‘I still fed it to my kids': Woolworths beef recall sparks cost-of-living backlash in NZ

Yahoo

03-07-2025

The contamination and recall of Woolworths-branded mince in New Zealand has much of the country talking. While the discovery of tiny blue pieces of plastic in meat has understandably frustrated many shoppers, the incident has also acted as a lightning rod for discussion about a bigger issue — the price of the beef itself.
The response highlights how concerns about cost-of-living pressures are constantly simmering in the minds of families. While the problem of high grocery prices is relatable for many Aussies, Kiwis are often paying even more in supermarkets.
In New Zealand, a 1kg tray of Woolworths grass-fed beef with 18 per cent fat sells for NZD$20.90 ($19.33). In Australia, where grass-fed isn't the standard, there's the option of buying regular mince for as low as $12 per kilo. Grass-fed with 18 per cent fat sells for $17.50 to $20 per kilo.
Tammy, a Kiwi mum of three, was making tacos using Woolworths beef when she found tiny pieces of plastic in their meal. But she was so exhausted from working to support her family, she didn't have the energy to make a new meal and chose to pick out the contaminants instead.
'I was frustrated having to pull it out after a long day at work. I was wanting to make an easy dinner for my kids, so yes, they still ate it,' she told Yahoo News Australia.
Tammy told Yahoo News she's struggling to feed her kids as grocery prices continue to rise.
'The cost of groceries is disgusting over here. I can barely afford to feed my three children,' she said. 'I'm seriously contemplating moving my family back in with my parents.'
Her concerns are echoed by other Kiwis. Last month, a woman took to TikTok to share her frustration that buying two packets of lean mince and two blocks of butter cost her almost NZ$78.
The nation has been hit particularly hard by butter price increases. In May, Yahoo reported the price had increased by a massive 65 per cent, and New Zealand-produced butter was actually cheaper to buy in Australia.
New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries has since shared a recall notice for a batch of 500g and 1kg 18 per cent fat varieties of beef mince, warning the 'product may contain foreign matter'.
In a statement, Woolworths said any customer who bought the meat shouldn't eat it, and they could return it to their nearest store for a full refund.
"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," it added.
But the warning was too late for many. 'Already ate ours,' one person said on social media. 'Oh no, I had some for dinner,' another lamented. 'Not impressed, we already ate ours as well,' someone else said.
Responding to the contamination on Faceboook, some Kiwis were suspicious the beef could have somehow come from Australia, where the retailer's parent company is based. But the product is produced entirely in New Zealand, and the problem does not affect Aussies.
Hundreds of people commented on the contamination itself, but the conversation quickly turned to soaring grocery prices.
'Bloody ridiculous the price of mince… I'd like to know why an everyday favourite has turned into a once-a-month favourite,' one person said. While another shared their frustration at paying $12 a kilo for tomatoes, which they said was 'ridiculous'.
Concerning reason $5 Aussie pantry staple is about to jump in price
Listings from 1972 show unbelievable house prices in nation's most expensive city
Ominous sign for Australia's cities after deadly discovery in New Zealand
The big retailers play a major role in the lives of shoppers in both New Zealand and Australia, and both countries are dominated by supermarket duopolies.
In New Zealand, a 1kg tray of Woolworths grass-fed beef with 18 per cent fat sells for NZD$20.90 ($19.33), and the 5 per cent fat variety retails for NZD$29.90 ($27.66).
In Australia, where grass-fed isn't the standard, there's the option of buying regular mince for as low as $12 per kilo, $20 for 10 per cent fat varieties. Grass-fed with 18 per cent fat sells for $17.50 to $20 per kilo.
Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.