Consumers are again warned to return or dispose of CORE Powerfoods frozen microwave meals after Core Ingredients expanded the recall of their frozen meal products - due to a link with cases of Salmonella.

NSW Health reported that 15 people in NSW are among 46 people across Australia who are believed to have fallen ill after consuming the products.

The cause of the contamination is still under investigation.

The recall includes eight varieties of CORE Powerfoods frozen meals, 310g or 350g - Going Nuts, Deep South Chilli, Muay Thai Meatballs, Holy Meatballs, Naked Chicken, Seismic Chicken, Old School, and Smokey Mountain Meatballs.

The recall is for all these products with best before dates from 5 March 2020 to 4 October 2020.

The products have been available for sale at: Independent retailers in NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, NT and WA; IGAs/Metcash stores nationally; Coles nationally and selected Woolworths metro stores in Victoria.

NSW Health Enteric and Zoonotic Diseases Manager Keira Glasgow advised consumers not to consume the products, and either dispose of them in the garbage or return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required for recalled products.

“Salmonellosis can be quite severe and people sometimes have to be hospitalised to manage dehydration, particularly in young babies, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems,” Ms Glasgow said.

“Salmonellosis symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms usually start around six to 72 hours after the contaminated food is eaten and usually last for four to seven days, but can continue for much longer.

“It is important that people do not prepare food for others while they are unwell with salmonellosis and, as a precaution, for 48 hours after symptoms have passed.”

Ms Glasgow said food must be cooked thoroughly to kill Salmonella bacteria. Frozen food should always be cooked thoroughly following manufacturer instructions.

“Microwaves are a quick and convenient way to cook food, however, if they are not used correctly, they can cook food unevenly," she said.

When using a microwave to cook food, make sure the food is heated until it is piping hot all the way through.”

Those affected by the current outbreak reside across NSW, including in greater Sydney, Illawarra, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Northern NSW and the Murrumbidgee.

NSW Health is working closely with other States and Territories to investigate other infections of this unusual Salmonella type, Salmonella Weltevreden, that are thought to be associated with this product.

For more information on salmonellosis, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Salmonellosis.aspx