Since 1 September 2014 there have been increased notifications of illness due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Cases have mainly been notified from the Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, Waikato and Bay of Plenty/Lakes regions. This is the biggest outbreak of Y. pseudotuberculosis to date in New Zealand. Symptoms generally last 2-3 days but the duration of illness may extend to three weeks.
The gastro bug has been contracted by more than 125 people around the country and some required hospitalisation, which has prompted an investigation by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). It’s not certain at this point in time whether lettuce, carrots, salad ingredients, or other foods were the source of the bacteria.
Environmental and Scientific Research (ESR) reports have been provided to the MPI regarding the possible source of the illness, including a range of potential foods. Foodstuffs confirmed two of its products – Pams Fresh Mesclun Salad Lettuce and Pams Fresh Express Lettuce – were listed in one of the ESR reports. The products were traced back to three farm paddocks but were now past their use-by dates and no longer on shelves. Remaining Pams bagged lettuce products were safe for normal consumption, the company said. Foodstuffs is also undertaking its own independent audit and was confirming its farms were free from any possible contaminants prior to replanting.
