Meals recalled after 15 salmonella reports

Health authorities say CORE Ingredients are recalling several of their Powerfoods frozen meals following the outbreak.

South Australia Health has confirmed three of the cases, with two confirmed by authorities in the ACT.

The meals are available Australia-wide in independent supermarkets, Coles, gyms and health food stores.

South Australia Health’s Dr Fay Jenkins said on Monday there had been 15 cases nationally of Salmonella Weltevedreden in people who ate the products.

“We are urging anyone with these meals in their freezers to throw them away or return them to where they bought them,” Dr Jenkins said.

“While this particular type of salmonella is unusual, any kind of salmonella poses serious health risks and symptoms of infection can begin anywhere between six and 72 hours after exposure and last for three to seven days.”

Included in the recalled selection are 150g and 310g meals including Going Nuts, Deep South Chilli, Muay Thai Meatballs, Holy Meatballs, Naked Chicken, Seismic Chicken, Old School and Smokey Mountain Meatballs.

Dr Jenkins said symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches, stomach cramps and loss of appetite.

“More severe symptoms may occur in young children, older people, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised and may lead to hospitalisation,” she said.

“Anyone who develops these symptoms and is concerned should see their doctor and get tested for salmonella.”

Australian Associated Press