25-04-2025
Frozen anchovies in recall over biotoxin threat
The toxic products were sold at a small number of supermarkets and specialty stores.
Photo:
Supplied / MPI
New Zealand Food Safety is recalling a range of frozen anchovies imported from America after detecting marine biotoxin in the product.
Testing has found the presence of domonic acid which can cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning in humans.
Food Safety's Acting Deputy Director-General Claire McDonald says the toxic products were sold at a small number of supermarkets and specialty stores.
"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," she said.
The anchovies have been sold at Pak'N'Save.
Photo:
Supplied / MPI
New Zealand Food Safety said it had not been notified of consumers getting sick.
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps usually within 24 hours of consumption.
Food Safety said more serious cases can cause a range neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness and memory loss and, for severe cases, coma.
These can take up to three days to develop, it said.
Food Safety urged those with health concerns to contact their health professional.
It said the products had been removed from store shelves and had not been exported.
The product is sold frozen or thawed at:
More information can be found
on the MPI recall webpage.
