In the wake of an egg recall from Tasmanian supermarkets due to potential salmonella contamination, a Longford egg producer assured customers they could continue to buy "safe local eggs".
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Pure Foods Eggs managing director Danny Jones said eggs produced at the Longford farm could be found in Tasmanian Devil, Valley Brook, McGrath Pink, Aberfeldy, Tassie's Own and The Good Egg branded packs.
"Pure Foods Eggs is the largest egg producer in Tasmania," Mr Jones said.
The recall of Bridgewater Poultry Eggs, sold as Woolworths 12 Cage Free Eggs, due to potential salmonella contamination prompted Mr Jones to remind customers that Pure Foods conducted tests at its farms and had eggs analysed regularly for bacteria contamination, including salmonella.
"We have extensive biosecurity measures in place to ensure our farms remain disease free and our hens are healthy and producing the best quality egg for our customers," he said.
"The news of egg recalls will make supplying eggs in Tasmania a challenge. We cannot increase egg production in the short term, but will continue to provide safe local eggs across Tasmania."
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Pure Foods chickens, pullets and hens are fed feed produced at its Carrick feed mill.
Tasmania's geographic isolation means there is very little movement of eggs, livestock or equipment between farms, so the chances of diseases travelling are very limited, Mr Jones said.
"Buying locally supports Tasmanian businesses, who employ Tasmanians and uses Tasmanian ingredients," he said.
"In our industry the risk of disease increases with the number of mainland eggs entering the state. Our eggs travel from farm to plate very quickly and can be found on supermarket shelves within a couple of days of being laid.
"Eggs are the best value for money protein available and we will continue to produce the highest quality product possible. Tasmanians can buy and consume Tasmanian eggs with confidence."
Food Standards Australia New Zealand said the recall was due to "potential microbial (salmonella Enteriditis) contamination".
The products Woolworths 12 Cage Free Eggs 700g (barcode 9300633636982), Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 600g, Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 700g, Victorian Fresh Barn Laid Eggs 800g and Loddon Valley Barn Laid 600g are the subject of recall.
These products have 2019 best before dates of March 20, March 23, March 27, March 30, April 3, April 6, April 10, April 14, April 17, April 20, April 24, April 27 and April 29.
The products have been available for sale at Woolworths and independent stores in Tasmania, ACT, NSW and Victoria and Coles in Victoria and South Australia.
"Food products contaminated with salmonella may cause illness if consumed," the recall said.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has asked consumers to return the products listed above to the store they bought them from for a full refund.
"Consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice," the organisation advised.
Visit foodstandards.gov.au/recalls for the recall notice.
Contact Bridgewater Poultry on (03) 5437 3100 or loddonvalleyeggs.com.au for information about the egg products.
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