Food- and water-borne diseases

Food- and water-borne diseases

In this section

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)

    E. coli are common germs (bacteria) normally found in the gut of warm-blooded animals and people. Some types of E. coli can cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Read more

  • Giardia

    Giardia is a food- and water-borne disease that is caused by a parasite found in the gut of infected humans and animals (eg, cattle, sheep, cats, dogs, rats and possums). Giardia is one of the most common diseases worldwide that is carried by water. Read more

  • Listeria

    Listeria is a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick. Infection with listeria bacteria is called listeriosis. In healthy adults and children listeria usually causes few or no symptoms, but some people are more at risk of severe disease. Read more

Related websites

Ministry for Primary Industries
Food safety information from the Ministry of Primary Industries. Good information about:

Resources in their document library include:

Find out more from the Ministry

  • Drinking-water – Find out about the Ministry's work and initiatives on drinking-water, wastewater and sewage.
  • Food – Find out about food safety and standards, food regulation in New Zealand, and common foodborne illnesses (including salmonella, campylobacter, and e.coli).

Related areas

Page last updated: 03 October 2021

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