The Food Safety Authority is investigating after a woman was left with chemical burns inside her mouth from drinking apple juice.
Pat McIntosh bought the Keri apple juice from Countdown in Lower Hutt, and noticed a chemical taste after drinking it.
After washing out her glass, she tried
a second three-litre bottle and again noticed something strange.
"A few moments later it started to burn through my mouth and down my throat.
Ms McIntosh said her partner also drank some of the juice and had a similar reaction.
"Blisters grew on my partner's tongue and the inside of her mouth went red. We knew it was chemical, it was like a sunburn in your mouth. And it's still like that two days later."
When Ms McIntosh complained to Keri brand owner Coca-Cola Amatil a receptionist told her the company was aware of a chemical, but it was safe.
The company offered her two vouchers for more apple juice.
Ms McIntosh said she was absolutely shocked at the lack of urgent action.
"I said they had to recall it and they just told me to call back on Monday. Kids could have been drinking that juice. To wait a few days before doing anything is disgusting."
A Coca-Cola spokeswoman said the company was working closely with the safety authority and the matter would be fully investigated.
Food Safety Authority spokesman Gary Bowering said no contaminants had been found but testing was continuing.
- NZPA
