Because these cases have occurred across more than one area, the Food Standards Agency Scotland is coordinating a wide ranging investigation. An Outbreak Control Team has been set up to carry out the investigation. The team is made up of representatives from the Food Standards Agency Scotland, the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health (SCIEH) and the Health Boards and Local Authorities in the areas mentioned. The Team met today and further information will be issued as it becomes available as a result of the ongoing investigation.
Salmonella enteritidis phage type 5c usually occurs in very small numbers: four cases were reported in 1999. Incidences of Salmonella enteritidis phage type 5c across more than one area became apparent on Wednesday 2 August. A national investigation was immediately instigated to establish if there was a link and the situation has been monitored continuously since then. Further evidence has now confirmed the extent of the problem and as a result the Food Standards Agency Scotland decided to convene an outbreak control team.
The outbreak control team is made up of representatives from the following organisations: