Ready-to-eat supermarket salads recalled over metal filings risk

Ready-to-eat salads sold at supermarkets throughout New Zealand are being recalled because of the presence of metal filings.

Speirs Foods brand salads sold from deli counters in Woolworths, Fresh Choice, New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets between August 27 and August 29 are affected, along with 250g and 450g Woolworths brand classic coleslaw with a use-by date of September 5, 2025 or September 6, 2025.

Woolworths classic coleslaw in 250g and 450g tubs and with an expiry date of September 5, 2025, or September 6, 2025, have been recalled. Photo / Supplied

The deli salads are the following Speirs Foods salads: Healthy Options Slaw, Bulk Coleslaw, Premium Coleslaw, Vege Mango with Cashew Salad, Broccoli Cauli & Mango with Cashew Salad and Broccoli Cranberry Pumpkin Seeds Salad.

Recalled salads of various weights were sold in store from the deli serve of a number of supermarkets between August 27 and 29. Photos / Supplied

New Zealand Food Safety has not been notified of any injuries related to the metal filings.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said: “The concern with metal filings is that they could cause injury.

“If you have any affected products, don’t eat them. You can return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”

The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.

Arbuckle said: “As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Spiers Foods to understand how this happened and prevent its recurrence.”

Metal filing contamination can result from failures in the production process. The origin of these metal filings isn’t currently known.

In situations like this, the priority is to alert the public and stop the food from being consumed.

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