There have been close to 1,900 cases of salmonella in Queensland so far this year, more than double what would normally be expected, health authorities say.
Queensland Health has issued an alert to businesses involved in food preparation and the community as a whole.
Health Protection Unit executive director Dr Sophie Dwyer said the reported 1,895 cases were more than double what would normally be expected.
“Half of the cases reported this year have been from the Salmonella Typhimurium strain, with the majority being reported in south-east Queensland,” she said.
“Salmonella Typhimurium has caused 13 outbreaks of foodborne disease in south-east Queensland this year to date, 10 of which have been confirmed or suspected to have involved foodborne transmission.
“These figures show the vital need for food handlers to be aware of food safety procedures.”
Yesterday, health authorities said they believed a cafe on the Gold Coast was responsible for a food poisoning outbreak after about 20 people were admitted to hospital.
Last month, about 250 people reported gastro-intestinal symptoms following a school principals’ conference in Brisbane that was attended by about 1,200 delegates from across the state.
After Queensland Health announced the suspected salmonella outbreak at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the ABC revealed there had been an outbreak of food poisoning affecting about 10 people who attended a conference at the same venue a week earlier.
Dr Dwyer said Queensland Health were urging people to be particularly aware of safety when handling and consuming eggs.
They recently urged consumers not to purchase or consume cracked, dirty or unstamped eggs, and to report any incidences to their local Public Health Unit.