Imported food risk statement

 Salmonella spp. can be highly infectious and cause incapacitating but not usually life threatening illness. Sequelae can occur but are rare.  There is strong evidence that Salmonella spp. has caused foodborne illness associated with beef and beef products.  The method of producing fresh raw (chilled and/or frozen) beef introduces contamination into the food and does not contain a pathogen elimination step. Some beef products (i.e. trim and offal) may contain higher levels of contamination as further processing steps (i.e. mincing) can introduce contamination into the product.  HACCP based quality assurance systems are required throughout the entire supply chain to minimise the potential for contamination and subsequent growth of any contaminating pathogens.