South Australia Health today issued a public health warning to South Australians not to eat raw bean sprouts following a significant increase in the number of Salmonella Saintpaul cases.

Over the past 11 days there have been 108 Salmonella Saintpaul cases reported. South Australia sees around 15 to 20 cases each year.

Since the start of December, South Australia Health has been notified of 233 cases of Salmonella Saintpaul.

Investigations by South Australia Health, in conjunction with local councils and food suppliers, at this stage indicate that bean sprouts eaten raw may be responsible for these increased numbers of Salmonella Saintpaul.

Of the 233 cases, 43 people have been hospitalised.

Thanks to my friends at Barf Blog for a list of sprout breaks.