The Department of Health has warned Territorians not to eat raw mung bean sprouts following a significant increase in salmonella infection in Darwin in recent weeks.

The warning follows the outcome of an investigation into a similar salmonella cluster in South Australia.

Acting director of the Centre for Disease control, Dr Peter Markey, said the Saintpaul strain of salmonella had been detected in both the Northern Territory and South Australia.

 “The type of salmonella bacteria which has been increasing here in Darwin is the same as that causing the increase in cases in South Australia, “Dr Peter Markey said.

 “So it is wise for Territory health authorities to give the same health warning advice as has occurred in South Australia about not eating raw mung beans.  

"Territorians should therefore cook all bean sprouts and avoid eating raw bean sprouts," Dr Markey said.

"We also want to alert food retailers like restaurants, cafes and market food vendors not to serve raw bean sprouts until further notice.”

In the last two weeks there have been more than 50 cases of salmonella infection in Darwin with 12 people being hospitalised. 

Salmonella infection may produce symptoms of fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, stomach cramps and nausea and vomiting.

“Despite the findings in South Australia the NT Department of Health will continue our investigations to ensure there isn’t another source of the bacteria,” Dr Markey said.

Media contact: Fred McCue 0401 119 792