Listeria detected in commercial food product

Queensland Health investigators have identified M & J Chickens’ easy-serve breast fillet shredded chicken as the probable cause of Listeria cases across Queensland (5), New South Wales (3) and Victoria. 

Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the strain of Listeria found in the chicken samples was the same as the strain isolated from patients in Queensland.

This product has all been isolated and will not be used at Mater Hospitals.

Click here for the full release from Queensland Health

An update from Mater

Mater is continuing to work with Metro South Public Health Unit to investigate a small number of listeria cases.

These cases have been diagnosed early and managed appropriately with good outcomes.

Extensive testing by Metro South Public Health Unit and Brisbane City Council has not detected listeria in Mater’s food services, but has identified  M & J Chickens’ easy-serve breast fillet shredded chicken as the probable cause.

The Federal Government’s OzFoodNet agency is coordinating a national investigation. 

Patient safety and wellbeing remains our utmost priority.

What is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a relatively uncommon disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria is widespread and is commonly found in soil, water, mud, vegetation and sewage. It can also be found in raw meat, raw vegetables and unpasteurised dairy products. Some exposure to these bacteria is unavoidable.

Every day, most healthy people eat foods that contain small amounts of Listeria with no apparent ill effects.