Salmonella in Sprouts the Australian 2006
Salmonella in sprouts
The Australian
News Interactive Pty Limited
Paige Taylor
February 22, 2006
SMALL children are among more than 100 West Australians who have fallen ill with salmonella poisoning after eating sprouts sold in supermarkets.
Contaminated alfalfa sprouts, mung beans, bean shoots and other sprout products have been sold in Action, Coles and Woolworths supermarkets since November, resulting in 110 reported cases of food poisoning.
A Health Department investigation led to the sprout products being pulled from supermarket shelves on Friday. The department believes animal waste is a likely reason for salmonella in the sprouts, which were germinated in South Australia.
South Australia was the source of a deadly listeria outbreak last year after hospital patients ate contaminated packaged meats.
West Australian Health Department communicable disease control director Paul Van Buynder urged people to discard any Parilla Fresh sprouts products. He said it was rare for the particular strain of salmonella to result in death and said no one had been admitted to hospital after eating the sprouts.
WA sprouts pose health threat
Herald Sun
21feb06
HUNDREDS of West Australians may have been affected by an outbreak of food poisoning after eating alfalfa and other bean sprouts contaminated by salmonella, the state’s Health Department said today.
No one should eat any Parilla-brand alfalfa or other sprout products including Action and Woolworths private label brands, the Health Department’s Director of Communicable Disease Control Paul Van Buynder said.
Anyone believing they were suffering from food poisoning should seek medical advice, he said.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, fever and headache, Dr Van Buynder said.
Perth-based company Parilla Fresh has issued a product recall and had ceased production of the sprouts.
Investigations were continuing and production would not be resumed until all steps had been taken to ensure the products were safe for consumption, Dr Van Buynder said.
He said there was no reason to suspect that other brands were involved.
WA residents warned of alfalfa sprout salmonella poisoning
February 21, 2006
ABC News Online (Australia)
The Western Australian Health Department is, according to this story, warning people not to eat a local brand of alfalfa sprouts after more than 100 reports of salmonella poisoning.
Hamilton Hill company Parilla Fresh recalled its products late last week after samples tested positive to salmonella, and all production has ceased until an investigation is complete.
The Department’s Dr Paul Van Buynder was cited as saying salmonella symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever and vomiting, adding, “We’re trying to send a message to the public that if they have these sprouts that they’ve bought over the last few weeks, we’re advising them to not consume them, to dispose of the product or take it back for a full refund to the point of sale. They may be labelled alfalfa, alfalfa and onion, alfalfa and mustard, alfalfa and broccoli.”
Food StandardsAustralia New Zealand
| Date Notified To FSANZ: | 9 May 2006 |
| Food Product: | Alfalfa Sprouts |
| Name of Product: | Parilla Fresh Brand and Woolworths BrandAlfalfa, Alfalfa & Broccoli, Alfalfa & Mustard, Alfalfa & Onion, Alfalfa & Radish, Alfalfa Onion & Garlic Chives, Salad Sprouts (Alfalfa, Radish & Mung), Trio Sprouts (Crunchy Combo, Snow Peas & Alfalfa) |
| Package Description & Size: | 125gm punnet |
| Use By Date Or Lot Code: | Woolworths Brand: All use by dates up to and including 23 May 06 PS Parilla Fresh Brand: Use by date: 17 May 06 PS |
| Australian Distribution: | VIC, TAS |
| Overseas Distribution: | Nil |
| Reason for Recall: | Salmonella and Listeria contamination |
| Comments: | Parilla South Pty Ltd is conducting a voluntary recall of the above products as a precautionary health measure. Tests have detected Salmonella and Listeria. Parilla South Pty Ltd is working with health authorities on the problem. The recall applies only to the above products with the nominated size, use by dates and PS code (identifying Parilla South). No other Parilla Fresh or Woolworths products are affected by this recall. Consumers are asked to discontinue using the product and return it to the point of purchase for a full cash refund. Consumers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling the products. Some symptoms of salmonella poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain which persists for more than 24 hours. Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women, the very young, the elderly and people with low immune systems. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. For further information please call: 1300 308 773 Parilla South Pty Ltd |