Health officials in south-east Queensland are looking into a cluster of brodifacoum poisoning cases associated with home-prepared food items. Five people, including one minor, from the Logan region showed symptoms of having ingested brodifacoum and needed hospital treatment. These outbreaks have led many people to question the safety of food produced in their own communities.
From mid-September 2025, health investigators suspect that the food items containing brodifacoum were likely purchased or gifted within the Logan community. Federal authorities suspect that three out of the five people sickened consumed these home-prepared foods. They believe it’s likely these items are laced with brodifacoum, an active ingredient in rat poison. The pesticide product under this label, “Rodent Bait 20R,” is one that infamously has this toxic substance as its active ingredient.
Investigation into the Source
Health authorities are currently tracing the origins of the food items believed to be involved. During a news conference in August, Dr. Catherine McDougall, a spokesperson for health authorities, stressed how localized the crisis is.
“The identified products are homemade and do not appear to be widely distributed. It is believed they are available only very locally in the Logan community.” – Dr. Catherine McDougall
No additional cases of brodifacoum poisoning have been reported since the original five people went to different hospitals. Health authorities are on high alert and intensive surveillance. The objective of our special investigation is to make sure that any risks that are found are quickly remedied so that the public is protected.
Symptoms and Community Alerts
Signs of brodifacoum poisoning include uncontrollable bleeding, nausea and dizziness. Health officials have advised residents in and around the Logan area to be on the lookout for these warning signs. Officials add that the risk to the general community is very low. Overall, they want all of us to be careful and report concerning symptoms as soon as they arise.
Dr. McDougall expressed appreciation that health authorities are prioritizing the safety of community members in light of these issues.
“No other possible cases of brodifacoum poisoning have been identified since the five individuals were reported last week.” – Dr. Catherine McDougall
The local health department works closely with emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals in the region. Both organizations watch closely and prepare to react to any new situations that might arise.
Community Responses
Residents in the Logan community have been especially vocal about not wanting potentially contaminated homemade food coursing through their neighborhood. Almost half reported preventive practices including making sure food is cooked thoroughly and knowing poison symptoms.
As these investigations are still ongoing, health officials are working to track the source of these homemade products to prevent future occurrences. They implore citizens to come forward with any information regarding suspicious food or possible food poisoning.
