NZ: Bagged lettuce possible cause of gastro
Foodstuffs said it was given access to a report naming two of its two products, Pam's fresh express mesclun salad lettuce and Pam's fresh express lettuce, as possible sources.
That report was completed by Government scientists a week ago but the Ministry for Primary Industries refused to release it, saying it was speculative and based on preliminary findings.
The company said it was starting its own investigation into the source of supply.
It said based on use-by dates none of the affected products would still be on its shelves, and it was confident Pam's bagged lettuce products currently on sale are safe for normal consumption.
Calls for MPI to release report
MPI had been under pressure to name the products that caused the gastroenteritis outbreak. The Ministry said it was too soon to link an outbreak of gastroenteritis to products from any one supermarket chain.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Alistair Humphrey said Environmental Science and Research (ESR) scientists identified the source of the bug as bagged lettuce and carrots from one particular supermarket chain a week ago. However, the MPI had asked public health officials to keep the products and retailer's name a secret.
Dr Humphrey said everybody involved in the work, including MPI, ESR, all public health units and the Ministry of Health, had seen the results of the ESR study, which was quite clear.
"It is unequivocal and it does name the types of food that have led to this problem and it also names one particular product," he said. "They (MPI) felt they should work with the industry rather than naming the foods but, of course, that leaves the New Zealand public slightly at risk, in my view," he said.
Dr Humphrey said he chose to name the vegetables anyway, to protect the public.
Key defends MPI
Prime Minister John Key said MPI was being responsible in previously not naming the products and retailers involved in the outbreak.
Mr Key said the Ministry was dealing with the outbreak as best it can.
"You wouldn't want them jumping to conclusions, naming products, naming suppliers or naming supermarkets when it's not exactly clear what is the particular product that is causing these tummy bugs."
Source: radionz.co.nz