NZ Muscle creatine recalled amid investigation into safety standards

NZ Muscle is recalling batches of NZ Muscle and No Brand Creatine due to the possible presence of an undeclared allergen, as NZ Food Safety continues an investigation into the company's products.

The products affected by the recall include NZ Muscle Creatine (unflavoured) date marked B/B JUN27 and No Brand Creatine Monohydrate date marked B/B JUN27.

The affected products are sold in 200g, 500g and 1kg containers at selected retailers and online nationwide.

"The concern with this product is that the label does not warn people who need to avoid milk because of allergies," Food Safety’s acting deputy director-general Mike Inglis said.

An investigation was launched by NZ Food Safety officers on Tuesday following complaints on social media around food safety standards.

"Food safety officers are investigating NZ Muscle following complaints. Our focus right now is to ensure that consumers are protected and affected product is efficiently removed from the supply chain," Inglis said.

"As is our usual practice, we will work with the company to understand how the problem occurred and prevent its recurrence. We will also be looking at other allegations made about this business.

"We continue our investigation into a number of other complaints about NZ Muscle made on social media. As this is an ongoing matter we are unable to go into detail about this work at this stage. Where we identify issues, we will take necessary action to protect consumers."

Anyone with a milk allergy was advised to return the product to the place of purchase for a refund or to discard it.

The products have been removed from store shelves. A small amount of product was sent to Australia as personal imports.

Anyone who had consumed the product and was concerned for their health was advised to contact their health professional or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.

New Zealand Food Safety said it had not received any reports of associated allergic reactions.