Source of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak unconfirmed

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
16 October 2014

Source of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak remains unconfirmed

United Fresh New Zealand Incoporated (United Fresh), the national pan-produce industry organisation, has been working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Horticulture New Zealand and members across the fresh produce industry in response to the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis outbreak.

The Environmental Science and Research (ESR) reports released today by MPI do not actually identify any affected or contaminated food nor its source, however they have provided direction for further investigation which United Fresh welcomes.

Authorities have confirmed 127 people nationwide have fallen ill after being affected by the bacteria which causes stomach cramps and can present symptoms that mimic appendicitis. MPI Deputy Director of General Regulation and Assurance, Scott Gallacher said the outbreak peaked in September and no new cases had been confirmed since September 30.

United Fresh Knowledge Officer, Dr Hans Maurer, says food safety and the health of consumers is the organisation’s highest priority. “We are providing advice and support to our 84 members as authorities work to identify the source of this illness,” he says.

“We are also working closely with MPI to understand the level of risk associated with the spread of the bug. It is our understanding the source may never be confirmed. It is important to note the MPI’s investigation is over a range of foods, and not isolated to fresh fruit and vegetables and the early speculation has been somewhat unhelpful.

“The ESR report released today unfortunately does little to assist in authoritatively pinpointing the source of the outbreak, and one has to question the effectiveness of an after the event logistic regression model approach to providing meaningful answers to the valid food safety related questions that have arisen.”

As part of the United Fresh Food Safety and Traceability Response, members are being informed of updates from authorities on a regular basis as work continues to identify the cause, prevent further illness and maintain confidence in the New Zealand food safety system.

“Major food suppliers are being checked by MPI to ensure the food handling practices are meeting the required standard. We are confident the systems and processes used by our members meet these standards,” says Maurer.

MPI recommends following normal food safety practice by discarding food if it looks or smells off. It also advises to keep fresh food chilled and to wash fruit and vegetables before eating.

United Fresh holds regular workshops for its members on Food Safety, Traceability and Risk Management to ensure they are up to date with the latest technology and best practice.

To view the reports visit www.unitedfresh.co.nz.

ENDS

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