Salmonella outbreak sparks warning on these meals
A national salmonella outbreak has widened with at least 15 Queenslanders infected after eating frozen microwave meals.
Health officials have issued an urgent recall of Core Powerfoods meals, which have tested positive to salmonella in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, AAP reports.
Nationally, 38 cases of salmonella Weltevreden have been diagnosed, forcing the recall of eight varieties with best before dates between 5 March and 10 October 2020.
People have been urged people to check their freezers for the recalled products.
“Do not consume them. Either throw them out or return them for a refund,” said Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.
Salmonella symptoms could include diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache and could begin six and 72 hours after consumption and last for three to seven days
The recalled varieties of Core Powerfoods frozen meals include Going Nuts, Deep South Chilli, Muay Thai Meatballs, Holy Meatballs, Naked Chicken, Seismic Chicken, Old School and Smokey Mountain Meatballs.
They are sold at Coles, Metcash/IGA and some independent retailers.
The recall has widened to national
.... eleven South Australian residents, ten NSW residents and two people in ACT are believed to have developed salmonella infection after consuming the products.
"NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty said salmonellosis can be severe and people sometimes have to be hospitalised to manage dehydration, particularly in young babies, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.
“Salmonellosis symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting,” said Dr McAnulty.
“Symptoms usually start around six to 72 hours after the contaminated food is eaten and usually last for four to seven days, but can continue for much longer.
“It is important that people do not prepare food for others while they are unwell with salmonellosis and as a precaution for 48 hours after symptoms have passed.”
Dr McAnulty said food must be cooked through to kill salmonella bacteria and microwaves can often cook food unevenly if not used properly.
“Frozen food may not be ready to eat and should always be cooked thoroughly following manufacturer instructions,” he said.
“The longer food is left at room temperature the more the salmonella bacteria will multiply. “Refrigerated food should be kept at less than five degrees Celsius and hot food should be kept above 60 degrees Celsius.”