This action follows an announcement on 2/6 by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Agency (FSANZ) regarding a recall for Allen's iNSiDE OUTS 130g candy. The affected products have an expiry date of 30/6/2027 and belong to batch codes: 6072T941, 6073T941, 6074T941, 6075T941, 6085T941, 6086T941, 6088T941. The recall was initiated after plastic fragments were detected in certain batches.

This popular candy is widely available in major Australian supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, as well as independent stores such as IGA, convenience stores, and petrol stations. FSANZ warned that consuming the product could pose a risk of injury, depending on the size and extent of contamination. Consumers are advised not to use affected products, to return them to the point of purchase for a refund, and to contact medical facilities if any unusual symptoms or health concerns arise.

According to the manufacturer, the incident stemmed from equipment malfunction at a contract manufacturing unit, which may have led to small plastic pieces detaching during production. Nestle, the owner of the Allen's brand, stated that only a small quantity of products was affected. While the company assessed the risk to consumers as low, it initiated a broad recall as a safety precaution.

The recalled candy due to plastic foreign objects. *Photo: Food Safety Authority*

The mentioned product might be present in the Vietnamese market through "hand-carry" channels or sold on e-commerce platforms. To ensure public safety, the Food Safety Authority (Ministry of Health) has requested the E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the unit responsible for managing candy products, to promptly notify e-commerce platforms and selling websites to inspect. Store owners and distributors must immediately cease trading the specified product batches if they are circulating in Vietnam.

In a separate incident, on 4/6, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) also announced the recall of two health supplements: Nature's Own Glucosamine Sulfate with Chondroitin, 320 capsules, batch number 1662937, expiry date 4/2028; and Nature's Own Magnesium Glycinate 1150 mg, 300 capsules, batch number 1665576, expiry date 4/2028. This recall was due to the risk of glass fragments found in the bottles.

The TGA clarified that the glass fragments are within the product bottles, not the actual pills. However, users of products from the affected batches could face harm if they come into contact with the fragments. This recall is precautionary, aimed at ensuring product safety and minimizing potential risks to consumers.

Le Nga