Mouldy lunches served to Christchurch students likely left unrefrigerated for days

Tuesday 2 December 2025 · 7 outlets · 5 reports · updated Tue 2 Dec 2025, 8:50pm

In this story New Zealand Food Safety, Compass Group, Peggy Burrows

New Zealand Food Safety says rotten meals were likely delivered to Haeata Community Campus on Thursday and left without refrigeration until being re-served on Monday. While some students had already eaten the rancid food, the school principal has disputed the findings.

How they headlined it

5:49pm6:25pm8:22pm

1. RNZTue 2 Dec 2025, 5:49pm

   Rotten lunches remained at school without refrigeration for three days - NZ Food Safety (opens in new tab)

2. Stuff via RNZTue 2 Dec 2025, 5:55pm

   Rotten lunches remained at school without refrigeration for three days, NZ Food Safety says (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsTue 2 Dec 2025, 6:25pm

   'Mouldy' lunches were likely left out at school for days – NZ Food Safety (opens in new tab)

4. The PressTue 2 Dec 2025, 8:22pm

   Principal denies fault over mouldy lunches as David Seymour says she created controversy (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesTue 2 Dec 2025, 8:50pm

   Principal disputes claim mouldy food already at school (opens in new tab)