All raw fruit juices from Our Fruit Box (OFB) have been recalled by New Zealand Food Safety over concerns they may contain pathogens such as Salmonella and norovirus.
On Thursday New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said they directed a recall because the juices present a food safety risk.
"This raw fruit juice presents a food safety risk because it has not been through the required checks and balances to make sure it is safe to consume," Arbuckle said.
"The company making these juices has not been registered under the Food Act, so consumers cannot be certain that risks have been properly identified and managed.
"The product is a raw fruit juice and for that reason food safety controls are crucial. Without proper controls during processing of food, pathogens can enter the product."
Arbuckle said pathogens such as shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), salmonella, cryptosporidium and norovirus can be present in the juice, making it unsafe to consume, particularly for people who are young, older, pregnant or with weakened immune systems.
"The recalled raw juice has limited identifying labelling or branding and may be sold in 20-litre plastic containers labelled 'OFB' and in unlabeled bottles of different shapes and sizes.
Available information suggests the raw fruit juice has been available for sale through informal sellers, door-to-door through businesses, local markets and online at www.ofb.nz.
Arbuckle said anyone with this product or with a juice with limited labelling or branding should throw it out and not consume it.
"If you are unsure of whether an unlabeled product you have bought is OFB, ask the supplier."
For more information and food safety advice refer to the New Zealand Food Safety webpage.
If you have any concerns about these products, please call MPI's consumer helpline on 0800 008 333.
There have been no reports of associated illness to date. If you have consumed this product and have any health concerns, please seek medical advice. Contact your health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
