Hospital admissions for toxic food poisoning in New Zealand are very uncommon, Southern medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore says.
Responding to questions following the recent case where a young New Zealand woman died in Thailand possibly as the result of a toxin consumed in a food, Dr Poore said such food poisoning in this country was uncommon because of the strict requirements for food safety plans for those selling and supplying food.
When managing notified cases of gastroenteric diseases, public health officials had to determine whether food was a possible source and follow it up.
Food-borne illnesses could easily be passed from person to person.
Some people could be admitted to hospital because of the consequences of a gastroenteric illness, but not because it was known to be food-related.
"Admissions for toxic food poisoning are very uncommon," Dr Poore said.
