A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has again warned the public about an increase in food poisoning from undercooked or raw mussels detected across the country during summer.
Gisborne District Council has drawn up an advisory on how to prepare mussels, whether people gather their own or buy them from thesupermarket or fish supplier.
The advice is to thoroughly cook mussels and not eat them raw.
“Keep mussels cold after collecting or buying. Keep mussels cool. You can use a chilly bin filled with ice or frozen ice packs in your car,” the council said.
“Keep hands and utensils clean. After handling raw mussels wash your hands and any kitchen tools to stop the bacteria from spreading in your kitchen.
“Cook mussels thoroughly. Cook until steaming hot. Don't eat them raw or lightly cooked as this won't kill the Vibrio bacteria.”
The council advisory said people can tell when mussels are fully cooked as their shells pop open when boiled or steamed, and the mussel flesh is firm to the touch.
