Tasti Issues Nationwide Recall for Smooshed Wholefood and Protein Balls After Metal Contamination Discovered
New Zealand-based snack manufacturer Tasti Products Limited has initiated a major nationwide recall of its popular Smooshed Wholefood and Protein Balls after multiple consumers reported finding pieces of metal inside the products. The recall affects multiple varieties and batch codes of the snack balls sold through major supermarkets and convenience stores across Australia, raising significant food safety concerns among health-conscious consumers who frequently purchase these products. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has issued an urgent alert warning consumers not to eat the affected products and to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The contamination was first identified through consumer complaints that prompted an immediate investigation by the manufacturer and regulatory authorities. According to the official recall notice published by NSW Food Authority, the affected products include multiple flavors of the Smooshed range with best-before dates ranging from 28 February 2026 to 10 March 2026. The company has identified the source of contamination as a faulty piece of manufacturing equipment that introduced metal fragments into the product during processing.
Scope of Recall and Affected Products
The comprehensive recall encompasses six different varieties of the popular snack balls, which are marketed as healthy, on-the-go nutrition options. The affected products include Smooshed Protein Balls in Chocolate Brownie, Peanut Butter, and Coconut Rough flavors, along with Smooshed Wholefood Balls in Apricot Bliss, Cacao Orange, and Berry Burst varieties. These products are distributed nationally through major retail chains including Woolworths, Coles, IGA, and independent food retailers, as well as various convenience stores and health food outlets.
Each recalled product is packaged in plastic tubs or pouches ranging from 120g to 350g, with prices typically between $4 and $12. The company has provided specific batch codes and best-before dates to help consumers identify whether their products are part of the recall. Retailers have been instructed to immediately remove all affected stock from shelves and display the recall notices prominently at point-of-sale locations to alert consumers who may have purchased the products recently.
“Consumers should not eat these products and should return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. The safety of our consumers is our highest priority, and we are taking this matter extremely seriously,” stated Tasti Products Limited in their official recall announcement.
The contamination was initially detected when several consumers reported finding sharp metal fragments in their products, with at least two cases involving minor mouth injuries. The metal pieces appear to be stainless steel fragments approximately 2-5mm in size, likely originating from processing equipment within the manufacturing facility. The company has temporarily suspended production at the affected facility while conducting a comprehensive audit of all equipment and implementing additional metal detection measures.
Food Safety Implications and Industry Response
This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in food manufacturing safety protocols and the potential risks associated with metal contamination in processed foods. Metal fragments in food products can pose serious health risks, including dental damage, internal lacerations, choking hazards, and in severe cases, internal injuries if sharp fragments are swallowed. Food safety experts emphasize that even small metal pieces can cause significant harm, particularly to children and vulnerable populations.
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of food safety practices within the snack manufacturing industry, particularly for companies producing products that are often marketed as healthier alternatives to traditional snacks. As reported by 7News, this is not the first food recall related to metal contamination in Australia, but it is among the most significant for the health snack category in recent years. The Australian Food and Grocery Council has indicated that it will be reviewing industry-wide safety protocols in response to this incident.
“Metal detection systems are standard in food manufacturing, but this incident demonstrates that continuous vigilance and equipment maintenance are essential. Consumers should always check recall notices, especially when they have purchased products that are consumed without further cooking or processing that might eliminate certain hazards,” advised a food safety expert familiar with manufacturing processes.
For Tasti Products Limited, this recall represents a significant challenge to brand reputation in an increasingly competitive healthy snack market. The company has built its reputation on producing quality, natural snack options, and this safety breach could undermine consumer confidence in their products. Industry analysts note that effective handling of such incidents, including transparent communication and demonstrable improvements to safety processes, can help companies recover from such events over time.
Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised to check the batch codes and best-before dates against the published recall information. Those who have consumed the products and experienced any health issues are encouraged to contact their healthcare providers and report their experiences to both the manufacturer and relevant food safety authorities. The company has established a dedicated customer service hotline and email address to handle inquiries related to the recall and refund process.
As the investigation continues, food regulators will be monitoring the company’s corrective actions and may conduct additional inspections before allowing production to resume. This incident serves as a reminder to all food manufacturers of the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and to consumers of the value of staying informed about product recalls that could affect their health and safety.
