With the popularity of Asian cuisine and other international flavours in Australia, food producers have been introducing unique and interesting foods to the market in order to meet the ever-changing demand.

Unfortunately, however, with increased production comes increased risks for mistakes and cross-contamination and even labelling mix-ups. One popular noodle product has recently been found to be dangerous and potentially life-threatening after a mislabelling issue.

Food Standards Australia issued the urgent recall order on Saturday, February 25th, for Shaanxi Cold Noodle due to the possible presence of peanuts (an undeclared allergen).

According to Food Standards Australia, Shaanxi Cold Noodles pose a safety risk to consumers. Credit: Food Standards Australia

Based on the statement released by the government agency, Sammi (Aust) Pty Ltd – the importer of the cold noodles brand – is conducting a recall of the 186g Cold Noodle plus seasoning variety. The affected products have a best-before date of July 11, 2023.

This recall is due to the presence of an undeclared allergen: peanuts.

According to the statement, this undeclared allergen poses a food safety hazard for any consumer who has a peanut allergy or an intolerance. Peanut allergies are one of the most common causes of severe allergy attacks. Anyone affected by this, even consuming the tiniest amount, can undergo a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of a peanut allergy may include:

• Skin reactions, such as hives, redness or swelling
• Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
• Digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Tightening of the throat
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Runny nose

People with peanut allergies are put at risk when products are not properly labelled. Credit: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Symptoms of a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis) include:

• Constriction of airways
• Swelling of the throat that makes it difficult to breathe
• A severe drop in blood pressure (shock)
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness, light-headedness or loss of consciousness

Food-induced anaphylaxis requires emergency treatment with an epinephrine (also known as the adrenaline hormone) autoinjector and a trip to the emergency room.

Based on the food recall announcement, this product has been available for sale at Asian supermarkets in New South Wales, ACT, and Victoria.

‘Consumers who have a peanut allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund,’ the statement read.

More information can be found by contacting Sammi (Aust) Pty Ltd at (02) 973-479-53, or by submitting an enquiry form through their website.

Watch out for these signs and symptoms. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club

For more food recall announcements, check out Food Standards Australia’s notice board here.

Key Takeaways

• Food Standards Australia issued an urgent recall due to the possible presence of peanuts in a popular Chinese noodle product.
• Shaanxi Cold Noodle, a 186g package containing noodles and seasoning, is being recalled due to the presence of an undeclared peanut allergen.
• Consumers who have a peanut allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
• The recall applies only to packets with a best-before date of July 11, 2023, and is available for sale in Asian supermarkets in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT.

Here at the SDC, we urge all members who've purchased this product to follow the instructions of the recall for their own safety. If you're unsure about any foods you've eaten, be sure to take them seriously and get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.

 

[Petra]

I don't eat this crap anyways, and I don't have a peanut allergy.