs with Julian date prior to and after 036 and 063 are not impacted by this voluntary recall and withdrawal.
“If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on (07) 4693-5173 or via the Contact Us page of our website.”
- Related article: Eggs Linked To Salmonella Cases
