New Zealand Food Safety has supported the Te Matuku Oysters Ltd recall.
Te Matuku Oysters Ltd recalled specific batches of its Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) because 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,” said New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
"Anyone can be ill by norovirus, but the elderly and immunocompromised are particularly susceptible. Symptoms appear between ten hours and two days after infection and can last up to two and a half days.”
These oysters should not be eaten raw and can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Alternatively, the oysters can be cooked until the internal temperature 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.
New Zealand Food Safety has received reports of potentially associated illnesses and has been 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.”
Arbuckle added that unwell people should refrain from 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.
The products under recall were identified by working with people who became ill to determine the cause of their illness. Putaki Bay oyster farm has been closed as the issue is being investigated.
New Zealand Food Safety has been monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation.
Commercially harvested shellfish, sold in shops and supermarkets or exported, are subject to strict water and flesh-monitoring programmes by New Zealand Food Safety to ensure they are safe to eat.
“As usual, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Te Matuku Oysters to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence.”
