PRN101A: Public Relations Perspective on the Sydney Salmonella Crisis

This report discusses the recent Salmonella outbreak in Sydney, triggered by contaminated eggs from Glendenning Farms, which led to consumer warnings and product recalls. The report highlights the characteristics of the Salmonella bacterium, its transmission routes, and the symptoms it causes, referencing similar outbreaks involving rockmelons and other food products both in Australia and internationally. It emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, such as proper food handling and hygiene, to mitigate the risk of infection. The report also touches upon the role of government and public awareness in controlling the spread of the bacterium. Students can find similar reports and solved assignments on Desklib.

Running head : SALMONELLA OUTBREAK IN SYDNEY
SALMONELLA OUTBREAK IN SYDNEY
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1SALMONELLA OUTBREAK IN SYDNEY
Recently an outbreak of food poisoning in Sydney has left everyone horrorstruck.
According to the reports in The Guardian, consumers are asked to avoid Glendenning Farms
eggs after twenty-three people fell sick after being diagnosed with Salmonella
enteritidis(Theguardian.com, 2018). NSW Food Authority later gave a statement saying that the
consumers can either dispose the cartons of eggs purchased or ask for full refund from the
respective shops (Abc.news.au, 2018). The Salmonella bacteria is found in the intestinal tracts of
animals and birds. It is transmitted when humans consume meat if animals and birds. The
bacterium is a serious human pathogen and can cause fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea
and diarrhea. According to RadioNZ stories, citizens are warned against consuming rockmelon
after the Salmonella outbreak in Australia. Food poisoning in associations with rockmelon have
increased in number(Radionz.co,2018).
The consumers concerned about their health have been asked to visit physicians and
health care experts in their locality by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
ABC reported a movement of manure, livestock, eggs and disposable have been strictly
restricted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries Eggs recalled in Sydney after cluster of
salmonella cases (ABC.net.au,2018). Although reports show that, there has been a considerable
decrease in the Salmonella bacteria from 2014 to 2018. More than 800 food poisoning cases have
been reported by the Dubai based media out of which around 200 were caused by the Salmonella
enteritidis. In some places, even alfalfa sprouts have been identified to be infected with
Salmonella bacteria reported AU News (News.com,2018). No specific source is known to be the
cause of the bacteria. The infection can spread when the eggs are eaten raw or uncooked. Hence,
it is important to take certain measurements to prevent the onset of the Salmonella infection.
Small changes can help on the long run. For instance, one can throw or discard bad eggs or

2SALMONELLA OUTBREAK IN SYDNEY
cracked eggs. One should also wash their hands after touching raw yoke. Eating raw eggs as
salad dressings and Hollandaise sauce must be avoided at all costs. Though this bacterium can be
present in other food sources other than eggs such as unpasteurized milk and juices, raw sprouts,
shellfishes, prewashed food and vegetables. Recently, people in major cities in the United States
fell sick after consuming pre-cut melon. People from Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and
Missouri have been reported to have fallen ill. Individuals have reported that within 72 hours of
consuming pre-cut fruit salads, melon, cantaloupe and watermelon they had vomiting, fever and
headache. According to reports published in CNN, Salmonella bacterium causes around 1.2
million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations each year and 450 deaths in the United States.
Everyone’s favorite Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal was recalled by the Company due to the
fear that the breakfast snack may contain Salmonella Mbandaka a type of the Salmonella
bacterium(Outbreaknewstoday.com, 2018).
As there have been numerous outbreak of the Salmonella bacterium all over the world in
the year 2018, the Government should take some rigid steps to check the spread of the bacterium.
In fact, even the common man should be more cautious and aware when it comes to the spread of
the Salmonella bacteria.

3SALMONELLA OUTBREAK IN SYDNEY
References
Theguardian.com. (2018) Alfalfa recalled after salmonella outbreak in South Australia.
Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/sep/09/alfalfa-
recalled-after-salmonella-outbreak-in-south-australia
Outbreaknewstoday.com (2018). Australia: Salmonella cluster in Sydney prompts egg recall -
Retrieved from http://outbreaknewstoday.com/australia-salmonella-cluster-sydney-
prompts-egg-recall-74464/
Radionz.co. (2018) Don't eat rockmelon warning as salmonella cases spike. Retrieved from
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/310037/don't-eat-rockmelon-warning-as-
salmonella-cases-spike
Abc.net.au. (2018). Eggs recalled in Sydney after cluster of salmonella cases. Retrieved from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-08/eggs-recalled-in-nsw-after-salmonella-cases-
confirmed/10217420
News.com.au. ,(2018) Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts. Retrieved from
https://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/sunshine-sprouts-alfalfa-sprout-
products-pulled-from-supermarket-shelves-over-salmonella-outbreak/news-story/
00cda73c8bd35ea0edf4ac3f8df7b424