We always keep a wary eye on potential product recalls here at the SDC, and the latest item that's been added to the list is one of Coles’ most popular snacks.

Harvest Snaps in Vegemite flavour were recalled this week due to an allergy-related concern, Food Standards Australia/ New Zealand announced on Wednesday.

The Vegemite-flavoured snacks have been removed from shelves due to incorrect allergen information being included (or, rather, not included) on the product's packaging.

It appears the crispy snacks contain gluten, however, this was not listed on the nutritional panel. That means anyone who has a gluten intolerance or an allergy could have a reaction if they consume this product.

Calbee Australia’s Vegemite-flavoured Harvest Snaps were recalled nationally due to missing allergen information. Credit: Calbee Australia.

Don't worry, if you're a fan of other flavours of Harvest Snaps,they are not affected by this recall - only the 200g packets of Vegemite-flavoured Calbee Harvest Snaps with best-before dates between August 28th and August 29th, 2023 are affected.

So, check your pantry to see if you have any of these delicious yet potentially problematic chips, especially if you have a gluten allergy. If you've recently purchased the Vegemite-flavoured snack and cannot consume gluten, it's best to return them for a full refund.

For those who may not be sure what to look for, we've included a picture to help you identify the product in question. So, take a quick peek in your pantry, and let's make sure we're all snacking safely!

For further information regarding the recall, kindly contact Calbee Australia via telephone at 1800 225 233 or through their official website at www.calbee.com.au. Also, you may access additional information by visiting the provided link here.

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Key Takeaways

• Calbee Australia's Harvest Snaps in the Vegemite flavour was recalled nationally from Coles stores due to incorrect allergen information.
• The recall only relates to the 200g size packet and those marked with best-before dates between 28 August and 29 August 2023.
• The product contains gluten which was not listed in the nutritional panel on the packaging.
• Consumers who have a gluten allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Foods that contain gluten include bread, pasta, crackers, baked goods, many grains, and several beverages and processed items. Credit: Pexels/Mariana Kurnyk.

If you have accidentally consumed a product that contains gluten and you have a gluten allergy, it is important to take the following steps as soon as possible:

Monitor your symptoms: Look out for any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Take antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve symptoms such as itching, hives, and rashes.

Drink plenty of water: This will help flush the gluten out of your system and keep you hydrated.

Contact your doctor: If you experience severe symptoms or if your symptoms persist for more than a few hours, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. They may recommend further treatment, such as a visit to the emergency room.

Avoid gluten-containing foods: To avoid further symptoms and to give your body time to recover, it is important to avoid gluten-containing foods for the next few days.

It's important to note that some people with a gluten allergy can have severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening emergency. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.

We hope this helps! It's also a timely reminder for everyone to always check the back of packet labels when grocery shopping. This includes looking closely at the ingredients and nutrition information and making sure you're aware of any potential allergens.

What are your thoughts, members? How vigilant are you when it comes to reading food labels? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Sooooo many recalls, my daughter eats these just not the Vegemite ones.
It's waiting to see what the next recall is

 

[Jennylolo]

I'm tired of labels of ingredients are so small you can't read them. I was stunned a few years ago when I learned Vegemite had wheat. So does liquorice. It's hidden in so many places. In fact I was told by naturopath recently chips/fries are sprinkled with wheat to make them crispier. And this week don't know what me read the hot roast chicken package- it has wheat. OMG it's in everything. And the chicken chart is small and often smudged, so have never picked it up before. My cat with IBS as well me have been eating it, could be why still have symptoms.

 

[Penny4]

I'm tired of labels of ingredients are so small you can't read them. I was stunned a few years ago when I learned Vegemite had wheat. So does liquorice. It's hidden in so many places. In fact I was told by naturopath recently chips/fries are sprinkled with wheat to make them crispier. And this week don't know what me read the hot roast chicken package- it has wheat. OMG it's in everything. And the chicken chart is small and often smudged, so have never picked it up before. My cat with IBS as well me have been eating it, could be why still have symptoms.

It's hard being celiac. My SIL is. Whole foods are always fine, it's the processed foods that you need to read the fine print. Not sure about you, but she really dislikes gluten free bread. Instead she likes gluten free crackers. Although I seem to recall you mentioned you have gluten sensitivity not celiac.

 

[Esma Rose]

I too am sick and tired of the small print on so many items. I now only have one eye & a magnifying glass handy in the kitchen because of the print being too small & the background colour is never crash hot . It is a nightmare. I am surely not the only one as I've been a maniacal reader for years. White on red packages are ok but when the print fades into the background there is no hope for even 2 eyes to read. It is high time for the people to complain MORE, or we'll be using a mag glass as jewellery for the standard kitchen.

 

[Jennylolo]

It's hard being celiac. My SIL is. Whole foods are always fine, it's the processed foods that you need to read the fine print. Not sure about you, but she really dislikes gluten free bread. Instead she likes gluten free crackers. Although I seem to recall you mentioned you have gluten sensitivity not celiac.

it is hard- I'm intolerant to gluten, wheat, (also from Spraying pre cropping, not just gluten) , dairy- casein protein so having lactose free really doesn't help, and soy. Whole foods as much as possible is basis of my diet. I have found tiptop "one"g/f bread and also Helga's seeded g'f are ok, but as toast.( Don't think any can be used as bread.) Every so often I can't do eggs. It is limiting, and to top it off I'm not really a food lover- never have been. Been off these products for 25 years plus, but it's surprising there is not always a choice, in cafe's/restaurants, friend's places etc, and of course the hidden. Suffer greatly with pain, cramping, nausea, etc which can last days at a time. It's decades of eating these things before gluten and lactose etc was even understood as a n issue and the damage was done.

 

[Penny4]

it is hard- I'm intolerant to gluten, wheat, (also from Spraying pre cropping, not just gluten) , dairy- casein protein so having lactose free really doesn't help, and soy. Whole foods as much as possible is basis of my diet. I have found tiptop "one"g/f bread and also Helga's seeded g'f are ok, but as toast.( Don't think any can be used as bread.) Every so often I can't do eggs. It is limiting, and to top it off I'm not really a food lover- never have been. Been off these products for 25 years plus, but it's surprising there is not always a choice, in cafe's/restaurants, friend's places etc, and of course the hidden. Suffer greatly with pain, cramping, nausea, etc which can last days at a time. It's decades of eating these things before gluten and lactose etc was even understood as a n issue and the damage was done.

It's very debilitating with bowel issues. Tiring as well. I've had lactose intolerance for years, but it was subtle until it became severe to ignore. I'm okay with lactose free dairy products. My SIL never dines out. There is only one place she can locally eat with a pizza place that prepares only gluten free bases for pizza, so no cross contamination. Bowel damage with a Celiac after being diagnosed (colonoscopy) is repaired by restricting gluten, then the bowel heals. Sorry to hear about your damage being done. By the way, she can eat Coles home brand potato gems - only that product, however as she tells me it might change next week so she reads the labels. Also, she has an App on her phone (food switch) that scans a product barcode at the supermarket that tells her if they are gluten free. Hope you are feeling a bit better.

 

[terri]

I feel for anyone who has dietary issues. But if you are not sure it is better to not purchase. The ingredients on the packets are so small it is hard and sometimes there are so many the packet would need to be huge. I suppose it is good they have picked this up but why miss it in the first place. Lots of wasted products.