NSW successfully reduces Salmonella cases

One of the aims of the NSW Food Authority’s ambitious Food Safety Strategy 2015-2021 was to reduce cases of foodborne salmonellosis by 30%. The target was set following a record number of Salmonella cases and food poisoning incidents over the 2010 to 2014 period.

Salmonella and food-related illnesses lead to increased health care costs for NSW residents, health care providers, and affected government agencies. Reducing these costs improves confidence in the NSW food sector and businesses and positively impacts the broader community.

To hit the reduction target, the NSW Food Authority analysed the outbreaks during the 2010 to 2014 period to identify the common roots of food poisoning. In some businesses, they found a lack of understanding of correct procedures, cleaning, and sanitising practices, and the mishandling of certain foods, such as eggs.

To address these issues, the Authority provided information and education to food businesses and stakeholders. They also promoted an improved food safety culture and 72,000 people were trained and certified as Food Safety Supervisors.

This approach was combined with increased surveillance of foodborne pathogens, supported by genome sequencing technology. This resulted in more capacity for early identification of illness outbreaks and faster intervention. 

An excellent example of how this worked in practice is with the egg industry. NSW Food Authority CEO Dr Lisa Szabo said, “The use of this technology was instrumental in the control of a Salmonella strain threatening consumers and the egg industry in 2018. Interventions to control this strain are estimated to have prevented over $2billion in losses to the egg industry over a 20-year projection.”

This education and the processes implemented by the NSW Food Authority led to the target being successfully achieved. “The direct outcome of achieving the 30% reduction target was an estimated 40,000 fewer people contracting salmonellosis and a saving in health care costs of approximately $196million between 2017 to 30 June 2021.”  

In fact, the processes and systems put in place meant the target was exceeded by a considerable margin. Dr. Szabo said, “Under that umbrella target, the incidence of the main Salmonella strain responsible for food poisoning in NSW and Australia fell by 60%.” 

Article by Food Safety Select