Recall on frozen berries

The recall was triggered due to a possible risk of hepatitis A associated with frozen berries sourced from Serbia.

NZFS says it supports Foodstuffs South Island in the decision to recall a specific batch of Pams brand Mixed Berries with a best before date of 14/08/2024.

The product was only available in the following stores on Saturday, 14 January 2023:

• New World Ashburton
• Three Parks New World in Wanaka
• Pak’nSave Hornby
• Pak’nSave Wainoni in Christchurch.

NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle says the Foodstuffs South Island Hornby Distribution Centre had, in error, released 478 bags of the mixed berries following a recall on 4 October 2022.

“Foodstuffs South Island has identified and removed most of the bags before consumers were able to buy them,” Arbuckle says. “However, six bags have already been sold and another four are unaccounted for.”

He says consumers who bought frozen berries from the four impacted supermarkets need to check their freezers for the recalled product.

“Consumers, especially those with chronic liver damage, the elderly and pregnant people, should not eat frozen berries raw,” he says. “Bringing them to the boil will make them safe to eat, or they can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

If you have consumed any of the product and are concerned for your health, it is recommended you contact your health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Arbuckle says in the current Hepatitis A outbreak, case numbers have steadily declined, with the Ministry of Health reporting late last week that there were three new cases, bringing the total number of cases to 35.

“New Zealand Food Safety is disappointed to be informed of this error given the hepatitis A outbreak was under control. We will investigate this error and ensure Foodstuffs South Island put in place appropriate measures to prevent a reoccurrence,” he says.