Chelsea golden syrup and treacle recall over lead contamination

Wednesday, 29 December 2021

Some Chelsea golden syrup and treacle batches are being recalled.

People should check their Chelsea golden syrup and treacle products due to low-level lead contamination in some batches.

Both SuperValue and Fresh Choice have issued recall notices for these products on their websites.

The Ministry of Primary Industries confirmed there was a trade-level recall of the Chelsea treacle and Chelsea golden syrup.

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The recall is related to the low-level lead contamination of Chelsea raw sugar of a few weeks ago.

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An MPI spokesperson said during the initial recall, a New Zealand Food Safety expert science assessment, which has been independently peer-reviewed, found the immediate food safety risk from this raw sugar is very low.

At the time, MPI deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said the risk assessment was based on the levels of lead detected in the raw sugar and the potential exposure for consumers.

“The immediate food safety risk is considered to be low as the amount consumed will not cause illness. In addition, at the levels of lead detected someone would have to consume the contaminated product over a long period of time for it to be a concern,” Arbuckle said.

SuperValue’s website said they take food safety seriously, and apologised to customers for any inconvenience.

“Any customer who has bought these products during this timeframe should not eat it, and is asked to return the product to their nearest SuperValue store for a full refund.”

They recommend people contact their doctor if they have any health concerns.

SuperValue said the problem has been identified by the supplier and action has been taken to stop further release of the affected raw sugar into the market and recall the product from shelves and consumers.

The batches which are affected are: Chelsea Treacle Syrup 1kg lot 21308; Chelsea Golden Syrup Easy Pour 540g, lots 21274 – 21343; Chelsea Golden Syrup 1kg, lots 21274-21343; Chelsea Golden Syrup Easy Pour 2L, lots 21274 -21343; Chelsea Golden Syrup 5kg, lots 21274-21343; Chelsea Golden Syrup Pail 14kg, lots 21274- 21343; and Chelsea Golden Syrup 292kg drum, lots 21274- 21343.

The same lots of product apply for those bought at Fresh Choice stores.