Consumer attitudes and behaviours - key risk factors in an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 12 infection sourced to chicken nuggets
Date
1999
Authors
Kenny, Bernadette
Hall, Robert Geoffrey
Cameron, Scott
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Journal article
Citation
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 1999; 23(2):164-167
Statement of Responsibility
Bernadette Kenny, Robert Hall and Scott Cameron
Conference Name
Abstract
Objectives: To identify the source and
intervention methods for an outbreak of
Salmonella Typhimurium phage type 12 in
South Australia.
Method:Ten cases of S. Typhimurium
phage type (PT) 12 infection were notified
in South Australia in a four-week period
from 7 May 1998. Nine cases and 27
controls were included in a case control
study to test the hypothesis that illness
was associated with the consumption of
chicken nuggets.
Results: A significant association between
illness and the consumption of one brand
of chicken nuggets was determined, odds
ratio undefined (95% CI undefined;
p= undefined). Nine of nine cases and one
of 27 controls reported eating these
chicken nuggets. S. Typhimurium PT 12
was isolated from an opened sample of
this particular brand of nuggets which had
been retrieved from the home of one case.
Conclusions and implications: The
implicated nuggets were essentially a raw
product which had been 'flash fried' in
contrast with other brands which were fully
cooked. The investigation highlighted
issues of inadequate labelling and
consumer responses to labelling
information which affect food safety. A
media release to highlight to the consumer
the need to cook frozen food properly and
a voluntary recall of the 'flash fried' product
was instigated as a result of these
conclusions. Further action is needed to
eliminate the potential hazard that
consumers will perceive and handle 'flash
fried' nuggets as if they are a cooked
chicken product.
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Article first published online: 13 MAY 2008