Statement Regarding Korean Oysters at Eden Park

14 July 2006

Media Statement from Michael O’Brien Catering Regarding Korean Oysters at Eden Park

Firstly, we are apologetic to all the patrons who have been affected by this incident. We would have liked to have made a statement previously; however we needed to await the outcome of the official investigation.

The Korean oysters were supplied to us by a leading New Zealand food supplier. At the time we were not of the belief that the oysters supplied to us were in fact Korean oysters. We will for the next six months be removing oysters from all menus at Eden Park.

We fully support the Auckland Regional Public Health Service recommendation to ban importation of Korean oysters and we trust that this recommendation will be endorsed by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.

After discussions with the Eden Park Trust Board we have agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the kitchen purchasing and receiving department. In addition we are immediately implementing the recommendations referred to in the ARPHS report.

What is important is that our company is now committed to addressing the concerns of those patrons who were affected by this at Eden Park. To facilitate this process we request that patrons contact Michael O’Brien Catering in writing by either email or post with the relevant details.

- reception@mobc.co.nz

- PO Box 10000 Dominion Road Auckland

We have cooperated fully with the authorities during this investigation. The hygiene and cleanliness of our premises is not an issue or in question here and we have continued to operate our function business since the incident occurred. Auckland City Council inspected our premises on 12 May and wrote on their report “well done”.

Our company has served tens of thousands of corporate customers over the past 15 years without incident including 12,000 at last year’s British Lions Test Match.
Customers of Eden Park can be reassured that this is a one off isolated incident related to the Korean oyster served on this occasion, and can be confident into the future that it is completely safe to dine at Eden Park.

Eden Park Trust Board has full confidence in Michael O’Brien Catering and both parties look forward to continuing a successful partnership.

ENDS

© Scoop Media