Dodgy chicken link to illness

WA health experts have linked recent outbreaks of salmonella food poisoning to bacteria in contaminated chicken.

They say salmonella typhimurium subtype 39 appeared to be more resistant to normal hygiene and cooking practices, causing more serious illness in chickens and the people who ate them.

Health Department figures show 1323 cases of salmonella last year and almost 600 cases so far this year, with salmonella typhimurium linked to five outbreaks of food poisoning.

The department singled out subtype 39, which led to more serious infections, with one in four people infected being treated in hospital, including one person who developed acute kidney failure.

Subtype 39 had been found in several poultry livestock samples, as well as seven out of eight meat samples from chicken processors.

"It is possible this organism was associated with a higher than usual bacterial load in livestock chicken that was more difficult to control during processing and was able to withstand consumer hygiene practices," the department said.

Australian Chicken Meat Federation executive director Andreas Dubs said his group had worked with the department and the industry to identify the likely source of increased salmonella illness last year and this had significantly improved the situation.

"The relevant processors have taken every action to tackle the issue, including the vaccination of breeder flocks, increased biosecurity measures on farms and carefully reviewing all hygiene measures at the processing plant," he said.

Dr Dubs said all meat was likely to carry bacteria and it only became an issue if the meat was mishandled or not cooked correctly.

Meanwhile the department's name-and-shame list of food hygiene breaches shows two Perth fast food restaurants convicted of serving up uncooked chicken, including Kwinana Chicken Treat, which sold raw chicken patties and a burger with a fly in it.

Chicken Treat said the incident was regrettable.

Source: The West Australian, 9 June 2012