Help available for flood-hit farmers
The chair of the Otago Rural Support Trust, Tom Pinckney, says he believes that they will be especially busy in the coming months as the enormity of the floods hit home.
FSL Foods says it is extending the scope of its recall because the other products are from the same source as the product that MPI has directed to be recalled based on the evidence obtained during its investigation.
In addition to their Fruzio Mixed Berry 1kg and 500g products, which contains strawberries and blackberries, FSL Foods are also recalling:
· Fruzio IQF Strawberry 1kg
· Fruzio IQF Blackberry 1kg
· Fruzio IQF 3 Mixed Berry 1kg (blackberries, strawberries and blueberries).
"MPI's investigation is still ongoing, and we are not able to rule out further recalls," says MPI's director plants food and environment Peter Thomson.
"We understand that this has been difficult for FSL Foods. We would like to again thank FSL Foods for their full cooperation in this recall. The precaution they are exercising in voluntarily expanding the scope of the recall is acknowledged by MPI.
"If you have any of the named recalled products at home they should be discarded.
"In the meantime, our advice about all other imported frozen berries stays the same. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any imported frozen berries before eating them, or ensure cooking exceeds 85°C for one minute.
"Elderly persons and those with chronic liver damage should avoid imported frozen berries that have not been heat treated."
Those concerned about a potential risk to their health, or the health of others, should seek advice from their medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health's Healthline – 0800 61 11 16.
