A hamburger with a metal bolt in it, a cockroach found in chips, glass in two hot beverages and a rotisserie chicken containing a maggot were among 28 Tauranga-based food safety complaints made to the Ministry of Primary Industries in the past three years.

There were four complaints last year and six as of November this year.

Some cases were referred to the product’s manufacturer, others required the ministry to send an educational letter or give an official warning. Seven complaints were deemed invalid.

Bay of Plenty district medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack said Toi Te Ora – the region’s public health service – dealt with at least one outbreak of a potential food-borne illness a week.

The illnesses were, however, often associated with events at home, or a school, hospital or rest home, rather than a food premise, he said.

Click here to read the full article in the Bay of Plenty Times.