 | A Springvale bakery was closed today after food sold last weekend was linked to a number of cases of salmonella.
Victoria’s acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Chrissie Pickin said nine people have been confirmed with salmonella infection, and four were still in hospital.
Public health investigators from the City of Greater Dandenong and the Department of Human Services have visited the Springvale Cake & Bakery at 222 Springvale Rd.
Dr Pickin late today issued an order under the Health Act, which required the premises to close, the disposal of all food and a thorough clean-up of the premises.
She said the bakery, which specialises in Vietnamese products, would not be allowed to reopen until the clean-up was done and was given the all-clear by health investigators and food handlers at the bakery were clear about their responsibilities.
Dr Pickin said hospital tests on the patients confirmed the salmonella infection. Those affected – all adults- are four men and five women.
Food samples have been taken from the bakery and forwarded to a laboratory for testing. Dr Pickin said results were not expected until the end of next week.
“A number of deficiencies in food handling and preparation practices have been identified by the investigation,” she said.
Dr Pickin said the incident was a very pointed reminder to all people involved in food production and preparation that they needed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene when handling food.
“Washing hands, storing food at appropriate temperatures, adequate cooking of raw meats and poultry, and preventing the contamination of pre-cooked foods were basic, but important, steps in preventing food poisoning,” she said.
Symptoms of salmonella include headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dr Pickin said people who had eaten at the bakery and had become ill should see their doctor or visit a hospital without delay and ensure that the Department of Human Services was informed.
Two patients are still at Dandenong Hospital, one at Monash Medical Centre and one at Como Private Hospital.
Media inquiries:
Graeme Walker, DHS Media Unit 9096 7296; 0409 237 543. (F:Press 2007/ PorkRoll /gw/8.6.07) Media Release Attachment - PorkRoll.doc [Word, 50176 Bytes]
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