Salad franchise, SumoSalad, together with NSW Health, has issued a public health warning after an employee at one of its Sydney city stores was found to have contracted Hepatitis A.

The employee at the Westpac Place, Kent Street store is no longer working at the outlet, and is said to have contracted the virus while overseas.

SumoSalad managing director, Luke Baylis told SMH once the problem was discovered the staff member took leave.

“While she was working in the store she wore gloves at all times, so there is a very, very minuscule possibility anyone could have contracted the virus,” he said.

A statement issued by SumoSalad reads “During the review with the NSW Food Authority, they acknowledged that SumoSalad was compliant with all food safety regulations. They determined there was no further risk of infection.

“We are proactively working with the NSW Food Authority and NSW Health to address the very

small probability that the employee may have transferred the virus to members of the public.”

Consumers who ordered from the outlet between 19 July and 26 July are advised that they may require a vaccine, although it is only effective within two weeks of exposure and so those that visited SumoSalad between 11 and 18 July and encouraged to see their GP if they develop symptoms, rather than receive the vaccine.

A vaccine is available at Sydney Hospital, Macquarie Street today from 3pm to 7pm at the general outpatient department.