17.07.2025

In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), contaminated fresh chicken meat is the largest single source of human Campylobacter infection and remains the most significant foodborne disease threat.
Contaminated fresh chicken is estimated to cause 77% of infections. A strong regulatory response in 2007 halved disease rates within three months. However, over the subsequent 17 years, incidence rates appear to have increased by nearly 70%, based on hospitalisation data.
According to the latest Public Health Communication Centre Briefing, since 2008, contaminated chicken in NZ has caused over 600,000 cases of illness, more than 9,000 hospitalisations, at least 60 deaths, and approximately $1.4 billion in economic costs.
Recent analyses by public health experts underscore the urgent need for action to reduce the heavy burden of Campylobacter infection in Aotearoa New Zealand , for example, by introducing limits on allowable Campylobacter levels in fresh chicken sold to consumers and mandating labelling to inform the public about the infection risk and prevention measures. This illness continues to affect tens of thousands of New Zealanders each year.