New Zealand Food Safety has supported Ahi Mokopuna Limited Partnership in its recall of specific Akaroa King Salmon mānuka cold-smoked products due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
The Akaroa King Salmon products affected by this recall are:
- Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices (100g): Use By 29 Dec 25, Batch No. 46780
- Mānuka Cold Smoked Trim (500g): Use By 29 Dec 25, Batch No. 46780.
“The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick,” said New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”
The affected products are sold at selected stores in the South Island:
- Akaroa Salmon Wigram Factory Shop: 89 Treffers Road, Wigram, Christchurch
- Beckenham Butchery: 7/140 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
- Taste Nature: 131 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin.
Arbuckle said that Listeriosis infection can be severe among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria differs from other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group. It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the newborn baby.
Listeriosis infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in vulnerable groups, it usually takes two to three weeks, or even longer, for symptoms to appear.
New Zealand Food Safety has not received any notifications of associated illness. The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported. The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.
“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Ahi Mokopuna Limited Partnership to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence."
Akaroa King Salmon brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices (100g)
Akaroa King Salmon brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Trim (500g)
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