A CATERING company blames a bad batch of eggs for a salmonella outbreak linked to a woman's death and the poisoning of more than 220 people who attended Melbourne Cup day functions.

Piccalilli Catering last night said it could take its own legal action over the outbreak as tributes poured in for 77-year-old Judy Anderson, who died after contracting the bacteria at a Cup event.

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Metro North Public Health Unit director Dr Susan Vlack said the salmonella infection did not cause Ms Anderson's death but "may have contributed''.

Eight people had been hospitalised and up to 700 people who attended 40 Cup functions where the food was served could be affected, Dr Vlack said.

Four of those admitted following the outbreak have now been released from hospital.

"If you have been to a Melbourne Cup luncheon and you do get ill, particularly with fever and diarrhoea … then you see your doctor,'' Dr Vlack said. "Most people have been sick already or could be sick now but you can be sick up to two weeks later.

News_Rich_Media: A catering company is blaming a bad batch of eggs over a salmonella outbreak which is linked to the death of a woman and the poisoning of more than 200 people.

"In most cases salmonella is a mild infection that a person recovers from within a week or two but vulnerable people, the very young and the very old, and anyone who's immunosuppressed can have more severe effects."

A Government spokesman confirmed 11 staff from the Department of Premier and Cabinet fell ill as a result of the outbreak after attending an onsite function catered by the company involved.

Piccalilli Catering, based at St Lucia, catered at the affected functions but has blamed a Brisbane-based supplier of a bad batch of eggs that were used to make mayonnaise.

"Piccalilli Catering provided catering services to a range of clients at various venues around Brisbane on Melbourne Cup Day,'' a company statement said. "This catering included fresh mayonnaise made by our chefs from eggs purchased from a Brisbane fresh food wholesaler. We believe these eggs were the source of a food-borne illness, which has affected a number of our clients and their guests.''

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Ms Anderson died in hospital on Wednesday from heart complications but fell ill on Thursday last week. She was among 65 guests at a Zonta fundraising luncheon on Melbourne Cup Day.

Ms Anderson wasfor years a fundamental part of Goodtime Surf and Sail, a Woolloongabba surf and skate store.

"Anyone who has been in our shop could not help but have their day brightened by Judy's warmth, wit and uncanny knack for remembering even the smallest details about someone she may have only met once," the retailer said on its Facebook page.

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