Contamination Concerns Trigger Immediate Recall of Popular Wholefood Supplement

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

Waitrose recalls ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement due to potential contamination with stones and metal fragments, posing serious health risks to consumers.

At a Glance

  • Waitrose is recalling ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement due to potential contamination with small stones and metal pieces.
  • Affected batches have a ‘best before date’ of September 30, 2025, with batch codes: 24266A, 24267A, 24270A.
  • Customers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to Waitrose for a full refund.
  • The Food Standards Agency has issued a warning about the recall.
  • Swallowing sharp objects can cause injuries and pose choking risks, potentially leading to severe internal damage.

Urgent Recall Details

Waitrose has issued an urgent recall for the ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement due to potential contamination with small stones and metal fragments. This contamination renders the product unsafe for consumption, prompting immediate action from both the retailer and food safety authorities. The recall affects specific batches with a ‘best before date’ of September 30, 2025, identified by batch codes 24266A, 24267A, and 24270A.

“The possible presence of stones and metal makes this product unsafe to eat,” stated the food watchdog in their official announcement.

Consumers who have purchased the affected product are strongly advised to refrain from consuming it. Instead, they should return the supplement to their local Waitrose branch for a full refund. This precautionary measure is crucial to prevent potential health risks associated with ingesting foreign objects.

Health Risks and Safety Concerns

The presence of stones and metal fragments in food products poses significant health hazards. Ingesting these foreign objects can lead to severe consequences, including choking, internal injuries, and damage to the digestive tract. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has emphasized the importance of this recall, highlighting the potential dangers to consumer safety.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of food safety concerns in recent times. Similar recalls have occurred with other major retailers, underscoring the ongoing challenges in maintaining product safety across the food industry. The recall process serves as a critical safeguard, allowing companies to address potential hazards before they result in consumer harm.

About ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement

The ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement is a plant-based product designed to enhance gut health by incorporating over 30 different plants into the diet. It contains a variety of nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, aiming to provide a comprehensive nutritional boost. The supplement is marketed as high in fiber, a source of plant protein and omega-3s, and rich in copper.

“Waitrose is recalling ZOE Daily 30+ 7 Day (112.5g) due to possible presence of small stones and small metal fragments,” stated Waitrose’s warning notice, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Developed under the guidance of Professor Tim Spector, a renowned epidemiologist and expert in gut microbiome science, the ZOE supplement is part of a broader approach to personalized nutrition. This approach moves away from one-size-fits-all diets, instead focusing on individual responses to different foods based on gut microbiome testing, blood sugar, and blood fat responses.

Consumer Action and Support

The Food Standards Agency has provided clear guidance for consumers who may have purchased the affected product. “If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead return it to your local Waitrose branch for a full refund. For more information contact Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4,” advised an FSA spokesman.

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about food safety alerts and taking prompt action when such notifications are issued. Consumers are encouraged to regularly check for product recalls and to follow the guidance provided by retailers and food safety authorities to protect their health and well-being.

As the situation develops, Waitrose and ZOE Nutrition are expected to provide further updates and potentially implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This recall highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in food production and the critical role that both companies and consumers play in maintaining food safety standards.

Sources:

  1. Waitrose recalls ZOE food supplement as it may have small stones and metal – see full warning
  2. Tim Spector’s ZOE Nutrition recalls superfood that could be dangerous