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Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Food Handler Triggers Hepatitis A alert at McDonald’s

Customers purchasing food from the McDonald’s Greenlane Restaurant, Cnr Great South & Greenlane Roads, Greenlane, Auckland, may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus on the evening of 15th December 2006 between 7 pm and 2 am the following morning.  A staff member with the illness may have exposed patrons to the virus through foods they prepared during part of their shift.  The staff member is now off duty. 

“All patrons purchasing burgers and other non pre-packaged products on the above date need to be extra cautious with their hand hygiene as the disease can be transmitted by contamination of food from the hands even in those without symptoms”, said Dr Greg Simmons Medical Officer of Health.

There is no ongoing risk of hepatitis A associated with eating at McDonald’s Greenlane or other members of the McDonald’s chain.  McDonald’s management is cooperating fully with the Auckland Regional Public Health Service in its investigation into the causes of the incident and public health risk to the restaurant’s customers and staff.  McDonald’s operates a food safety programme authorised by the NZFSA and McDonald’s Greenlane has a Grade A Food Hygiene Certificate from Auckland City Council.  There is no reason to think that the restaurant chain’s own food handling procedures have contributed to this incident.

The individual affected by hepatitis A would have been infectious for up to a fortnight prior to showing symptoms and only handled food on one shift at McDonald’s Greenlane.  To date, no earlier notified cases appear to be linked to this individual but due to the nature of the individual’s employment, hepatitis A’s incubation period and the recent holiday period potentially involving family gatherings, Dr Greg Simmons, Medical Officer of Health is concerned that members of the public, who ate at McDonald’s Greenlane on the evening in question may be at risk.

Hepatitis A is a notifiable viral disease that affects the liver with unpleasant symptoms for individuals infected.  Due to the nature of this incident it is impossible to contact directly those at risk of infection and Auckland Regional Public Health Service is putting out this notice to alert those at risk as early as possible.

Any customers of McDonald’s Greenlane on the night in question who feel unwell with symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and pains, fever, stomach pains, loss of appetite and tiredness and lack of energy are urged to consult their GP as soon as possible.

General Practitioners (GP) are being advised of the outbreak and requested to consider the diagnosis in patients with suggestive symptoms.  Persons who are showing possible signs of the disease are advised to consult their own GP.

“Particularly at this time of year, we would like to remind workers and employers in the food industry of the importance of policies to manage ill workers and that all members of the public should not handle food if they are suffering from any form of stomach upset.  If employers or employees are uncertain about whether exclusion is necessary in a particular situation, advice should be sought from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service” said Medical Officer of Health Greg Simmons. 

“Remember the basic principles of hygiene – wash your hands for 20 seconds and dry them for 20 seconds on a clean dry towel or disposable paper towel before and after preparing food, before eating and after going to the toilet or changing baby’s nappies”, said Dr Simmons.

Download Director General of Health Privileged Statement Under Section 37 of the Food Act 1981 (PDF file)

  Download ARPHS Frequently Asked Questions for Hepatitis A (PDF file)

Further information on Hepatitis A is available on the Ministry of Health’s website http://www.moh.govt.nz/

Dr Greg Simmons
Medical Officer of Health
Auckland Regional Public Health Service

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