Breaking: Woolworths recalls popular ‘flexitarian’ product after discovering prohibited substance
- Replies 13
In a few short years, it has become a meat-alternative menu staple in Australia, but now a popular plant-based product has been taken off Woolworths shelves due to safety concerns.
What’s even more concerning is that this product was also used in popular fast-food restaurants.
It began in January this year when Impossible’s ‘Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants’ underwent a random inspection test performed by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – the results of which revealed the presence of a prohibited substance.
The substance, known as calcium pantothenate, is ‘safe and approved for use in some foods and beverages’ according to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, however, it is not considered safe when used in ‘analogues of meat’ – otherwise known as plant-based meat products.
Consumption of the vitamin in high doses may lead to detrimental excesses or imbalances of the vitamin in consumers of the food.
At high doses, the mineral can cause adverse reactions including potentially serious gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal cramps, bloating and constipation. It can also cause headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. People who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin may also experience adverse reactions from taking calcium pantothenate, which has been known to cause skin rashes, itching, hives and even anaphylactic shock.
As a result, the department issued a ‘holding order’ on imports of the chicken nuggets, which is when Woolworths finally stepped in and voluntarily pulled the product from its shelves.
'We’re in contact with the supplier but we have moved to withdraw the product from sale while we receive more information about the import ban from the relevant authorities,' a Woolworths spokesperson said.
The department has requested that the importer of the nuggets 'destroy or re-export' the product and even though the recall only applies to the shipment of nuggets that was tested in January, the product is no longer available in Woolworths.
The Impossible Foods Chicken Nuggets product was first imported into Australia in 2022, and since then has become a popular choice of vegans, vegetarians and people on ‘flexitarian’ diets.
The product was used in many fast-food chains such as Grill’d and Royal Stacks, however, those who have purchased the nuggets within the last six months have been asked to refrain from eating the product and return it to the store for a full refund.
Impossible Foods were contacted for comment but has yet to respond.
This concerning news raises the question of just how safe supermarket food really is and whether we should be taking extra precautions when buying it.
It’s important for members to read the ingredients of all food products before consuming, and to err more towards the side of caution.
For those members that are vegan or occasionally enjoy a plant-based meal, it’s also important to seek advice from a nutritionist before consuming large portions of any one type of food.
We will keep you updated with any developments.
Members, are you concerned about this development? While eating a plant-based diet, even one night a week, can be great for your health and the environment, are food companies keeping us safe? We would love to hear from you.
What’s even more concerning is that this product was also used in popular fast-food restaurants.
It began in January this year when Impossible’s ‘Chicken Nuggets Made From Plants’ underwent a random inspection test performed by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – the results of which revealed the presence of a prohibited substance.
The substance, known as calcium pantothenate, is ‘safe and approved for use in some foods and beverages’ according to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, however, it is not considered safe when used in ‘analogues of meat’ – otherwise known as plant-based meat products.
Check your fridge for this product! Credit: Impossible
Consumption of the vitamin in high doses may lead to detrimental excesses or imbalances of the vitamin in consumers of the food.
At high doses, the mineral can cause adverse reactions including potentially serious gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal cramps, bloating and constipation. It can also cause headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. People who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin may also experience adverse reactions from taking calcium pantothenate, which has been known to cause skin rashes, itching, hives and even anaphylactic shock.
As a result, the department issued a ‘holding order’ on imports of the chicken nuggets, which is when Woolworths finally stepped in and voluntarily pulled the product from its shelves.
'We’re in contact with the supplier but we have moved to withdraw the product from sale while we receive more information about the import ban from the relevant authorities,' a Woolworths spokesperson said.
The department has requested that the importer of the nuggets 'destroy or re-export' the product and even though the recall only applies to the shipment of nuggets that was tested in January, the product is no longer available in Woolworths.
The Impossible Foods Chicken Nuggets product was first imported into Australia in 2022, and since then has become a popular choice of vegans, vegetarians and people on ‘flexitarian’ diets.
The product was used in many fast-food chains such as Grill’d and Royal Stacks, however, those who have purchased the nuggets within the last six months have been asked to refrain from eating the product and return it to the store for a full refund.
The product was reportedly also available at Grill'd. Credit: Impossible
Impossible Foods were contacted for comment but has yet to respond.
This concerning news raises the question of just how safe supermarket food really is and whether we should be taking extra precautions when buying it.
It’s important for members to read the ingredients of all food products before consuming, and to err more towards the side of caution.
For those members that are vegan or occasionally enjoy a plant-based meal, it’s also important to seek advice from a nutritionist before consuming large portions of any one type of food.
We will keep you updated with any developments.
Members, are you concerned about this development? While eating a plant-based diet, even one night a week, can be great for your health and the environment, are food companies keeping us safe? We would love to hear from you.
.png){kind=icon}
not chemicals that look like meat get a life and eat your grass and I'll eat the cow that eats your grass and enjoy it 
