Tripod Farmers is expecting further test results early next week in its search to determine and fix the cause of salmonella contamination in a number of pre-packaged leafy vegetable lines.

Following last week’s recall Tripod Farmers has this week suspended some of its farming and processing operations while the investigation is being carried out.

Tripod Farmers voluntarily recalled a number of pre-packaged vegetable products stocked at Coles and Bi-Lo (Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT), Woolworths (the ACT, Victoria and NSW) and independent grocers in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT, following advice from the Victorian Department of Health of a possible link to cases of salmonella infection. The products all have a use by date up to and including February 11 until February 14.

7-Eleven was also named among the retailers affected by the recall, however, the convenience chain has since stated the salad types impacted are not those used in its sandwiches, however, as precaution said it withdrew its sandwiches in all Victorian stores following the incident.

Tripod Farmers MD, Frank Ruffo, said detections of salmonella were part of routine testing on product as part of the company’s standard food safety and quality program.

“In the interests of public safety, we have recalled the entire production batches from which the positive samples were detected.

“We are continuing to work closely with health authorities to determine the cause and extent of the problem, and with our customers to manage an effective recall,” Ruffo said.

Australian horticultural body Ausveg is urging consumers to support Australia’s vegetable industry and local growers by continuing to buy locally grown produce.

Ausveg’s national manager of scientific affairs, Dr Jessica Lye, said last week’s recall has had a substantial impact on growers around the country, including in states unaffected by the recall.

“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.

“Food safety incidences in the Australian vegetable industry are exceedingly rare, and consumers can be confident in buying the fresh and pre-packaged vegetable products that are available.”

“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.”

The recall of pre-packaged lettuce products comes a week after Lion Dairy & Drinks and Coles supermarkets were forced to recall a number of products sold and distributed in Western Australia due to a possible bacterial contamination.

Recalled products include:

  • Woolworths Baby Spinach 100g
  • Woolworths Baby Rocket 100g
  • Woolworths Gourmet Mix 100g
  • Wash N Toss Watercress 100g
  • Wash N Toss Sorrel  50g
  • Wash N Toss Baby Cos  100g
  • Wash N Toss Baby Spinach  100g
  • Wash N Toss Salad Mix  100g
  • Wash N Toss Wild Rocket 100g
  • Wash N Toss Kale  100g
  • Coles Australian Baby Spinach 60g
  • Coles Australian Baby Rocket 60g
  • Coles Australian Baby Rocket 120g
  • Coles Australian Spinach & Rocket  120g
  • Coles Australian Baby Spinach 120g
  • Coles Australian 4 Leaf Salad 120g
  • Coles Australian 4 Leaf Salad 200g
  • Supa Salad Supa salad 180g
  • Supa Salad Supamix 1kg
  • Supa Salad AHL Mix  1kg
  • Clear Film Spinach 1kg
  • Clear Film Rocket 1kg
  • Clear Film Baby Cos 1kg
  • Clear Film Baby Leaf 1kg
  • Clear Film Green Coral 180g
  • Clear Film Spinach 180g

This story first appeared in Convenience and Impulse Retailing