Update 9 December 2015
Today (4 December 2015) FSL Foods have announced that it is voluntarily recalling other Fruzio products to provide extra assurance to its customers.
FSL Foods says it is extending the scope of its recall because the other products are from the same source as the product that MPI has directed to be recalled based on the evidence obtained during its investigation.
In addition to their Fruzio Mixed Berry 1kg and 500g products, which contains strawberries and blackberries, FSL Foods are also recalling:
- Fruzio IQF Strawberry 1kg
- Fruzio IQF Blackberry 1kg
- Fruzio IQF 3 Mixed Berry 1kg (blackberries, strawberries and blueberries).
“MPI's investigation is still ongoing, and we are not able to rule out further recalls,” says MPI’s director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
“We understand that this has been difficult for FSL Foods. We would like to again thank FSL Foods for their full co-operation in this recall. The precaution they are exercising in voluntarily expanding the scope of the recall is acknowledged by MPI.”
“If you have any of the named recalled products at home they should be discarded.
“In the meantime, our advice about all other imported frozen berries stays the same. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any imported frozen berries before eating them, or ensure cooking exceeds 85 degrees Celsius for one minute.
“Elderly persons and those with chronic liver damage should avoid imported frozen berries that have not been heat treated.
“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
“If you are concerned about the safety of food products, contact the MPI consumer helpline (0800 00 83 33).”
See the recall notice for full product details
Investigation timeline:
Friday 20 November, 2015 – Ministry of Health informs MPI of a potential link between the 4 cases of Hepatitis A to consumption of food.
Monday 30 November, 2015 – MPI's investigation progresses to the point where it identifies a risk of Hepatitis A associated with imported frozen berries. MPI issues a statement advising consumers of the risk, and plans to increase its surveillance and testing of imported frozen berries.
Wednesday 2 December, 2015 – MPI institutes testing of imported frozen berries at the border as part of a wider surveillance programme. It continues investigations into the genetic makeup of the virus and an examination of the supply chain.
Thursday 3 December, 2015 – MPI receives new genetic evidence about the virus and a continued examination of the supply chain allows MPI to direct FSL Foods to recall its Fruzio Mixed Berries product.
Friday 4 December, 2015 – FSL Foods chooses to voluntarily recall further products to provide extra assurance to its customers.
Questions and Answers
What should I do if I have any of the recalled products at home?
If you have any of these products at home they should be discarded.
Why has it taken so long for products to be recalled?
This is an evolving and complex situation. We were able to reach a decision about the first recall on Thursday 3 December due to new genetic evidence about the virus and a continuing examination of the supply chain.
As always with these matters, the safety of consumers is our top priority. If we get any further information about food safety we will let the public know as soon as possible.
Can I get a refund for the recalled product?
Consumers who want a refund should contact their retailer.
Do we know which batch numbers/dates of the products that have been recalled?
Details of the recalled products are in the notice.
I've eaten frozen berries and I think I might be sick, who should I talk to?
If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek medical advice from your doctor, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline 0800 61 11 16.
The Ministry of Health's website also has information about Hepatitis A.
Will other brands or products be recalled?
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.
Find out more
Read earlier media releases:
- 3 December 2015 – MPI recalls frozen berries
- 30 November 2015 – Increased surveillance of imported frozen berry products
