The Tasmanian premier says he has faith in the island's aquaculture industry, despite salmon from the state being linked to two deadly listeria infections.
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National and state health authorities are investigating the exact cause of three listeriosis cases in elderly people across three separate states.
Two people in NSW and Victoria died from the infection, while there was a non-fatal case in Queensland.
All cases, believed linked to smoked salmon from Tasmania, occurred between 22 February and 7 June.
"The information to date ... it indicates a link to Tasmanian salmon," Premier Will Hodgman said.
"All relevant authorities are working through these matters and the investigation is ongoing at a national level."
Tasmania's three major salmon companies, Tassal, Huon Aquaculture and Petuna Aquaculture, have said they are compliant with food and safety standards.
"The link to Tasmania is simply that the fish were grown here," Huon Aquaculture said in a statement on Thursday.
"There is no evidence that the contamination occurred here."
Mr Hodgman said a review of processing facilities at all three companies by biosecurity staff had not detected any non-compliance issues or listeria.
"Our salmon industry is a very important one to our state, my government has ... faith in standards by which companies operate," he added.
"I'm advised that the salmon companies have strong listeria management programs in place as well as extensive product testing programs."
Several people died in NSW and Victoria last year after an outbreak of listeria in rockmelons.
The bacteria can grow in refrigeration systems and produces mild symptoms in healthy people but can be deadly to those with lowered immune systems.
Symptoms are flu-like, such as fever, chills, muscle aches and nausea.
Foods that have a higher risk of contamination include chilled seafood, cold meats, cold cooked chicken and pre-packaged fruit or vegetable salads.
People are being urged to cook food thoroughly, refrigerate leftovers and avoid eating food past its used-by date to reduce their risk.
Those at a higher risk include pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies and the elderly.
Australian Associated Press
