Alarm Raised Over Possible Salmonella Contamination

A Victorian farm has been quarantined over possible salmonella contamination. The Foods Standard Australia New Zealand has recalled eggs from Bridgewater Poultry, a farm north-west of Melbourne, which has now been locked. Authorities have placed strict biosecurity measures in place to protect neighbouring farms.

The eggs from the farm have been recalled from major outlets such as Woolworths and other independent stores in the ACT, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania and at Coles in Victoria and South Australia. Dr Brett Sutton, Victoria's chief health officer said it 'was a big recall'. Dr Sutton said there will be hundreds of thousands of eggs involved and hundreds of thousands of laying hens. Save for the contaminated batches, he said eggs remain safe to eat, provided people follow thorough cooking requirements. "People should avoid raw egg products, particularly if they have compromised immune systems, are pregnant or are aged under two or over 70." Australian Eggs, a group that represents egg farmers, said the potential contamination was picked up with the discovery and testing of sick birds.

Salmonellosis symptoms include fever, headaches, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Experts say the symptoms appear between six and 72 hours after the contaminated food has been consumed. It usually lasts up to seven days.