NSW Primary Industries Minister Steve Whan warns consumers, restaurants, cafes and others to be aware of the health risks that may be associated with eating foods containing raw egg products. Recently, over 130 people became ill and suffered food poisoning symptoms after eating foods from a food retailer in Albury (Australia), and an outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning infection was confirmed.
NSW Food Authority officers confirmed that an aioli product that was made with raw eggs at the retailer tested positive for Salmonella after investigating the retailer. While eggs are a healthy part of any diet, individuals must be aware of how to prepare them safely, especially when it comes to raw eggs.
Some tips safely purchasing and eating eggs include:
* Buy eggs that have no cracks and look clean
* Foods that contain eggs should be cooked until hot all the way through
* Check use by dates before purchasing eggs
* Foods that contain raw eggs should never be served to pregnant women, children under two years old, and people who are over 65. Anyone with a serious illness should not eat foods containing raw eggs
* Keep eggs refrigerated in their original carton
* Clean utensils and any other kitchen equipment thoroughly after contact with raw eggs
Taking proper precautions when preparing foods is necessary to prevention of Salmonella food poisoning. All individuals responsible for preparing or manufacturing foods should take special care to wash hands thoroughly and often, especially after visiting the toilet. All surfaces, utensils and other equipment used in the preparation of foods should be sanitized often as well.
Salmonella food poisoning is not usually serious, although it can be in certain individuals. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Many people believe they simply have the stomach flu and never see a doctor.
Those who are at an elevated risks of salmonella complications from foodborne illnesses include the elderly, young children, pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system. If you fall in any of these groups and develop food poisoning symptoms, see your doctor at once.
Complications from Salmonella food poisoning may include severe dehydration, meningitis, endocarditis and Reiter’s syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, among other things.
Individuals who become infected with Salmonella after eating foods tainted foods in restaurants or purchasing foods contaminated in the manufacturing process should contact a New York food poisoning attorney at once. You may be eligible for compensation for expenses related to your illness, such as lost wages and medical fees.
