University of Canterbury Students’ Association admits charge for mass food poisoning

Students in the dining hall at University Hall accommodation. Photo: Supplied / University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury Students’ Association has admitted responsibility for a food poisoning outbreak that made more than 100 students sick.

They became unwell during end of year exams in 2024, after eating a chicken souvlaki dinner provided at the University Hall and Ilam Student Accommodation apartments.

It resulted in queues for the toilets and some people vomiting from windows because they could not make it in time.

The students’ association was responsible for dinner at both halls of residence.

It initially faced two charges related to food-borne illness, with each charge carrying a maximum fine of $200,000 dollars.

Food Safety acting director general Jenny Bishop said the association had now admitted one charge under the Food Act.

It would be sentenced in the Christchurch District Court on 1 December.

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