The Northern Territory Department of Health has re-issued a warning about bean sprouts, advising Territorians not to eat mung bean sprouts following a product recall in South Australia.
Dr Peter Markey, head of disease surveillance at the Centre for Disease Control, said further testing of bean sprouts from South Australian producer Star Tu had detected Salmonella Saintpaul.
“As result, SA Health has advised people to either throw out their bean sprouts or return them to the place of purchase,” Dr Markey said.
The NT Health Department initially issued an alert on April 22 warning people not to eat raw bean sprouts following a sudden increase in the number of salmonella infections.
Results from a South Australian investigation early this month indicated bean sprouts were the likely cause of the salmonella outbreak here and in SA.
Following the cleaning of factory machinery the sprouts were given the all clear in the NT on May 4. However, further testing of bean sprouts in SA has revealed persistence of the same strain of salmonella, prompting the recall of the product.
“Despite this latest finding in South Australia the good news is there have been no further cases of salmonella infection of this type detected in the NT since the all-clear was given,” Dr Markey said.
“Departmental Environmental Health officers are also working with distributors and retailers, including market coordinators, to ensure the product is removed from sale and destroyed. Random audits will be undertaken to ensure that the product has been removed from sale. If you have Star Tu sprouts at home, either destroy them or return them for a refund.”
Information on the recall can be found on the environmental health website http://health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/index.aspx
Products recalled include:
Star Tu, Chinese Bean Sprouts, all use by dates. Product sold in plastic bags all sizes, including 350g, 1kg and 5kg. Also sold to consumers loose.
Sunshine Sprouts, Bean Sprouts, 125g plastic tub, all use by dates.
These products have been available at retailers such as major and small supermarkets, small grocers, as well as fruit and vegetable grocers. They have also been used by food service businesses, such as restaurants and cafes.
Media contact: Fred McCue 0401 119 792