Shredded chicken identified as likely cause of University of Canterbury student sickness outbreak

• NZ Food Safety has identified shredded chicken as the likely cause of sickness among Canterbury University students.
• More than 200 students reported vomiting or extreme diarrhoea after dinner on Sunday.
• The university is working with public health services to investigate and support affected students.

NZ Food Safety (NZFS) has revealed the likely cause behind the sickness that has swept through University of Canterbury hall of residence students.

Both University Hall and Ilam Student Accommodation have been affected by the outbreak.

One University Hall student told the Herald more than 200 students were stricken by vomiting or “extreme diarrhoea” after dinner on Sunday.

“There were queues at one building’s toilets at 4am due to the large amount of students experiencing this,” she said.

She said students were vomiting out their windows because “they couldn’t make it to the bathroom in time”.

On Tuesday, Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety, told the Herald they believe shredded chicken served in a meal is likely the cause.

“The amount of time between the food being eaten and symptoms appearing (about 11 hours) is consistent with unsafe handling practices around cooling, reheating and hot holding of the meat. We are working to confirm this,” he said in a statement.

“If the issue was uncooked meat we’d expect to see a different incubation period, typically around two to five days.”

NZFS is reviewing the kitchen’s processes to ensure they follow good food safety practices. Staff are also being interviewed and the kitchen inspected.

“Our food safety officers were on site yesterday and were back again today,” Arbuckle said.

“It’s important to carefully follow the evidence so we can be sure the risk is being properly managed and minimise the chances of it happening again.”

University of Canterbury is in the middle of its end-of-year exam season and one student told the Herald she struggled to sit through her information systems exam.

“It was very hard to focus, all I could think about was making sure nothing came out,” she said.

“We had one friend who had to leave after half an hour to vomit.”

Arbuckle acknowledged the symptoms of a food-borne illness are “very unpleasant”.

“We feel for the students affected, particularly those who have had their studies disrupted,” he said.

On Tuesday the university’s executive director for people, culture and campus life, Paul O’Flaherty, told the Herald they continue to work with the National Public Health Service to investigate the cause of the illness.

“Yesterday’s affected students have reported to be feeling much better today, there were no new cases,” he said.

“We’ve recommended students keep their fluids up, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly and check the Health New Zealand website for further advice.”

O’Flaherty said students have been directed to UniLodge for any support they might require including a free electrolyte mix to address dehydration, bottled water and packaged meals.

“We have contacted all students in affected halls of residence directly outlining what to do if they think their exam performance was impacted and/or if they could not attend. UC’s Special Considerations team will provide individual support and answer any queries.

“We want to do all we can to support our students’ health, wellbeing, and academic success.”

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