Nishin Limited issued a recall for all batches and all dates of its Nishin brand Seasoned Seaweed Salad (500g) due to the presence of undeclared allergens: gluten and wheat. This issue is significant because it affects people who have gluten intolerance, wheat allergies, or celiac disease. Consuming even trace amounts of these allergens can cause serious health problems for these individuals, and this recall aims to prevent such risks.

1. Product Identification

The product involved in this recall is:

1. Product Type: Seaweed product
2. Name: Nishin brand Seasoned Seaweed Salad
3. Size: 500g
4. Packaging: The product comes in a plastic packet.

Batch and Date Marking:

The recall applies to all batches and all dates. This means that every package of this product sold, regardless of its production date, is affected by the recall.

2. Why Is the Product Being Recalled?

The recall was initiated because gluten and wheat were present in the product, but these allergens were not declared on the packaging. For consumers with specific health conditions such as:

1. Gluten intolerance (an inability to properly digest gluten),
2. Wheat allergies (an immune reaction to proteins found in wheat),
3. Celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine),accidentally consuming these allergens can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening symptoms.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and might include:

1. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
2. Rashes or hives
3. Breathing difficulties, coughing, or wheezing
4. In the most severe cases, anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction requiring emergency medical care.

3. Distribution of the Product

The affected product is:

• Imported from China by Nishin Limited.
• Sold at supermarkets and specialty stores throughout New Zealand, meaning that it is widely available and could have been purchased by many consumers.
• Important: The product has not been exported outside of New Zealand. Therefore, the recall only affects consumers within the country.

4. Consumer Advice: What to Do

For individuals who are allergic to wheat or intolerant to gluten, it’s crucial to take immediate action:

• Do not consume this product. If you have purchased Nishin brand Seasoned Seaweed Salad and have a gluten or wheat allergy/intolerance, you should avoid eating it.
• If you have already consumed it and are feeling unwell, seek medical advice immediately, especially if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, or gastrointestinal distress.
• Return the product to the store where you purchased it for a full refund. You don’t need a receipt to return the product, and most retailers will refund you as part of their recall policy.

For individuals without gluten or wheat allergies/intolerance:
This recall does not apply to you. If you do not have gluten intolerance or a wheat allergy, the product is safe for you to consume.

Who to Contact for Questions

If consumers have any concerns or questions regarding the recall, they can directly contact Nishin Limited. The company is responsible for managing the recall process and addressing any customer inquiries.

• Phone: 09 8361 468
• Address: Nishin Limited, 136 Bush Road, Rosedale, Auckland 0632

Source:https://www.mpi.govt.nz/food-safety-home/food-recalls-and-complaints/recalled-food-products/nishin-brand-seasoned-seaweed-salad/