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Food poisoning cases climb

Esther Han

On the increase: Cases of salmonella poisoning.
On the increase: Cases of salmonella poisoning.John Lamb

The number of food poisoning outbreaks has grown in the past five years, figures obtained by Fairfax Media show.

Nearly 340 people were affected in 36 outbreaks last year, up from 187 cases and 27 outbreaks in 2008.

There were about 35 outbreaks in 2010 and 2011, too, but more than 450 food poisoning victims each year.

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A sharp increase in salmonella poisonings linked to the use of raw and undercooked eggs at restaurants and cafes was detected in the first quarter of last year.

Inspectors pinpointed a deep-fried ice cream as the most likely cause of an outbreak of salmonella affecting 14 people in six groups.

The restaurant removed the menu item after it received a letter warning of its risks.

Four people had salmonella poisoning from different egg dishes at the same cafe. The chef told investigators eggs had been pooled and stored on the bench. The chef now refrigerates the eggs.

Another 11 people contracted salmonella when they ate Vietnamese rolls from a bakery. Food authority officers discovered the use of raw egg butter in the rolls. The bakery switched to mayonnaise.

There are 5.4 million cases a year in Australia, triggered by bacteria, viruses and other toxins in food. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and fever.

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