University of Canterbury food poisoning outbreak

The story so far

More than 100 students at the University of Canterbury fell ill with suspected food poisoning during the exam period, and some linked the sickness to a chicken meal eaten at University Hall and Ilam Student Accommodation.^{4 Nov 2024} Students reported vomiting and diarrhoea after a meal on Sunday night, and New Zealand Food Safety began investigating shredded chicken as the potential cause, inspecting kitchens and conducting interviews.^{5 Nov 2024} Health New Zealand has since confirmed that a contaminated chicken dish caused the mass sickness among University Hall residents, and it says more than 150 students were affected after dinner on 3 November.^{14 Nov 2024}

Latest

Health New Zealand has confirmed that a contaminated chicken dish caused the illness among University Hall residents.^{14 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 4 Nov 2024More than 100 students fall ill during exam period; chicken meal suspected.
2. 5 Nov 2024New Zealand Food Safety investigates shredded chicken as the potential cause.
3. 14 Nov 2024Health NZ confirms contaminated chicken dish caused the mass illness.
4. 14 Nov 2024Health NZ reports more than 150 students affected after 3 November dinner.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.