Australian state authorities have issued a warning about two foods containing an ingredient found in rat poison after five people fell ill.
Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service are investigating cases of suspected brodifacoum poisoning. Brodifacoum is the active ingredient in rat poison that inhibits vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. If ingested by a person, it may cause bleeding complications.
Queensland Health has issued an alert to make people aware of two unlabeled products available in the Logan community.
These are homemade capsicum and chilli paste and marinated eggplant with capsicum and chilli paste.
Three out of five sick people consumed these homemade products, and samples of the products tested positive for brodifacoum.
Dispose of affected products.
The items may have been purchased or donated in the Logan area since mid-September. If people have these products at home, we advise them to throw them away. Do not throw them out in the garden as animals may eat these products.
Dr. Catherine McDougall, chief public health officer, said the community must remain vigilant.
“No other possible cases of brodifacoum poisoning have been identified since five people were reported last week. The products identified are homemade and do not appear to be widely distributed. They are believed to be only available very locally in the Logan community,” she said.
“We do not believe there is a widespread risk to the wider community, however we would urge people in the Logan area to be vigilant. The investigation is ongoing, we are continuing to carry out further inquiries and will keep the community updated.”
If people think they may have consumed related products or are experiencing bleeding that cannot be otherwise explained, they should visit their local GP, local health center or urgent care clinic for testing.
Symptoms of Brodifacoum poisoning include bleeding gums, unexplained bruising, blood in the urine or stool, and swollen joints.
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