This recall may be small but sure is important.
The following is a recall notice from Food Standards Australia New Zealand and is included here with permission.
Most recalls are related to allergens, a microbial issue or a physical contamination. This recall is about chemical contamination and incorrect labelling and highlights just how important it is to ensure that the product in the container is what it is supposed to be.
With some alcohol companies now using their facilities to make hand sanitiser as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, this type of recall had a potential to happen at some point. Whether that is the reason behind this specific recall is yet to be determined.
When working for a company I heard of a product which went through the process for nearly six hours with a sprinkling of salt on top when it should have had a sugar sprinkling. It was only found when a person in Packing tasted the product. Thankfully this product did not make it out to the public so no recall was required, but it was still an expensive mistake. With hours of labour and overheads and of course all the packaging and product that had to be thrown away. When a simple matter of doing a check of the sprinkling and the final product prior to the start of the run would have prevented the whole thing.
This recall shows that manufacturers have to have very clear processes in place to ensure that the right product goes into the right packaging and includes the right label – every time.
It should be a reminder to all food businesses that even if a product looks like another, we have to make sure that our processes will only allow that product to go where it is supposed to go and that is about your staff doing what they are supposed to do.
Product information
Apollo Bay Distillery P/L is conducting a recall of SS Casino Dry Gin, 700ml bottle. The product has been available for sale at The product has been available for sale at Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in VIC (Tastes of the Region) between 5 pm on Friday 5 June until 7:30 pm on Sunday 7 June 2020.
Date markings
Date label “Batch 1”.
Problem
The recall is due to non-compliant labelling (NIP not listed on the label) – 80% ABV ethanol and Glycerol and Hydrogen Peroxide added. The product is labelled as gin, however it is not gin. The bottles are not correctly sealed, they can be identified as having no shrink wrap seal.
Food safety hazard
The bottles contain 1.45% glycerol and 0.125% hydrogen peroxide. Products containing glycerol and hydrogen peroxide may cause illness/injury if consumed.
Country of origin
Australia.
What to do
Consumers should not ingest this product. Consumption of the product may have side effects including nausea, headaches, dizziness, bloating, vomiting, thirst, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms please seek medical advice.
Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
For further information please contact:
Apollo Bay Distillery P/L
03 52 377 165
www.apollobaydistillery.com.au