THE Department of Health has lifted its warning on Green Eggs after more than 200 people became ill eating food with raw egg at Torquay’s The Bottle of Milk restaurant and another in St Kilda.
The warning — advising to use eggs from the Green Eggs company only in cooked products and dishes — was lifted by deputy chief health officer Dr Michael Ackland today.
Dr Ackland said he was satisfied measures instituted by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries and the Department of Health meant eggs from the company should be safe for consumption.
The alert was issued on March 3, after eggs from the company were linked to outbreaks of gastroenteritis due to salmonella at The Bottle of Milk and the Newmarket Hotel which used them in raw-egg products.
Dr Ackland said thoroughly cooking eggs rendered them safe from contaminants such as salmonella.
“The company has worked hard to meet the requirements put in place as a result of the outbreaks, and I am satisfied now that there is no increased risk if eggs supplied by Green Eggs are used in raw-egg products,” he said.
“Having said that, people need to be aware of the inherent increased risk of eating foods containing raw or under-cooked eggs from any source.
“Food and drinks containing raw and undercooked eggs, including mayonnaise, aioli, eggnog and tiramisu have been associated with salmonella outbreaks.
“These foods can be a risk, especially for the elderly and people with lowered immunity, children and pregnant women.”
Dr Ackland recommended people cook eggs until they were hot all the way through, which killed any bacteria that may be present and ensures they are safe to eat.
“As a general food safety measure, people should check eggs are clean and have no visible cracks before they buy them,” he said.
“Eggs are a highly nutritious and healthy food and it is important that everyone has confidence that they are safe to eat at all times.
“After purchase, refrigerate your eggs, preferably in the original carton so you know the best-before date. If you find a dirty or cracked egg, throw it out.”
