Hepatitis scare: Frozen berry brand named

The brand being recalled is Fruzio Mixed Berries. Photo / supplied

The imported frozen berries linked to a Hepatitis A health scare have been identified and recalled.

"The company is FSL Foods, and the brand being recalled is Fruzio Mixed Berries sold in 1kg and 500 gram bags. This product contains blackberries and strawberries," the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said this evening.

"If you have this product at home it should be discarded," said MPI's Peter Thomson.

"Our investigation is ongoing and, at this stage, our advice concerning all imported frozen berries stays the same," Mr Thomson added.

FSL owner Mike Glover said he was "devastated" and was in touch with his Chinese berry supplier.

"We're obviously devastated that a product that we have sold to our loyal customers has been found to have traces of Hepatitis A."

Mr Glover told NZME his Nelson-based firm had been importing from the Shandong-based suppliers for seven years.

Elderly people and those with chronic liver damage were advised to avoid imported frozen berries that had not been heat-treated.

"People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any frozen berries before eating them, or ensure cooking exceeds 85 degrees Celsius for one minute," Mr Thomson said.

The ministry said it was thankful to FSL Foods "for its full co-operation" in the recall.
MPI said it could not rule out further recalls.

"This is an evolving and complex situation and we were able to reach this conclusion today because of new genetic evidence about the virus and a continuing examination of the supply chain," Mr Thomson said.

MPI said people concerned about potential health risks should talk to their doctor or phone the Ministry of Health Healthline on 0800 61 11 16.

The ministry said people worried about the safety of food products could phone the MPI consumer helpline, on 0800 00 83 33.