2816 days ago

Countdown recalls frozen veggie mix

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Countdown supermarkets are recalling a frozen vegetable mix as a precaution amid fears it could contain a particularly dangerous strain of listeria that has been linked to nine deaths overseas.

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed the recalled products have been traced back to a Hungarian facility, known to be the source of the listeria.

A Countdown spokeswoman said the supermarket had been advised there was a potential risk its Bell Farms Steam Veggies, Carrot, Corn and Broccoli bags contained the bacteria.

The company withdrew one batch of the Bell Farms frozen vegetables on Friday from all Countdown, SuperValue, and FreshChoice stores and has since recalled all batches of the product. Anyone who has purchased this product can return it to any of our stores for a full refund.

Frozen vegetables generally pose no risk if cooked correctly before eating, she said. Listeria can cause illness in pregnant woman and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Information on the recall is available here. More information on food safety and listeria can be found here.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.9% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.9% Complete
  • 57.4% No, I enjoy it
    57.4% Complete
  • 1.7% Other - I'll share below
    1.7% Complete
1208 votes
13 hours ago

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.

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1 day ago

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
Find out more

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How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
  • 39.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    39.9% Complete
  • 23.8% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    23.8% Complete
  • 33.1% I prefer calling the clinic
    33.1% Complete
  • 3.2% I didn’t know online booking was available
    3.2% Complete
496 votes