Are you living in or visiting Victoria?
Health officials have warned residents and tourists to be extra cautious with their food safety as the state experiences a major salmonella outbreak.
Over the last two months 72 salmonella cases have been reported, up 67 per cent compared to the last six months of 2015, with experts urgently searching for its cause.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy issued a food safety warning: “All Victorians should remember to take care when preparing food at home, especially during the winter months, to prevent food turning nasty,” she said.
“If you do have symptoms of food poisoning it is important to stay at home and avoid public gatherings and never prepare food for others when sick.”
Victorian Department of Health is conducting extensive research to establish the source of the salmonella outbreak, after 46 cases alone were reported in a single week during June.
Health experts have advised Victorians to ensure they continue to thoroughly wash their hands before preparing food, wait for cooked food to cool before refrigerating and reheating frozen food to 75C before consuming.
This outbreak comes after a spate of salmonella cases reported in the state including Victoria's ‘Tripod’ pre-package lettuce incident where 128 people were poisoned nationally, and Melbourne’s Langham Hotel causing 90 diners to become violently ill due to raw egg mayonnaise.
If you suspect that you could be suffering from food poisoning you are recommended to seek medical advice. Salmonella infection produces such symptoms as fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, stomach cramps and nausea and vomiting.
For more information on managing your food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses, simply visit our Resources page or check out our Food Safety Courses.