New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Te Matuku
Oysters Ltd in its recall of specific batches of its Premium
Export Grade Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) as
the products may contain norovirus.
“Norovirus is a
common, highly contagious cause of foodborne illness in New
Zealand, causing severe vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea, fever,
and headaches,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent
Arbuckle.
“Anyone can be made ill by norovirus, but
the elderly and immunocompromised are particularly
susceptible. Symptoms appear between 10 hours and two days
after infection and can last up to two and a half
days.
“These oysters should not be eaten
raw. You can return them to the place of purchase for a
refund. Alternatively, you can cook the oysters until the
internal temperature of the oysters reaches 90°C for 90
seconds to kill the virus. If that’s not possible, throw
them out.”
The below products with
use-by dates of 27.8.24 and 29.8.24 are included in this
recall:
- Te Matuku Oysters brand Premium Export
Grade Pacific Oysters – Crassostrea gigas (Oysters
in Half Shell, 1 Dozen) - Te Matuku Oysters brand
Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters – Crassostrea
gigas (200g Oyster Meat)
The affected
products are sold at selected retailers on Waiheke Island:
RAW at Waiheke Fresh Fruit & Vege Market, and Waiheke
Specialty Food. They have not been exported.
Visit New
Zealand Food Safety’s recall
page for up-to-date information and photographs of the
affected products.
NZFS has received reports of
potentially associated illness and we are
investigating.
“Norovirus is highly contagious so,
if there is a sick person in your household or workplace,
you should regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces,
especially in the bathroom,” says Mr
Arbuckle.
“Unwell people should avoid handling food.
Everyone should also clean their hands with hot, soapy
water. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser will not destroy the
virus on its own.”
NZFS has tips on how to avoid
norovirus infection on
its website.
If you have consumed any of this
product and are concerned for your health, contact your
health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for
free advice.
The products under recall were identified
through working with people who became ill to determine the
cause of their illness. Putaki Bay oyster farm is currently
closed as we investigate the issue.
“NZFS is
monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the
public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr
Arbuckle.
Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in
shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict
water and flesh-monitoring programmes by NZFS to ensure they
are safe to eat.
“As is our usual practice, NZFS
will work with Te Matuku Oysters to understand how the
contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” Mr
Arbuckle said.
The vast majority of food sold in New
Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep
yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall
alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS
food recall page.
For more information
please email: NZFoodSafety_media@mpi.govt.nz
© Scoop Media
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