New Zealand Food Safety 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 New Zealand Food Safety 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 2 days after infection and can last up to 2 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, 28.08.24, 29.8.24 and batch number 24343 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.
Te Matuku Oysters brand Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters in Half Shell and Oyster Meat
New Zealand Food Safety 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.”
New Zealand Food Safety has tips on how to avoid norovirus infection on its website.
Norovirus infection: symptoms and advice
If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 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.
“New Zealand Food Safety 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 New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.
“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety 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 New Zealand Food Safety food recall page.
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
