New Zealand food supplier and distributer, MZ Holdings, are initiating a recall of their Tapioca Chips and Slices after the products were found to contain “unacceptable” levels of substances that release cyanide when digested.
Cyanide poisoning is a result of the inhibition of oxygen supply to cells in the body. It can cause breathing difficulties, the loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.
MZ Holdings notified the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) of their recall this Monday 8 November 2010.
The following products will be recalled:
• ‘Mayur’ Brand Tapioca Chips Round Fried
• ‘Mayur’ Brand Tapioca Slices (Masala) Fried
The above products from batch number: MZ-1 and best before date of 10/11/2010 will be recalled.
The products, which are imported from India to New Zealand for domestic sale, are sold in Indian retails outlets in Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North and Auckland.
According to NZFSA, there have been no reports of illness, however NZFSA advised any customers should return the product to their retailer for a full refund.