Contaminated bean sprout mystery solved after source traced to South Australian factory

UPDATED: THE mystery source of the state’s contaminated bean sprouts that made hundreds of people ill, has been traced back to a family-run factory in South Australia.

• Raw bean sprout contamination linked to new SA salmonella cases
• SA Health blames raw bean sprouts for surge in salmonella cases

THE mystery source of the state’s contaminated bean sprouts that made hundreds of people ill has been traced back to a family-run factory in South Australia.

After a week-long investigation by SA Health, health authorities confirmed that South Australians could resume eating raw bean sprouts this afternoon after it was confirmed the source of the salmonella “saintpaul” to one of two South Australian factories that supply bean sprouts to retailers in SA and the Northern Territory.

Authorities said they would not name the business because the issue had been resolved and the factory was completely clear of contamination.

Investigators found the salmonella source on a wash tray, used for washing the bean sprouts, in the factory.

A statement issued by SA Health read: “As a result of these increased notifications, SA Health, in conjunction with local councils, instigated an investigation of producers, suppliers and handlers of the sprouts to determine the source of salmonella saintpaul.”

“SA Health can today confirm that these investigations have led to all sprout processors

being given the all clear.

Despite the scare being over, authorities believe they will be notified of more salmonella cases in the coming weeks but said they will be associated with previous consumption.

It comes one week after SA Health issued a public health warning to consumers to not eat raw bean sprouts because of a significant surge in salmonella cases linked to eating the popular Asian garnish.

The source of contaminated bean sprouts has been traced back to a factory in South Australia.

Since the start of December there have been a total of 254 salmonella saintpaul cases reported and a total of 48 people were admitted to hospital.

Usually, SA sees just 15-to-20 cases a year.

SA Health chief public health officer Paddy Phillips said the local bean sprout business was “completely compliant with all our investigations and there is no reason to believe that there are any further issues with the production of bean sprouts at this factory”.

“Because there is no ongoing health risk, we’re not going to name which factory,” Prof Phillips said.

“It’s a small, family-run business (and) they’ve co-operated fully with our investigations.

“We’ve gone back (to the factory) several times and found the processing plant is clear in all of the areas ... there’s now no longer any contamination of salmonella so it’s OK to eat their bean sprouts.

“I can advise South Australians that they can resume eating raw bean sprouts and food service businesses such as cafes and restaurants can serve raw bean sprouts again.”

Even though bean sprouts across the state have been given the all clear, Prof Phillips advised people with immune compromise and pregnant women should cook bean sprouts rather than eating them raw.

“Unfortunately sprouts, including bean sprouts are known to be a source of contamination of bugs including salmonella, E.coli and even listeria,” he said.

Infection caused by salmonella bacteria may produce symptoms of fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, stomach cramps and nausea and vomiting.

More information about salmonella infection is available at sahealth.sa.gov.au