Six Pams-brand frozen berry products have been recalled across New Zealand due to a potential link to recent cases of Hepatitis A. According to New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle, the recall is precautionary as an investigation into the source of several community cases of the virus continues.
The recall affects the following Pams products:
- Frozen Mixed Berries 500g,
- Frozen Two Berry Mix 1kg,
- Frozen Two Berry Mix 750g,
- Frozen Smoothie Berry Mix 500g,
- Raspberries 500g
- Raspberries 350g.
Arbuckle said there are currently twelve cases of Hepatitis A that have been linked to the consumption of frozen berries.
“So far, eight of the 12 cases are linked by genetic sequencing, meaning they were likely exposed to the same source of the virus," he said. "Seven of the 12 cases have been hospitalised."
The products are being removed from New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores nationwide, and from Trents and Raeward Fresh stores in the South Island, said Arbuckle.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease that is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infectious person. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, jaundice, fatigue and joint pain, according to Health Navigator NZ.
While Hepatitis A is relatively rare in New Zealand, imported frozen berries were linked to an outbreak of the disease in 2015.
Source: 1news.co.nz