St George and Sutherland Shire residents are urged to check their refrigerators for various pre-packaged salads that could cause food poisoning.
Product Safety Recalls put out an alert on Thursday for bags of salad leaves sold in Woolworths and Coles stores after they were found to be contaminated with Salmonella anatum bacteria and number of people became sick.
The products are supplied for Tripod Farmers Pty Ltd and include Wash N Toss, Supa Salad and Clear Film branded pre-packaged salad leaves.
The recall follows an outbreak of salmonella-related food poisoning among customers of Box Road Bakery at Sylvania, which left more than 150 people ill, some seriously. The bakery has since been shut down.
In the latest case, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services discovered the link after noticing a higher than usual number of cases.
Senior medical advisor Finn Romanes said where they would normally see a handful of cases of this strain each year, 28 adult cases were reported to the department this year.
''As a result of following up the food histories of a number of people we have discovered a common source, the Tripod Farmers lettuce,’’ Dr Romanes said.
'‘Tests of three products from two batches have also tested positive for Salmonella anatum bacterium. The number of cases has now reached 50, with more expected. Salmonellosis is a form of gastroenteritis.''
The severity of symptoms depends on the number of bacteria ingested, age and general health.
The elderly, young children and those with medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, are most at risk.Symptoms usually occur between six to 72 hours after the bacteria is ingested.
Most common symptoms are diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucous, fever, headache, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and dehydration. In rare cases septicaemia can occur.
Salads should be returned to the store of purchase for a full refund. Anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
Lite n' Easy diet meal service also warned customers not to eat salads in its meals as it used the same lettuce supplier; Victorian company Tripod Farmers, linked with the salmonella outbreak.
