Urgent recall issued after labelling mistake puts health-conscious Aussies at risk

By Danielle F.

Today at 12:06 PM
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Food and Lifestyle

Urgent recall issued after labelling mistake puts health-conscious Aussies at risk

By Danielle F.
Today at 12:06 PM

Screenshot 2025-10-31 at 9.02.57 am.png — A variety of protein bars could be a health risk to those with coeliac disease. Image Credit: Muscle Nation

Urgent recall issued after labelling mistake puts health-conscious Aussies at risk — A variety of protein bars could be a health risk to those with coeliac disease. Image Credit: Muscle Nation

When you're standing in the health food aisle at Coles or Woolworths, you expect the packaging to be truthful.

Unfortunately, that trust was recently broken when one of Australia's most popular snacks made a potentially dangerous labelling error.

Muscle Nation's Custard Protein Bar Cookies & Cream products have been recalled from Coles, Woolworths, and Amazon after Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) discovered incorrect claims that the bars were 'gluten-free'.

While the individual bar wrappers were correctly labelled, the misleading outer box could have serious consequences for anyone with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

The recall affects 60-gram Custard Protein Bar Cookies & Cream products with expiry dates of 12/08/26 and 12/09/26. Despite the outer packaging displaying 'gluten-free' claims, gluten was actually found in the bars, creating a potentially dangerous situation for consumers.

The Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bars come in 12s, but the outer boxes have a labelling error. Image Credit: Muscle Nation

Why this matters for your health

Roughly 1 in 70 Australians live with coeliac disease, which means consuming gluten isn't just uncomfortable—it can cause severe intestinal damage.

Seniors with coeliac disease may be particularly vulnerable to complications, as their bodies may take longer to recover from accidental gluten exposure.

The food safety watchdog has advised that 'any consumer concerned about their health should seek medical advice', emphasising the seriousness of the situation.

This isn't an isolated incident in the protein bar industry. Recent months have seen multiple recalls, including Canadian company Nutrabolics removing vegan protein bars due to undeclared milk allergens.

Another popular bar brand, NuGo, also recalled popular varieties of their snacks due to similar issues.

In late 2023 and early 2024, Quaker Oats recalled granola bars and Gatorade protein bars across multiple countries due to potential Salmonella contamination, highlighting the widespread nature of these safety issues.

For Australian consumers, Muscle Nation protein bars are widely available at Coles Supermarkets and Chemist Warehouse stores across Australia, making them easily accessible to millions of shoppers.

Smart shopping tips for protein products

Given the recent recalls, here are some practical steps to protect yourself when buying protein bars and similar products:

Check multiple labels: Don't rely solely on front-of-pack claims. Always read the ingredient list and allergen information, even if the front says 'gluten-free' or 'dairy-free'.
Know the brand's track record: Muscle Nation makes gluten-free products, such as their Caramel and Zesty Lemon Cheesecake Protein Bars. However, their Strawberry Dream variant contains gluten. This illustrates the importance of proper labelling.
Store receipts: Keep receipts for protein bars and supplements, as recalls in this category are on the rise.
Stay informed: Sign up for recall alerts from Food Standards Australia New Zealand to get immediate notifications about product safety issues.

A growing trend in food recalls

Food safety watchdogs are increasingly finding products labelled as gluten-free that actually contain gluten-containing ingredients, such as malt vinegar or malt syrup. This suggests the problem may be more widespread than individual company errors.

The protein bar market has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly among health-conscious consumers and older adults seeking to maintain muscle mass. However, this rapid growth may have outpaced quality control measures at some manufacturers.

Muscle Nation manufactures most of its products in Australia in facilities certified for current Good Manufacturing Practice and HACCP food safety standards. Despite these certifications, this recall demonstrates that even established companies can make serious labelling errors.

The company has not yet issued a public statement about how this error occurred or what steps they're taking to prevent future incidents. For customers seeking more information about the recall and next steps, they can visit the company's website directly.

What to do if you bought the Muscle Nation Custard Protein Bar Cookies

Check the product's expiry dates. The recalled batches have an expiration date between 12/08/26 or 12/09/26

Don't consume them if you have any gluten sensitivity

Return the product to where you purchased it for a full refund

Seek medical advice if you've already consumed the product and have concerns

For many older Australians managing health conditions, accurate food labelling isn't just convenient—it's essential. Whether dealing with diabetes, coeliac disease, or other dietary restrictions, misleading packaging can have serious health consequences.

This recall serves as a reminder that even when shopping at trusted retailers like Coles and Woolworths, vigilance is still required.

Consumers who purchased the affected bars are encouraged to return them to their place of purchase for a full refund, regardless of whether they've been opened or consumed.

Have you recently encountered misleading food labelling, or do you have tips for spotting potential labelling errors? Share your experiences in the comments below—your insights could help fellow readers stay safe while shopping.

Primary source

Massively popular protein bars pulled from shelves over branding

www.9news.com.au

7 Massive Protein Bar Recalls That Hit America

Cited text: 'In September 2024, Canadian sports nutrition company Nutrabolics removed all four flavors of its FEED ME Vegan protein bars from the market due to und...'

Excerpt: This isn't an isolated incident in the protein bar industry. Recent months have seen multiple recalls, including Canadian company Nutrabolics removing vegan protein bars due to undeclared milk allergens.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/7-massive-protein-bar-recalls-182547181.html

Product Alerts and Recalls—National Celiac Association

Cited text: 'Gluten Free Watchdog issued a product alert for this product that is labeled gluten free but lists “malt vinegar (from barley)” in the ingredients.'

Excerpt: Food safety watchdogs are increasingly finding products labelled as gluten-free that actually contain gluten-containing ingredients, such as malt vinegar or malt syrup. This suggests the problem may be more widespread than individual company errors.

Product Alerts and Recalls - National Celiac Association

Stay informed! Burritos, turkey breast, breakfast biscuits, snack mixes bundt cakes, granola, and beef tips are among the recent product recalls and alerts.

nationalceliac.org

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