Egypt-sourced pomegranate recalled in Australia amid fears of Hepatitis A contamination

An Australian food firm has recalled a batch of its Creative Gourmet Frozen Pomegranate product – containing fruit sourced in Egypt – due to potential Hepatitis A contamination.

Entyce Food Ingredients is conducting a precautionary recall of the product, which was available for sale in Coles Supermarkets nationwide

According to regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) food products contaminated with Hepatitis A may cause illness if consumed.

Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice,” it said. “Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Entyce has previously recalled the same produce twice before, in 2015 and 2018. In those cases, the berries were imported from China.

The firm stressed it was a precautionary recall.

Small batch

“We have actioned a precautionary recall of a relatively small batch of Creative Gourmet Frozen Pomegranate 180g sold only through Coles supermarkets. All Creative Gourmet Pomegranate best before dates up to and including 21/03/20 are being recalled,” it said.

It added that all product tested to date has been cleared and has not revealed a link to Hepatitis A, “but the health and safety of our consumers is of paramount importance.”

“Recognising any concern that may exist in the community, we are exercising abundant caution by activating this voluntary recall immediately.

“Consumers can be confident that the recalled product Creative Gourmet Frozen Pomegranate Arils 180g is an isolated one and no other Creative Gourmet products are affected. We would ask you to return the pack to Coles for a full refund.”

The firm has been supplying frozen fruit products for 36 years.

It’s website states: “More recently, Creative Gourmet has unleashed its own creative flair with a range of products to help and make your life simpler, carrying through its strong values of using only the best ingredients with no hidden nasties.”