Listeriosis - Australia (02): airline food, chicken wrap susp

Date: Wed 19 Aug 2009
Source: Illawarra Mercury [edited]
<http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/wollongong-source-of-virgin-listeria-outbreak/1600649.aspx>


A food processing plant in Wollongong has been identified as the
source of a listeria food poisoning outbreak on Virgin Blue flights
last month [July 2009].

Food Authority of Queensland [Australia] tests revealed the listeria
bacteria [ _Listeria monocytogenes_] came from cooked, diced chicken
supplied by GMI Food Wholesalers Pty Ltd, which trades as Australian
Poultry and Food Wholesalers, Primary Industries Minister Ian
Macdonald said today [19 Aug 2009]. The company operates a food
processing plant on Auburn Street in Wollongong.

In May and June [2009], 7 people contracted listeriosis after eating
chicken wraps served on Virgin Blue flights out of Brisbane. 2 of
those passengers were pregnant women who gave birth prematurely.

Mr Macdonald said a prohibition order was placed on the company on [4
Aug 2009]. "Laboratory analysis finalised this week confirms the link
that listeria bacteria consumed by passengers on the Virgin Blue
flights originated in the chicken processed at the Wollongong-based
plant," Mr Macdonald said. "The prohibition order means the company
is forbidden from producing or selling the implicated chicken product
and any other ready-to-eat meats manufactured at the premises. This
order will remain in place until further notice. Consumers can be
assured that the contaminated product that was sent to Queensland has
been isolated and removed from the marketplace."

[Byline: Megan Levy]