FSAI investigating salmonella outbreak

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said today it is investigating an outbreak of salmonella agona in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The FSAI said there have been eight recorded cases in Ireland since the food poisoning outbreak was reported.
It said it is trying to establish the source of the illness and is carrying out laboratory testing of foods.

“The FSAI is continuing to investigate all other potential sources of contamination,” it said in a statement.

“In the meantime, as a precautionary measure, a company that supplies implicated ingredients into the catering sector has withdrawn these products from sale,” it said, without naming the company.

However, it said it is advising food outlets providing ready-to-eat sandwiches to be particularly strict in adhering to best hygiene practices.  

“It reminds retailers of the importance of ensuring that hot sandwiches must be thoroughly cooked before serving to the consumer," the authority said in a statement. “It also reiterates the need for strict procedures to be followed at all times to avoid cross contamination between raw and cooked foods.”

The FSAI said it is working closely with the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Agriculture and Food, as well as the relevant agencies in the UK.

Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) said 60 people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland had fallen victim to the rare strain of Salmonella Agona.