Vegetable grower body AUSVEG is urging Australian consumers to continue buying the fresh and prepackaged vegetable products available throughout Australia.
 
“The number one priority of the industry is the safety of the consumer,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Scientific Affairs Dr Jessica Lye.
 
“The events of last week have had a substantial impact on growers around the country, including in states unaffected by the recall, and AUSVEG is calling on Australian consumers to throw their support behind the Australian vegetable industry and continue to buy locally-grown produce.”
 
“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 prepackaged 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.”
 
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.
 
The producer of the prepackaged lettuce lines recalled last week, Victorian-based Tripod Farmers, continues to work with both the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services as well as Food Standards Australia New Zealand throughout the ongoing investigation into the source of the salmonella contamination.
 
A list of the recalled products can be found at:

www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/Pre-packaged-salad-leaves.aspx


ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au