National recall of Piranha Vege Crackers
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has issued a national warning to consumers not to eat Piranha Vege Crackers, following a media release from the NSW Food Authority. This follows findings in a batch of exported vegetable crackers of higher than usual levels of naturally occurring cyanide in the ingredient cassava.
Although, at this stage, it is not clear whether the Piranha Vege Crackers sold in Australia are also affected t he product is being voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer, Tixana Australia Pty Ltd.
While the likelihood of someone getting sick from eating the product is low as a precaution consumers, particularly children, are urged not to eat the snack food. They should destroy or return the product to where they were purchased for a full refund . Additionally, if you have consumed this product and are feeling unwell you should seek medical advice.
The manufacturer of the Piranha Vege Crackers, Tixana Pty Limited, has been working closely with State and Commonwealth Governments under the National Food Incident Response Protocol and are voluntarily recalling all batches, flavours and package sizes of the crackers. The manufacturer is also working with the NSW Food Authority to determine whether the problem is isolated to particular batches. Once the results of further testing are available a decision will be made regarding the return of product for sale.
Products affected are all batches and all best before dates of:
- Piranha Vege Crackers Sweet Chilli Lime (100g, 50g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers Balsamic Vinegar & Sea Salt (100g, 50g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers French Onion (100g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers Italian Supreme (100g, 25g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers Marinated Fetta (100g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers BBQ (100g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers Honey Soy (100g, 25g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers Natural (100g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers BBQ Cheese (50g, 25g)
- Piranha Vege Crackers Salt & Vinegar (25g)
- Piranha Sweet Chilli Lime Snack Combo (28g)
- Piranha Barbeque Snack Combo (28g)
- Piranha Cheese Snack Combo (28g)
- Piranha Sour Cream & Chives Snack Combo (28g)
- Piranha Salt & Vinegar Snack Combo (28g)
Commonwealth and State Governments met today to determine further actions. Information has been circulated to Emergency Departments and Health Practitioners informing them of symptoms to look for and how to treat possible toxicities.
Concerned consumers can call Public Health Information line on 1800 004599 between 8.30am and 8.00 pm or the NSW Food Authority’s consumer hotline on 1300 552 406.
Media Contact:
Kay McNiece, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, 0412 132 585
LydiaBuchtmann, Food Standards Australia New Zealand 0411 268 525