Salmonella outbreak linked to lettuce sold at Coles and Woolworths

UPDATE: AT least 28 people have been struck down with salmonella after eating pre-packaged lettuce and spinach sold at Coles and Woolworths. SEE LIST OF RECALLED PRODUCTS

CUSTOMERS have been warned against eating prepacked lettuce and spinach sold at Coles and Woolworths across the nation after an outbreak of salmonella.

The lettuce, grown and distributed by the Victorian company Tripod Farmers, has been linked to at least 28 cases of salmonella.

But authorities fear the number could rise with more states affected, including NSW, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

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A recall has been issued for brands such as Coles 4 Leaf Mix, Woolworths salad mix, SupaSalad Supamix and Wash N Toss salad mix.

All these products have best before dates leading up to and including February 14.

Coles has released a statement, saying Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania are not affected.

Shelves cleared out at Coles in Elizabeth Street, CBD. Picture: Ellen Smith

Pre-packaged Coles lettuce products with use by dates up to and including February 11 are affected, but those with a use-by date on or after February 12 are safe.

Whole lettuces are not affected, Coles said.

Managing Director of Tripod Famers Frank Ruffo, said the company was working closely with health authorities in the interests of public safety.

“We are shocked at the test results because we put public safety first and foremost and comply with all Australian health and safety standards,” he said.

“We will be doing everything within our power to determine how this has happened.

“We have commenced a thorough investigation and will work with health authorities to ensure we get to the bottom of this.”

Tripod Farmers has farms in Gippsland, Western Melbourne and Mildura, with a processing facility in Bacchus Marsh.

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Senior Medical Advisor Dr Finn Romanes said he expected more cases to emerge.

Recalled bagged spinach

Varieties of packaged lettuce and spinach have been removed

“We know that the lettuce products involved, that there are a number of products, and that the distribution of those products is very widespread particularly in Victoria,” he said.

“When we identify an outbreak of salmonella, usually the people, or the cases that we’re aware of are the tip of an iceberg,” he said.

He said people with these products should either return them to the place of purchase or discard them.

“Normally we only see a handful of cases of this strain each year, but so far this year there have been 28 adult cases of Salmonella anatum — mostly adults — notified to the Department,” Dr Romanes said.

“As a result of following up the food histories of a number of people we have discovered a common source — the Tripod Farmers lettuce.

“Tests of three products from two batches have also tested positive.”

But frustrated customers searching for information took to Coles’ and Woolworths’ facebook pages had plenty of questions, but no answers by late yesterday afternoon.

“What is happening about the recall on the pre packed salad, need to know dates etc, have consumed some last week and had upset stomach, need to know if we can at least get a refund,” wrote one concerned Coles customer.

Salmonella bacteria viewed under a microscope.

Over on Woolworths’ facebook, one Western Australian customer posted “Thanks for the Salmonella Woolies! Might want to remove washed and ready to eat from your salad bags!” He then posted a copy of his pathology report.

The elderly, those with another medical condition (such as a weakened immune system) or are malnourished are more prone to the illness, with symptoms occurring between 6 to 72 hours after the bacteria is ingested.

The most common symptoms include: diarrhoea, which may contain blood or mucous; fever; headache; stomach cramps; nausea; vomiting, and dehydration, especially among infants and the elderly.

Full list of recalled products:

Woolworths Spinach 100gm

Woolworths Rocket 100gm

Woolworths Salad Mix 100gm

Wash N Toss Watercress 100gm

Wash N Toss Sorrell 50gm

Wash N Toss Baby Cos 100gm

Wash N Toss Spinach 100gm

Wash N Toss Salad Mix 100gm

Wash N Toss Rocket 100gm

Wash N Toss Kale 100gm

Coles Spinach 60gm

Coles Rocket 60gm

Coles Rocket 120gm

Coles Spinach and Rocket 120gm

Coles Spinach 120gm

Coles 4Leaf 120gm

Coles 4Leaf 200gm

SupaSalad 180gm

SupaSalad Green Coral 180gm

SupaSalad Supamix 1kg

SupaSalad Spinach 1kg

SupaSalad Rocket 1kg

SupaSalad Baby Cos 1kg

SupaSalad Spinach 180kg

Originally published as Salmonella outbreak linked to lettuce sold at Coles and Woolworths