AUSSIES are being warned to check their eggs very carefully after a horror outbreak of food poisoning has struck down at least 23 people.

Consumers in Sydney are being told to avoid Glendenning Farms eggs after several people people reported being hit with Salmonella enteritidis.

The NSW Food Authority is working with NSW Health to investigate the cases which occurred in a cluster and says the company, Eggz on the Run, is undertaking a voluntary recall of the eggs.

“The NSW Department of Primary Industries has issued a biosecurity direction on the farm to restrict movement of livestock, eggs, manure and disposables and order the disinfection and decontamination of equipment,” a NSW Health statement said.

“This direction will be in place while further investigations are underway.”

The recall revolves around Glendenning Farms 12 Brownshell Eggs from small independent supermarkets and retailers in Sydney only.

The contaminated eggs are believed to be packed in best before cartons dated on September 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and October 1.

The farm is run by company Eggz on the Run and the Osman family.

Their lawyer, Raed Rahal, said they are “shell-shocked by the news”.

“They would certainly not do anything to risk anyone’s safety,” Mr Rahal told The Daily Telegraph.

“We are not even certain that the outbreak is in the eggs.

“The strain is from overseas. There was only a certain batch that was supposed to be removed but the company has voluntarily decided to remove all batches of eggs.”

The authorities have advised consumers to return the tainted eggs to the retailers for a full refund.

Proof of purchase for a recalled item isn’t required.

For consumers concerned about their health, they are encouraged to seek medical advice.

Salmonella enteritidis symptoms include fever, headache, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, usually about six to 72 hours after the contaminated food is eaten.

— with wires