New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Pendarves Ltd in its recall of a range of imported frozen anchovies due to the presence of a marine biotoxin.
“Testing of the product has found the presence of domonic acid, a neurotoxin produced by certain algae that can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans,” says New Zealand Food Safety’s acting deputy director-general, Claire McDonald.
“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”
The affected products were sold at a small number of supermarkets and specialty stores.
Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product: Food recall: Imported whole frozen anchovies
The safety authority says it has not received any notifications of associated illness.
Symptoms are mainly gastrointestinal, especially at low toxin levels. These usually appear within 24 hours of eating and may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps.
In more serious cases there can be neurological symptoms. These can take up to 3 days to develop and can range from headaches and dizziness to memory loss and, for severe cases, coma.
If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.
