A national recall of eight frozen meal types under the Core Powerfoods brand has been issued by Core Ingredients due to a potential risk of Salmonella contamination.
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Products under the brand which have a best before date between March 5 2020 and October 4 2020 are affected by the recall.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health director Tracey Oakman said the region has identified one case as being related to the outbreak.
"Since January 2019, 124 cases of Salmonella have been reported to the MLHD Public Health Unit with 26 cases reported in the past three months," Ms Oakman said.
"MLHD Public Health Unit attempts to speak to all those identified cases to investigate a possible source of the Salmonella illness.
"One notified case identified during this process was linked to the CORE food outbreak."
A statement from NSW Health said at least 15 residents in NSW are believed to have developed Salmonella after consuming the product, however investigations as to the full extent and cause of the contamination.
"NSW Health is working closely with other states and territories to investigate other infections of this unusual Salmonella type, Salmonella Weltevreden, that are thought to be associated with this product," the statement reads.
NSW Health's enteric and zoonotic disease manager Keira Glasgow said food must be thoroughly cooked in order to kill bacteria.
"Salmonellosis can be quite severe and people sometimes have to be hospitalised to manage dehydration, particularly in young babies, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems," Ms Glasgow said.
"Symptoms usually start around six to 72 hours after the contaminated food is eaten and usually last for four to seven days, but can continue for much longer.
"Microwaves are a quick and convenient way to cook food, however, if they are not used correctly, they can cook food unevenly.
"When using a microwave to cook food, make sure the food is heated until it is piping hot all the way through."
Ms Glasgow said customers should either dispose of the products affected by the recall or return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.
The brand is sold at IGA and Coles stores nation-wide as well as independent retailers in NSW.
Core Powerfoods Recall - Affected Products
The following products which have a best before date between March 5 2020 and October 4 2020 are affected by the recall:
- Core Powerfoods Going Nuts 310g
- Core Powerfoods Going Nuts 350g
- Core Powerfoods Deep South Chilli 310g
- Core Powerfoods Deep South Chilli 350g
- Core Powerfoods Muay Thai Meatballs 310g
- Core Powerfoods Muay Thai Meatballs 350g
- Core Powerfoods Holy Meatballs 310g
- Core Powerfoods Holy Meatballs 350g
- Core Powerfoods Naked Chicken 310g
- Core Powerfoods Naked Chicken 350g
- Core Powerfoods Seismic Chicken 310g
- Core Powerfoods Seismic Chicken 350g
- Core Powerfoods Old School 310g
- Core Powerfoods Old School 350g
- Core Powerfoods Smokey Mountain Meatballs 310g
- Core Powerfoods Smokey Mountain Meatballs 350g