Hidden risk in camping meals reignites concern over food safety

Those trusty freeze-dried camping meals that have fuelled countless adventures across Australia are back in the spotlight, but not for the reasons outdoor enthusiasts would hope. Two popular Back Country Cuisine meals have been recalled due to an undeclared allergen, and the issue reveals a troubling pattern that affects us all.

Sea to Summit Pty Ltd has recalled its Back Country Cuisine Spaghetti Bolognaise and Mushroom Bolognaise products, with best before dates ranging from 7 April 2029 through to 29 September 2029, due to undeclared egg allergen.

The meals have been sold at outdoor and camping retailers across all states and territories, as well as online.

Here's what makes this recall particularly concerning: the product packaging already warned 'may contain egg', but the actual presence of egg wasn't declared in the ingredients list.

For anyone with an egg allergy or intolerance, this distinction could mean the difference between a pleasant camping trip and a medical emergency.

The bigger picture: Australia's recall crisis

This isn't just an isolated incident. Undeclared allergens continue to be the primary reason for food recalls in Australia, accounting for 48 per cent of all recalls from 2020 to 2024.

To put that in perspective, Australia saw 95 food recalls in 2024 alone, with undeclared allergens responsible for 57 per cent of those incidents.

The statistics paint a concerning picture for Australian consumers. Over the past five years, milk leads the undeclared allergen recalls with 63 incidents, followed by tree nuts (29), wheat/gluten (28), and eggs (26). That places egg allergies as the fourth most common cause of allergen-related recalls.

What this means for outdoor enthusiasts

For many Australians over 60, camping and caravanning represent freedom and adventure. Whether you're exploring the Red Centre or coastal camping along the Great Ocean Road, lightweight, long-lasting meals like these bolognaise products are often essential supplies.

The recall becomes even more significant when you consider that food allergies can develop at any stage of life. Many people discover new allergies or intolerances as they age, making proper labelling crucial for everyone's safety.

The Cocobella reminder

This recall brings back memories of August's dairy-free yoghurt crisis, when Cocobella products containing undeclared milk sent at least 10 people to hospital, including children.

Symptoms included coughing, difficulty swallowing, itchy eyes and shortness of breath. It was a stark reminder that these recalls aren't just bureaucratic inconveniences—they prevent real harm.

Staying safe while adventuring

The root causes of undeclared allergen recalls include accidental cross-contamination, lack of allergen labelling knowledge, packaging errors, and ingredient supplier verification issues. While we can't control these manufacturing problems, we can take steps to protect ourselves.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand offers a free subscription service for recall alerts, which can be particularly valuable for frequent travellers.

Getting these alerts delivered straight to your email means you'll know about recalls before your next adventure.

The manufacturing reality

The irony of this recall isn't lost on outdoor enthusiasts. These meals are manufactured in facilities that process multiple allergens including egg, dairy, soy, fish, tree nuts, sesame and sulphites, with allergen management programs implemented to store products separately and ensure thorough cleaning between production lines. Despite these precautions, cross-contamination can still occur.

For manufacturers like Sea to Summit, this recall represents not just a safety issue but a significant business challenge.

The affected products have best-before dates extending into 2029, suggesting this was a substantial production run now being removed from shelves nationwide.

Looking forward

The increase in recalls suggests that Australia's food regulatory system is functioning effectively, catching problems before they cause widespread harm. While the numbers might seem alarming, they actually indicate a system that's working to protect consumers.

For camping enthusiasts, this recall serves as a useful reminder to stay vigilant about food safety, even with products designed for outdoor adventures. The great outdoors should be about beautiful sunsets and campfire stories, not medical emergencies that could have been prevented.

The recall applies to products sold both in-store and online across all Australian states and territories. If you have these products in your camping supplies, return them to your place of purchase for a full refund. If you've consumed these products and have concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Have you encountered issues with camping meal labelling or food allergies while travelling? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you've discovered for staying safe while enjoying Australia's great outdoors.