The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson MP
Minister for Primary Industries

The NSW Government, through the NSW Food Authority, is working closely with State and federal food safety and health agencies as part of the national response to the hepatitis A health scare, NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said today.

Minister Hodgkinson urged NSW consumers who have purchased or consumed frozen berries that have been recalled nationally as a result of contamination to not eat the affected products and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

“We understand the level of concern among people who may have consumed this product and we are treating this very seriously. We are doing everything we can to ensure consumer safety,” Minister Hodgkinson said.

“I urge anyone who may have consumed these products and is experiencing symptoms of ill health, or is concerned about their health, to immediately contact their health professional.

“We are working with food safety and human health agencies from all states and territories. The most recent update from their meeting this afternoon is that the federal Department of Agriculture has written to the Chinese authorities requesting detailed information in relation to the case, and are seeking reassurances about measures and systems that will be put in place to minimise the chances of it reoccurring,” said Ms Hodgkinson.

The affected products are:

  • Nanna’s brand Mixed Frozen Berries – 1kg plastic bags all ‘best before’ dates up to and including 22 November 2016
  • Creative Gourmet Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries, 300g, frozen in plastic bag, all batches up to and including ‘Best Before’ 10 December 2017
  • Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries, 500g, frozen in plastic bag, all batches to and including ‘Best Before’ 6 October 2017
  • Nanna’s brand Raspberries, frozen, in 1kg plastic bag, all ‘best before’ dates up to and including 15 September 2016

“The federal Department of Agriculture has advised that in accordance with its risk-based assessment scheme, foods such as frozen berries are subject to surveillance for compliance with agricultural chemical residues as well as packaging and labelling requirements.

“Where non-compliance is found, the federal Department of Agriculture will step up inspections of those products until compliance is re-established and proven,” said Ms Hodgkinson.

NSW Health provides information about Hepatitis A symptoms and onset times on its websitewww.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/Hepatitis_A.aspx

The Victorian based importer of the products, Patties Food, have set up a consumer hotline on 1800 650 069.

Consumers can also contact the NSW Food Authority helpline on 1300 552 406 to report any food safety concerns.

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