'Don't eat it': Woolworths recalls beef mince batches in North Island
The recall affected 500g and 1kg packages of Woolworths-branded 18% Fat Beef Mince with a best-before date of July 5, 2025.
The packages were sold at Woolworths and Countdown stores across the North Island.
"There have been no reports of illness or injury, however, anyone who has consumed any of these products and has any concerns about their health, should seek medical advice," a spokesperson for the Woolworths Group said.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said the affected mince "may contain blue plastic" and warned consumers against eating it.
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"If you have any of this mince ... don't eat it. You can return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If that's not possible, throw it out," he said.
"They have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported."
A Woolworths spokesperson added that the Australian supermarket giant took "food safety very seriously and apologised to customers for the inconvenience".
The recall did not affect any other beef products sold, according to Woolworths.
The Ministry for Primary Industries typically handled grocery recalls through its New Zealand Food Safety division.
"As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Woolworths to understand how this happened and prevent its recurrence," Arbuckle said.
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