DG Of Health: Privileged Statement

Media Release
20 July 2001

DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH: PRIVILEGED STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 37 OF THE FOOD ACT 1981

Ministry of Health Director General Dr Karen Poutasi issued a warning to the public today not to consume Spiced Provincial Pate or Provincial Pate.

The pate was sold from a delicatessen in central Auckland and another delicatessen in Newmarket.

The pate comes in approximate 450g glass jars featuring a beehive and flower pattern and gold lid.

While the manufacturer has stopped producing the pate and the majority of jars have been withdrawn from sale, a small number of previously sold jars
have been unaccounted for.

Dr Poutasi said Auckland District Health Board has received a number of complaints about the pate relating to its smell.

"This pate is potentially unsafe. Off-smelling pate indicates poor manufacturing processes and therefore the possibility of bacteria. Bacteria can
lead to food borne illness such as Listeria infection."

Listeria infection is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with low immunity.

Dr Poutasi said anyone who feels they have experienced ill health from eating the pate identified should seek medical advice.

The Ministry of Health is also concerned the product may not be able to live up to its shelf life expectations as detailed on the label.

Once opened pate should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

For further information contact the duty Health Protection Officer at Auckland District Health Board at (09) 262 1855.

ENDS

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