Oysters and dried cured meats have been recalled in New Zealand as part of two separate foodborne illness investigations. Te Matuku Oysters has recalled certain batches of Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters as they may contain norovirus. Affected products have use-by dates of Aug.
27 and 29, 2024. They are oysters in half shell, 1 dozen in a clear plastic tray and 200-gram oyster meat in a glass jar. New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) said it had received reports of potentially associated illnesses and was investigating.
Recalled products were identified after officials spoke to people who became ill to determine the cause of their illness. 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 for a refund. 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’s not possible, throw them out,” 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. Unwell people should avoid handling food. Everyone should also clean their hands with hot, soapy water.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will not destroy the virus on its own.” NZFS is also following up on reports of illness involving products sold by Safari Meats and SA.
