Listeria has been found in foods prepared by the Ballarat meals on wheels supplier.
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The City of Ballarat Council said it received notification overnight from the Department of Health and Human Services about listeria detected in foods from its contracted supplier of meals and wheels.
It said 400 clients have been contacted.
The Age reported one person has died as a result of the listeria out-break.
The food supplier produced food for a wide range of councils, hospitals and aged care homes across Victoria, including Ballarat.
The Age said The I Cook Foods kitchen, which is based in Melbourne and provides meals to a wide range of places, had been shut down.
Listeria infection is rare, but it can be very dangerous, particularly for pregnant women and the elderly. Symptoms can include fever, tiredness, aches and pains and headaches, but the infection can become life-threatening if not treated.
The City of Ballarat released a statement:
“The City of Ballarat received notification overnight from the Department of Health and Human Services about the detection of listeria in a range of foods produced by the contracted supplier to our meals on wheels service," it says.
“As soon as we were made aware of the issue, we acted immediately to ensure any products from the supplier were disposed of.
“We have sourced meals from a range of providers to ensure delivery of meals for today and the weekend went ahead. We will continue to source alternative suppliers to ensure ongoing delivery of meals continues.
“We have personally placed calls to each of our 400 clients to inform them and check on their well-being.
“We have advised clients that if they feel unwell they should seek medical advice, and if they have kept any food delivered since January 13 it should be thrown out immediately. In addition to this, we are hand delivering letters to each client outlining the same information.”
For more information about listeria click here.
- with The Age.
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