Alert on contaminated raw oysters

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (July 24) advised people not to eat certain batches of New Zealand raw oysters suspected to be contaminated with a micro organism which might cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

The affected products are "Clevedon Coast Oysters", including half-shell and pottled oysters, with batches numbered "2230697 – 2210780", "4240687 – 4110780" and "9060780 – 9080780".

"We also appeal to the trade to stop selling these particular oysters," a CFS spokesman said.

According to the New Zealand authorities, the relevant company, Pakihi Marine Farms Ltd, was recalling the affected products.

"The CFS has contacted the New Zealand authorities for more information. We have also alerted the trade and are closely monitoring the situation," the spokesman said.

Ends/Thursday, July 24, 2008