NZ: Some fruit potentially contaminated with Hepatitis A

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is cautioning New Zealand consumers of a small quantity of fresh fruit sold in late February and early March that there is a relatively low risk that this fruit had been contaminated with Hepatitis A virus.

MPI Deputy Director General Scott Gallacher says it is important that consumers understand the risk of transmission of the virus is relatively low, but MPI is issuing this information as a precaution so that people with any related concerns about their health can contact their doctor.

"We have been advised that a person packing some varieties of apples and peaches in a Hawke’s Bay packhouse has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A. This worker handled Royal Gala and New Zealand Beauty apples and Golden Queen peaches over a four day period while they would have been infectious. Hepatitis A virus can remain infectious on the surface of fruit for some months and transmit infection to other handlers and consumers."

Mr Gallacher says while some potentially affected fruit has been traced and withdrawn from sale, it is expected that approximately 1400 cartons have been sold, with fruit either consumed or still in some people’s homes.

Mr Gallacher says all fruit involved in this case was for domestic New Zealand supply and has not been exported. The fruit concerned was on sale between 27 February and 13 March 2014.

"The possibility of infection is relatively low, but along with the Ministry of Health, we advise anyone who becomes ill with the following symptoms contact their doctor. Look out for skin jaundice (yellowish tinge), yellowing of the whites of eyes, dark coloured urine and pale bowel motions. Early signs of Hepatitis A are fever, loss of appetite, stomach pains and nausea.

For more information:
Jim Flack
Ministry for Primary Industries
Tel: +64 021 684 899
Email: jim.flack@mpi.govt.nz
www.mpi.govt.nz