Univerity of Canterbury is under the spotlight following an outbreak of suspected food poisoning from a dodgy shredded chicken meal.
The saying “winner, winner, chicken dinner” has lost its meaning for University of Canterbury students, who have been struck down following an outbreak of food poisoning at the halls of residence.
Sunday’s evening meal has left hundreds of students violently ill in the middle of exam season. Frequent symptoms have included “extreme" diarrhoea and vomiting.
The biggest problem that arose from the incident was that some students no longer trust the University’s in-hall catering. Students have opted for fast food and takeaway options in stead, with one purchasing two bags of chips for dinner as she no longer trusted the food.
One student said that some waited in line for the buildings bathrooms until 4:00 am in order to use the facilities, due to the large students effected by the sus food poisoning.
Another student described the scene of people vomiting out of their windows because of the large wait times.
Despite being in the middle of exams, some students have alleged their requests for special consideration have been declined, and they have been instructed to attend exams as scheduled despite feeling unwell. Ill students said it was difficult to focus during exams, and that all they could think about was not being sick.
Residents of the dormitories said there have been many complaints lodged with the University over the standard of food served. They alleged the University had promised to improve food quality before the chicken dinner incident.
New Zealand Food Safety has confirmed it will work with the National Public Health Service to investigate the outbreak. The University’s kitchens were under review, and the process of interviewing staff had begun.
The investigation has been focused on the shredded chicken portion of the meal, and the ammount of time between the ingredients being consumed and symptoms arising, approximately 11 hours.
New Zealand Food Safety is confident that the process will not result in a repeat of the incident, and commented that the University did not have any prior record of any similar event.
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