Food poisoning epidemic: Range of foods linked to bug

It was reported a stomach bug was related to consumption of packaged carrots and lettuces, however this was yet to be confirmed. Photo / File Photo

A range of foods have been identified as potential causes of a painful epidemic of food poisoning that has hit the country.

Environmental and Scientific Research (ESR) have provided the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) with an update of its studies into the possible source of what is causing the stomach bug, yersinia pseudotuberculosis.

ESR reports have identified a range of potential foods that could be linked to the bug.

There are 127 confirmed cases of yersinia pseudotuberculosis and 38 people have been hospitalised as a result of the stomach bug. However, ESR are still not able to identify a specific food as the source, MPI said.

Earlier this week it was reported the stomach bug was related to consumption of packaged carrots and lettuces, however this was yet to be confirmed.

Some foods have been consumed by a significant proportion of those who have become ill, however they are foods that are also regularly consumed by people who are not ill, MPI said.

There is no single food that has been consumed by 100 per cent of those who have fallen ill with the bug, the ministry said.

Advice for consumers

MPI advised consumers to beware of stomach cramps, which may mimic appendicitis.

Diarrhoea can occur but was rare, and the bug has a incubation period of three to 21 days, MPI said.

Consumers were also encouraged to apply normal food practice.

MPI said if food looked or smelled off it should be thrown out, otherwise fresh food should be chilled and fruit and vegetables washed before eating.