Recalls issued as New Zealand authorities investigate illnesses

Oysters and dried meat have been recalled in New Zealand as part of two separate investigations into foodborne illness.

Te Matuku Oysters has recalled certain batches of Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters because they may contain norovirus.

The products concerned have an expiration date of August 27 and 29, 2024. These are oysters in half shell, 1 dozen in a transparent plastic container and oyster meat of 200 grams in a glass jar.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) said it had received reports of possible associated illnesses and was investigating.

Recalled products were identified after officials spoke to people who became ill to determine the cause of their illness. The Putaki Bay Oyster Farm is currently closed.

NZFS deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle said the oysters should not be eaten raw.

“You can return them to the place of purchase and get your money back. Alternatively, you can cook the oysters until the internal temperature of the oysters reaches 90 degrees C (194 degrees F) for 90 seconds to kill the virus. If that is not possible, throw them away,” he said.

“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. People who are not feeling well should avoid handling food. Everyone should also clean their hands with warm, soapy water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will not destroy the virus on its own.”

NZFS also monitors reports of illness on products sold by Safari Meats and SA Shop.

All batches and dates of 13 dried and cured meat products have been recalled due to a lack of food safety controls at the manufacturer.

Traditionally dried and cured products must be subject to controls because the process of making them does not include a high-temperature cooking step that kills bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

The affected products were sold at the Safari Meats and SA Shop in Christchurch, through their online store, and at a number of other retailers, but not in supermarkets.

Other recalls
Antipasto products from the brands Delmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths have also been recalled in New Zealand due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected items are sold in supermarkets and stores across the country.

There have been no reports of associated illnesses. Products being recalled have been identified through routine testing and removed from store shelves.

Finally, Magnolia Dairy has recalled unpasteurized raw milk because it may contain Campylobacter.

The affected product is fresh full cream certified organic raw milk from Magnolia Dairy with a best before date between August 13 and 25, 2024. It was sold through a vending machine at the Magnolia location in Silverdale, Auckland.

The problem was diagnosed through routine testing and there have been no reports of associated illnesses.

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