Victorian catering company temporarily closed down in Listeria outbreak

Once again, like during 2018, we have what looks to be a significant Listeria outbreak in Australia.In 2018 seven people died during an outbreak which was linked to rockmelons.

This time at least five private hospitals, aged care centres and Meals on Wheels operations across Victoria have been instructed by Victoria Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to dispose of food from a Victorian company.

The catering company located in Dandenong has been ordered by the Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton, to cease operations  in an “abundance of caution” whilst an investigation is underway

Six samples taken from the factory have come back as positive for Listeria, but it is still to be determined where the actual source is.

One  woman in her 80s has  died  after eating food which appears to have been supplied by the company and potentially thousands of people may be affected as the company supplies 10 private hospitals and 7000 Meals for Meals on Wheels.

According to the DHHS Health Advisory dated 22 February 2019, all food from the company dated between 13 January and 21 February are not to be consumed.

Listeria usually presents with flu like symptoms and possible diarrohea for most people but for the elderly, immune compromised and pregnant women the effects can include; septicemia, meningitis and pneumonia.It can take at least two months for the symptoms to show, depending upon the individual and the bacterial load in the food.

Listeria is a bacteria which likes cold temperatures and is easily killed with cooking.

For more information on Listeria, the typical foods involved and what can be done to prevent it, go to http://foodsafety.asn.au/advice-on-listeria/