Suspected salmonella outbreak: 250 food poisoning cases linked to principals' conference in Brisbane

A total of 250 people are now sick after a suspected salmonella outbreak at a school principals' conference in Brisbane last week, Queensland Health says.

About 1,200 delegates gathered for the conference on February 26 and 27 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said 250 have now reported gastro-intestinal symptoms, up from 175 on Tuesday.

So far 24 have been hospitalised.

Queensland Heath said the conference had a varied menu, and authorities were trying to work out precisely what people ate.

The usual causes for salmonella infections are poorly cooked meat, poultry and eggs.

BCEC suspended its supply of fresh eggs and poultry products until the results of the Queensland Health investigation were known.

General manager Bob O'Keeffe said yesterday that a full investigation was underway.

He said the centre underwent a rigorous audit for safety before last year's G20.

Furthermore, it used accredited suppliers whose premises and systems were inspected, he said.

"We are looking deep into our supply chain to see if there is any possibility that food supplied to the centre was the cause," Mr O'Keeffe said.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and are cooperating fully with Queensland Health.

"Our rigorous food safety standards meet industry best practice and we source local produce at every opportunity.

Source : ABC News    March 4th 2015