An urgent recall has been announced for a popular brand of eggs over potential microbial Salmonella Enteritidis contamination fears.
Steve’s Farm Fresh Eggs were sold through butchers, cafes and independent stores in New South Wales (NSW), primarily in western Sydney, according to the NSW Food Authority. The affected products include Fresh Eggs From My Farm 12 Free Range Eggs 700g and Fresh Eggs From My Farm Cage Eggs 700g with a best before date of May 6, 2019. If you have these eggs in your fridge, do not eat them or serve them to customers. Throw them out or return them to the store or to your supplier.
It is the fourth egg recall in as many weeks. According to Dr Lisa Szabo, CEO of the NSW Food Authority, seven properties in NSW have been affected by Salmonella, which may have spread through the movement of produce, equipment, feed, people and/or vehicles.
“This is one of a number of recent recalls that are related to the detection of this particular organism,” says Dr Szabo. “Salmonella Enteritidis is a particular strain of Salmonella that we haven’t seen linked to NSW eggs before. We are working with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to actively target it through increased surveillance and testing, in cooperation with the egg industry.”
The New South Wales Ministry of Health (NSW Health) reports that the outbreak has affected at least 166 residents in the state, including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), since the strain was first detected in May 2018. Five cases of illness linked to this strain of Salmonella have been recorded in Victoria (VIC), one in Tasmania (TAS) and an unknown number in Queensland (QLD).
Despite the recalls, Dr Szabo assures the public that all other eggs are safe to eat. “Consumers can rest assured NSW has strong systems in place at all points along the food supply chain, from paddock to plate, to help reduce the risk of Salmonella from eggs,” she adds.
Which products have been recalled?
Southern Highland Organic Eggs, various products, which have been available for sale at Woolworths (NSW and ACT), IGA (NSW), and other independent retailers (NSW):
- Southern Highland Organic Eggs 300g (6 pack)
- Southern Highland Organic Eggs 700g (12 pack)
- Best before dates: All dates up to and including 09/05/2019
Ash and Sons Eggs, various cartons of 12 eggs, which have been available for sale at IGAs, independent stores, bakeries and butchers in NSW:
- Blue Mountains Free Range Eggs 700g
- Blue Mountains Cage Free Eggs 700g
- Fresh Eggs From My Farm 800g
- Farm Fresh Eggs 600g, 700g, 800g
- Single sticker with best before date 26/April/19 and 3/May/19
Bridgewater Poultry Eggs, various cartons of 12 eggs, which have been available for sale at Woolworths and independent stores in NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT and Coles in VIC and South Australia (SA):
- Woolworths 12 Cage Free Eggs 700g barcode 9300633636982
- Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 600g
- Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 700g
- Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 800g
- Loddon Valley Barn Laid 600g (VIC and SA only)
- Best before dates: March 20, 23, 27 & 30/2019 and April 3, 6, 10, 14, 17, 20, 24, 27 & 29/2019
What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?
Symptoms of salmonellosis usually present themselves within six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and typically last for four to seven days or longer.
The most common symptoms include:
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- headache
- abdominal pain
High-risk groups, including children under five, the elderly, pregnant women or immunocompromised people, might experience more severe symptoms and are more likely to require hospitalisation. If you think that you (or someone in your care) is suffering from salmonellosis and are in a high-risk group, contact your doctor immediately.