Report by
Clostridium Perfringens Outbreak Sickens Over 100 at New Zealand University
4 days ago •source foodsafetynews.com • business
Outbreak
20 Kirkwood Avenue, Christchurch, 8041 Canterbury, New Zealand
Over 100 students at a university in New Zealand have fallen ill due to an outbreak of Clostridium perfringens. The outbreak occurred at the University of Canterbury’s University Hall in Christchurch in New Zealand. Health New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have been investigating the outbreak, which took place during the end-of-year exam period. Laboratory testing and survey data have confirmed that the outbreak was likely caused by unsafe preparation of shredded chicken served to students as part of a meal. The bacteria and its toxin were detected in fecal samples from students who became sick, indicating that the food had been kept at unsafe temperatures for too long.Arbuckle stressed the importance of safe food preparation, especially for businesses catering to large numbers of people. He assured students that food safety officers have fully inspected the kitchen and found no evidence of immediate and ongoing food safety risk at the hall.
If you or a loved one are harmed or experiencing any symptoms, it is important to report it. Reporting can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source: www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/11/clostridium-perfringens-behind-illness-at-new-zealand-university/