The fresh produce industry is working hard to
address a recall of pre-packaged lettuce products
linked to an outbreak of salmonella illnesses.
Produce Marketing Association A-NZ and Fresh Produce Safety Centre Technology Manager Richard Bennett said that the outbreak is unexpected due to the
stringent food safety protocols in place across the industry, but that’s little comfort to those who have become ill as a consequence of this contamination.
The grower involved – Tripod farmers – and retailers such as Coles and Woolworths have well developed traceability and recall capacity and have been able to identify affected product and swiftly undertake a recall of unsold product. It’s now important that consumers heed the advice of health authorities and either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase. “If in doubt, throw it out” was the advice of Mr Bennett.
Industry will be involved with health authorities in undertaking a full review of the circumstances of the outbreak to identify probable sources of the contamination. The production facility itself has undergone a full and thorough decontamination.
For more information, please visit www.pma-anz.com.