Category: New Zealand Government – Business

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

A Canterbury farmer found responsible for starving his cattle, resulting in at least 20 dying, and others having to be euthanised has been banned from owning cattle and ordered to do 240 hours community work.

Stuart Wellesley Parkinson (45) was sentenced yesterday (29 August 2024) on 3 charges under the Animal Welfare Act in the Christchurch District Court, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“Animal Welfare Inspectors and a veterinarian examined his cattle and along with discovering at least 20 dead cows in various areas of the property, they had to euthanise about 8 cows and calves,” says MPI manager of animal welfare and National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) compliance, South, Peter Hyde.

“These animals were starving, evident from their grinding of teeth, circling when walking and in some cases, their inability to stand up on their feet. These animals needed immediate veterinary attention. People in charge of animals are responsible for their wellbeing at all times – including providing quality feed and water. Mr Parkinson failed to live up to these responsibilities.”

In August 2022, MPI received a complaint and inspected Mr Parkinson’s cattle at a property in the Selwyn District. They found the farm had about 70 cows and 20 calves. There was a lack of grass cover, water pooling, muddy paddocks, and few dry areas for the animals to lie down. The herd was calving, and their average weights were examined and found to be below the Code of Welfare for Dairy Cattle.

“The animal welfare problems must have been obvious to Mr Parkinson. At no point did he seek veterinary attention. The veterinarian diagnosed the herd as suffering from severe malnutrition, caused by failing to provide sufficient feed. Mr Parkinson had fed these animals on grass only during that winter, stating that he had been trying to sell the cattle and that he had run out of feed.

“When we find evidence of deliberate neglect – we will investigate and take action by placing the matter before the court,” Peter Hyde says.

MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is warning consumers not to consume mini jelly cups containing konjac as they may present a significant choking hazard, particularly for young children and the elderly. This alert follows thousands of similar products being seized and destroyed by authorities in Australia recently.

“We have reviewed the New Zealand market and identified a limited number of imported mini jelly cups containing ‘konjac’. This additive prevents jelly from easily dissolving and increases the choking risk,” says deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.

These products are often packaged together in bags or noodle cups and are approximately 45mm or less in width and length. Konjac can also go by the name konjac powder, konnyaku, konjaku, conjac, glucomannan, taro flour/powder or yam flour/powder. 

“The concern is that the combination of jelly which does not easily dissolve and the way the product is consumed, by sucking it out of the container, makes these products particularly unsafe for children and the elderly to eat. 

“While there are no reports of injury in New Zealand, they have been linked to choking deaths overseas and are particularly risky for children and the elderly.

“Our message to consumers is not to consume mini jelly cups containing konjac and to take extreme care when consuming mini jelly cups made with other ingredients.”

New Zealand Food Safety has identified a small amount of imported mini jelly cups containing konjac and removed them from shelves. 

“We don’t believe there is a large amount of product for sale in New Zealand but will continue to monitor the issue and will remove any more product containing konjac we find.”

The warning does not include jelly products sold in pouches or other forms. These do not present as much of a risk as they are designed to be chewed rather than sucked.

Attached are examples of a mini jelly cup recently found in New Zealand. Note there are a variety of products, brands and shapes branded as mini jelly cups. The mini jelly cups have been imported and may be sold in ethnic food stores nationwide.

Download MPI Chief Executive Privileged Statement  [PDF, 363 KB]

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

An Auckland poacher who sold or attempted to sell fish he caught illegally 35 times, has been fined $15,000.

Timothy William Frost (30) was sentenced in the North Shore District Court on 2 charges under the Fisheries Act for selling or attempting to sell recreationally caught fish, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“Our investigators found evidence of seafood sales or attempted sales on 35 occasions to various clients he had accumulated. This included high end species such as crayfish, pāua, snapper, along with grey mullet and kahawai.

“Selling or attempting to sell recreationally caught seafood undermines the legitimate seafood market. If you’re offered seafood at a price that appears too good to be true – assume it was probably harvested illegally. We’d advise not to buy it, and to let us know who offered it to you,” says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager, fisheries compliance Phil Tasker.

Mr Frost was under investigation by Fisheries New Zealand over his fishing activities throughout 2022. Compliance investigators found evidence of contact with around 8 regular clients between January and November 2022 and hundreds of dollars in sales. The amounts of fish varied but, in some transactions, Mr Frost’s clients would pay $480 for 60kgs of various fish. Others included paying $200 for 5 kg of pāua or 2 crayfish for $60.

“Mr Frost’s illegal fishing was motivated by financial gain. Poachers have no regard for the sustainability of our fisheries and the Quota Management System. They poach until they’re caught. When we find evidence of illegal fishing – we will take action and put the case before the court,” Phil Tasker says.

MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Te Matuku Oysters Ltd in its recall of specific batches of its Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) as the products may contain norovirus.

“Norovirus is a common, highly contagious cause of foodborne illness in New Zealand, causing severe vomiting, cramps, diarrhoea, fever, and headaches,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Anyone can be made ill by norovirus, but the elderly and immunocompromised are particularly susceptible. Symptoms appear between 10 hours and 2 days after infection and can last up to 2 and a half days.

“These oysters should not be eaten raw. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Alternatively, you can cook the oysters until the internal temperature of the oysters reaches 90°C for 90 seconds to kill the virus. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”

The below products with use-by dates of 27.8.24 and 29.8.24 are included in this recall:

• Te Matuku Oysters brand Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters – Crassostrea gigas (Oysters in Half Shell, 1 Dozen)
• Te Matuku Oysters brand Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters – Crassostrea gigas (200g Oyster Meat)

The affected products are sold at selected retailers on Waiheke Island: RAW at Waiheke Fresh Fruit & Vege Market, and Waiheke Specialty Food. They have not been exported.

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected products.

Te Matuku Oysters brand Premium Export Grade Pacific Oysters in Half Shell and Oyster Meat

NZFS has received reports of potentially associated illness and we are investigating. 

“Norovirus is highly contagious so, if there is a sick person in your household or workplace, you should regularly clean and disinfect all surfaces, especially in the bathroom,” says Mr Arbuckle.

“Unwell people should avoid handling food. Everyone should also clean their hands with hot, soapy water. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser will not destroy the virus on its own.”

NZFS has tips on how to avoid norovirus infection on its website.

Norovirus infection: symptoms and advice

If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.

The products under recall were identified through working with people who became ill to determine the cause of their illness. Putaki Bay oyster farm is currently closed as we investigate the issue.

“NZFS is monitoring shellfish in the region and will notify the public of any changes to the situation,” says Mr Arbuckle.

Commercially harvested shellfish – sold in shops and supermarkets or exported – is subject to strict water and flesh-monitoring programmes by NZFS to ensure they are safe to eat.

“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Te Matuku Oysters to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” Mr Arbuckle said.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.  Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page. 

Recalled food products list

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries