A huge spike in a particular Salmonella strain has been reported in South Australia, with more than 230 cases thought to be caused by raw bean spouts.
Almost half of the cases have developed over the past 11 days and 43 people have been hospitalised since the outbreak began in December.
SA usually has fewer than 20 cases of the strain each year.
"Our investigations have indicated to us that it is likely that the consumption of raw bean sprouts is contributing to this increase," chief public health officer Paddy Phillips said on Thursday.
SA Health has urged people not to eat raw bean sprouts and food outlets not to serve them raw.
It is investigating the cause of the outbreak and is working closely with sprout producers, suppliers and handlers.
Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
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