Investigations into the outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium phage type 42 have found one detection of the bacteria in samples of flour taken from the home of one of the affected people.
One further sample, from a second case’s home, has been provisionally confirmed as positive also.
“The joint investigation undertaken by the Ministry of Health and NZFSA into the current outbreak of Salmonella infection due to a particular strain (STM 42) suggests a food source,” says Dr Greg Simmons, Chief Advisor for the Ministry’s Population Health Directorate.
“The evidence is not yet conclusive but the results of the investigation to date indicate that people with the infection (especially children) were more likely to have eaten uncooked flour for example in home-made play dough, raw cake and batter mixes. As food is the probable source of illness the NZFSA will take the lead in any subsequent investigation.”
The following brands of flour could be affected: Champion, Edmonds, Homelife and Pam’s brand plain flours with best before dates between June and July 2009.
NZFSA has in…
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