Officials in New Zealand investigating Hepatitis A cases linked to berries have identified a connection with a past outbreak in Europe.
There are 12 hepatitis A infections from eating frozen berries in New Zealand. Eight have been linked by genetic sequencing, meaning they were likely exposed to the same source of the virus. Seven people have been hospitalized. The virus attacks the liver. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) was informed by the Ministry of Health of three Hepatitis A cases in September.
Foodstuffs Own Brands has recalled various Pams brand frozen berry products because of a possible link to the hepatitis A cases. Products are being removed from New World, Pak’n Save and Four Square shops nationwide, and from Trents and Raeward Fresh stores in the South Island.
FoodWorld 