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Egg recall UPDATE: Victims hospitalised

WARNING: The recall has worsened

UPDATE: A major Victorian egg farm has been forced to close amid yesterday’s Coles and Woolworths egg recall, New Idea Food reports. 

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It’s also been revealed that five people have been struck down by salmonella, with two being hospitalised with severe illness. 

It’s suspected the salmonella cases were linked to eating eggs from Bridgewater Poultry in Victoria, which has now been blocked from operating while authorities investigate the outbreak.

Yesterday it was announced that Food Standards Australia New Zealand had recalled Woolworths 12 Cage Free Eggs 700g, Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 600g, Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 700g, Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 800g, as well as Loddon Valley Barn Laid 600g in Victoria and South Australia only.

The egg products are sold in Woolworths, Coles and other independent retailers across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. 

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No other egg products sold by Coles are affected by the recall, and no Coles Brand products are affected.

Health authorities have since warned people to return the potentially contaminated eggs for a refund or throw them away. 

Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton said hens at the farm may have to be destroyed to eliminate the source of the salmonella contamination.

It’s also been revealed that the strain of salmonella found at the farm – salmonella enteritidis – was rarely found in Victoria, making it particularly concern.

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‘It’s like an exotic pest. It’s the cane toad of salmonella,’ he told News.com.au.

‘We’ve never had an outbreak of this size (in Victoria).’

egg recall
These eggs are included in the recall. (Credit: supplied)

Dr Sutton said the biggest concern was that it could infect the egg before the shell was formed.

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The five cases of victims with salmonella enteritidis includes people ranging in ages from their 20s to 80s and dates to January.

Dr Sutton warns there could be more affected patients, and symptoms included nausea, fever, diarrhoea, headaches, dehydration and in the most severe cases could lead to death.

‘People should avoid raw egg products particularly if they are vulnerable such as those with compromised immune systems, under two or over 70 years of age or pregnant,’ Dr Sutton told News.

‘It is important to know that not all eggs are affected, but any eggs carrying the listed brands should return them to the point of sale for a full refund.

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‘Alternatively, they can be discarded by throwing them into the garbage, not the garden or compost.

‘These eggs should not be given to pets or livestock.’

Any people concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

Too read more news, recipes and cooking ideas, head to New Idea Food, Australia’s newest home for food. 

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