Anyone who bought Pams frozen mixed berries from New World Three Parks on Saturday (January 14) is urged to check whether they are part of a batch that has been recalled due to a possible risk of hepatitis A.

A specific batch of Pams brand mixed berries with a best before date of 14/08/2024 has possible links to a batch of berries from Serbia which may be contaminated.

The batch was only available on Saturday and in just four stores - as well as New World Three Parks they included New World in Ashburton and and Pak‘nSave in Hornby and Christchurch.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said most bags were removed before they could be purchased but six were sold and another four unaccounted for.

“We are urging consumers who bought frozen berries from [these stores] to check their freezers for the recalled product,” Vincent said. 

“Consumers, especially those with chronic liver damage, the elderly and pregnant people, should not eat frozen berries raw. Bringing them to the boil will make them safe to eat, or they can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

The recall follows an contamination event in October which led to 35 hepatitis A cases in New Zealand.

“New Zealand Food Safety is disappointed to be informed of this error given the hepatitis A outbreak was under control,” Vincent said. 

“We will investigate this error and ensure Foodstuffs South Island put in place appropriate measures to prevent a reoccurrence.”

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.

More information on Hepatitis A is available on the Ministry of Health’s website.

PHOTO: Supplied