The NSW Food Authority has advised consumers that the bacteria Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) has been found in eggs distributed by Port Stephens Eggs, with a voluntary recall now in place.
The Authority advises that the following eggs may be contaminated with SE:
- Port Stephens Eggs Country Fresh Eggs Just Free to Range Eggs, 700g, cardboard box
- Port Stephens Eggs 12 Free Range Eggs Jumbo, 800g, cardboard box
- For eggs sold in cartons, up to and including Best Before 8 June 2019, or you may identify the individual eggs through the stamp NSW 219.
Chief Executive of the NSW Food Authority, Lisa Szabo said the eggs were sold directly by a very small producer from his farm gate in Anna Bay in the Port Stephens area and at local butchers, independent supermarkets and retailers around Port Stephens.
Dr Szabo advised consumers who may have purchased the eggs not to eat them and to dispose of them in the garbage or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
She said a proof of purchase is not required for recalled products.
Dr Szabo said consumers may be aware of a higher number of SE-related egg recalls in recent months due to a cluster of interconnected egg farms across the state.
“This recall is related to the detection of this particular organism,” Dr Szabo said.
As part of its response, the NSW Department of Primary Industry has increased surveillance and monitoring at poultry farms and where necessary has issued biosecurity directions to individual properties, including the quarantine of premises to stop movement of eggs into the marketplace.
“All other eggs are safe to eat, provided people exercise the usual safe food handling precautions for eggs and other special care foods,” Dr Szabo said.
