Veg industry reassures consumers on produce quality control

Fresh and prepackaged
lettuce products that fall outside those lines that have been recalled are safe
for consumers to eat, with vegetable grower group AUSVEG assuring consumers
that they can have confidence in their food products.

“With Australian growers adhering to some of the most stringent food health and
safety practices in the world, produce on supermarket shelves has been
rigorously tested to ensure consumer safety,” said AUSVEG National Manager –
Scientific Affairs Dr Jessica Lye.

“Australian QA standards are recognised throughout the world as being of the
highest quality, and Australian produce is renowned internationally for this
reason.”

“Given the significant amount of leafy vegetable products that are on store
shelves every year, food safety incidences are exceedingly rare, and the food
recall system has been swift and effective in responding to this isolated
case.”

“There is a large number of growers around the country who supply leafy
vegetables and Australian consumers can be confident that all other Australian
produce outside of the recalled lines is safe for consumption.”

The producer of the recalled lines, Victorian-based Tripod Farmers, is working
with the Victorian Department of Health and Food Standards Australia New
Zealand and has issued a voluntary recall for all affected lines.

Tripod Farmers is working with all of its customers, including retailers and
beyond, to ensure the recall is implemented effectively.

“The number one priority for Tripod Farmers and the Australian vegetable
industry is the safety of its consumers, and this has been reflected in the
quick and comprehensive response to this outbreak,” said Dr Lye.

“The Victorian Department of Health has advised consumers not to eat the
prepackaged food products in question, indicating consumers should either
return them to their place of purchase for a refund or throw it out.”

“Industry urges consumers to heed this advice.”

A list of the recalled products can be found at:
www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/foodrecalls/recalls/Pages/Pre-packaged-salad-leaves.aspx