No more salmonella cases in Otago or Southland

Dr Marion Poore
Dr Marion Poore
No further Otago or Southland cases of a recent salmonella outbreak have been recorded since flour was identified as the possible source of the infection.

Public Health South medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore said she had not been informed of any more cases over the holiday period, which was good news.

The outbreak of salmonella typhimurium phage type 42 affected at least 15 people in Otago and Southland between October 13 and December 18.

More people may have become sick but not sought medical treatment.

The outbreak made about 50 people sick, mostly in South Island centres and is believed to be linked to wheat storage.

Work to identify the source of the wheat has yet to be completed.

Affected flour was withdrawn from sale shortly before Christmas.

People have been advised that while cooked flour is safe, they should refrain from tasting raw batters or mixtures and ensure that flour being used by young children for use with play-dough is not from the possibly affected batches.

The flours withdrawn from sale were all plain flourswith best before dates between June and July 2009, from Pam's, Champion, Edmonds and Homelife brands.

 

 

 

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