A product recall notice for Fruzio Mixed Berries has been issued after a warning about the link between Hepatitis A and imported frozen berries.
And authorities say further recalls of frozen berry products can't be ruled out amid a Hepatitis A scare.
Fruzio Mixed Berries have been recalled by MPI as part of a Hepatitis A scare. MONIQUE FORD/FAIRFAX NZ
On Monday, four people were found to be ill with the virus.
FSL Foods' Fruzio Mixed Berries are sold in 1kg and 500 gram bags, containing blackberries and strawberries. Anyone who has the product at home is been advised to throw it away.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says there is a "potential risk" of Hepatitis A being associated with eating imported berries.
MPI director of plants, food and environment Peter Thomson says investigations had not yet revealed a specific cause.
"But there is an association with consuming imported frozen berries. Recent outbreaks in other countries also suggest this link."
The Ministry has instituted a surveillance programme, including additional testing, focussed on imported frozen berries.
"Our investigation is ongoing and, at this stage, our advice concerning all imported frozen berries stays the same. We are not able to rule out further recalls," says Peter.
"This is an evolving and complex situation and we were able to reach this conclusion because of new genetic evidence about the virus and a continuing examination of the supply chain."
In the meantime, Peter says general advice about food safety applied – people should wash their hands before eating and preparing food.
"Frozen berries should be briefly boiled before eating or cooked at over 85 degrees Celsius for one minute.
"The elderly and those with chronic liver damage should avoid imported frozen berries that have not been heat treated."
If you're concerned about potential health risks seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
If you're concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).
4 comments
Shyte
Posted on 04-12-2015 08:14 | By Spy
Been to China seen how berries are grown using human and animal manure, berries hang near ground, get rain splash. Chinese food safety is not the same as NZ.
jmac
Posted on 04-12-2015 12:03 | By JohnMac
Why not say where these are from. It is relevant to future decisions on what not to buy.
Buy NZ Made Products
Posted on 04-12-2015 14:13 | By Road Ranger
Some media outlets have named the country of origin (the same country that gave NZ a hard time over the infant baby formula). when will people learn - low prices are not always best - no one ever regrets paying extra for quality. When shopping it pays to read where the product comes from (vegies, seafood, fruit, etc, etc). Be safe, buy NZ products.
4th Estate
Posted on 04-12-2015 17:53 | By GreertonCynic
The berries came from a NZ company. The fine print on the packaging would have said "Made from local and imported ingredients". And having worked in the Kiwifruit industry, locals get the dregs of the crop. All Grade1 was exported. Grade3 was for the locals.
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