Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has issued a reminder to all businesses, including importers, to meet mandatory allergen labelling requirements. There has been a number of coconut product recalls due to a lack of mandatory allergen labelling in milk and its by-products, according to FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon.

In January 2014, the agency recalled Green Time Natural Coconut Drink due to the presence of an undeclared allergen. It was followed by another recall in August 2015 involving Coco Joy Pure Coconut Milk. Both products were imported.

The recalls prompted further action by state authorities to investigate other similar coconut drinks on sale. After further testing, 10 other coconut products have been recalled for not including necessary allergen warnings.

The government said importers must be aware that the presence of undeclared allergens poses a risk to human health. “Allergens can be deadly and this is why the Code contains mandatory labelling requirements for nine allergens to ensure consumers have access to this vital information,” McCutcheon warned.

On its website, FSANZ said that some food and ingredients or their components can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The Australian government requires the declaration of allergens such as milk, however small the amount present in the food.

He also urged consumers who are allergic to milk or milk products to be mindful of recent recalls involving imported coconut products, which ranged from powders to coconut drinks. The drinks were imported from countries including China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Most of them are sold at smaller Asian retailers as well as larger outlets, chemists and online.

McCutcheon said that FSANZ will update its recalls Web page with any further associated recalls and will alert consumers through its social media sites. Anyone who has an affected product can return it to the place of purchase for a refund, he noted.

According to McCutcheon, state and territory enforcement agencies have been investigating similar products. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has implemented action at the border to inspect coconut drinks for the presence of milk with no warning on the label. When an undeclared allergen is detected, the food will require re-labelling. Importers will then determine whether a recall is required for any product previously imported, and information will be passed on to the state authorities for further investigation.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or tell us what you think below.

RELATED STORIES