New Zealand Recalls Deep Brand Green Garlic Over Salmonella Risk

Frozen garlic products sold in ethnic supermarkets across New Zealand are being recalled due to concerns about potential salmonella contamination. The product in question is the Deep Brand Green Garlic, which has a use-by date of November 29, 2026, and a batch marking of IN25151K.

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) issued the recall, advising consumers to avoid eating the affected garlic unless it has been thoroughly cooked. According to Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of NZFS, “Symptoms of salmonellosis can appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.”

Salmonella infections can lead to serious health issues. The duration of illness typically ranges from four to seven days, but in more severe cases, it can extend up to ten days and may result in more serious complications.

Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the recalled garlic and to discard any products that match the specified batch information. Retailers have been instructed to remove these items from their shelves to prevent further distribution.

This recall underscores the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring products for contamination. The NZFS continues to investigate the source of the contamination to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. Public health officials stress the necessity of cooking food thoroughly to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses.

For any further questions or concerns, consumers are advised to contact New Zealand Food Safety or their local health authorities.