Australian farmers are pleading with consumers to keep buying fresh and pre-packaged locally grown produce following last week’s lettuce salmonella outbreak.
Vegetable grower body, Ausveg, says people should be aware that food safety incidents are exceedingly rare.
“This recent recall is not indicative of a systematic food safety issue in the vegetable industry. It is limited to one supplier and all affected product has been taken off the shelves,” spokeswoman Dr Jessica Lye said in a statement.
“There is a large number of lettuce growers right around the country who currently supply leafy vegetables to Coles, Woolworths and other retailers, and consumers can have faith in the quality of the product that these growers are supplying.”
“Australian produce is known internationally for being high quality and safe to eat. This reputation is a testament to the hard work of Aussie growers and their dedication to growing exceptional quality produce,” Dr Lye continued.
The producer of the prepackaged lettuce lines recalled last week, Victorian-based Tripod Farmers, continues to work with both the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services as well as Food Standards Australia New Zealand throughout the ongoing investigation into the source of the salmonella contamination.
