Number of food poisoning cases increase in Albury

According to The Border Mail, as of 25 January 2010, there are now 111 cases of gastro like illness in the NSW / Vic border city of Albury.

Around 20 of those cases have now been confirmed as salmonellosis. The cases have occurred since 10 January and it is expected that there will be an increase as more people hear about the situation and report their symptoms as well. Most of the cases were from Thursday, January 14 to Monday, January 18.

Tests were done on foods and the suspect premises, and the NSW Food Authority revealed, on the 25 January, that home-made aioli — a garlic mayonnaise that includes raw egg — had tested positive for salmonella.Acting director of Albury’s public health unit, Alison Nikitas, said “It’s not due to ongoing transmission, but people calling us during the week as they become aware of it”.

The premises, which is described by some visiting it’s Facebook page as “one of the nest eateries in Albury”, has been closed since Friday 22 January and a Prohibition Order was issued later that day by the NSW Food Authority. The premises owner said the authority was now conducting cross-contamination tests; “we’re still co-operating with NSW health authorities and hope to maybe open toward the end of the week”.

Raw egg is a recognised significant potential Salmonella source and has been involved in several food poisoning outbreaks in Australia over the last two years. Obviously, not using raw egg in uncooked products, like aioli, would reduce the food safety risk, however there are some foods that require this ingredient. Cross contamination and good temperature are therefore key food safety issues in these types of products.