Coasties, a recent food safety recall might affect a product in your pantry. New Zealand Food Safety is working with Tokyo Foods to recall several seaweed products sold nationwide, due to elevated levels of arsenic.

The seaweed in question contains a variety known as hijiki, which naturally absorbs higher levels of inorganic arsenic.

According to Vincent Arbuckle, New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general, “The concern with these products is that they could have inorganic arsenic at levels that could make you sick. They should not be eaten. Return them to where you bought them for a refund or throw them out.”

The products being recalled are sold in smaller retailers across New Zealand. They include:

• Wako Shokai brand Dried Seaweed (Kome Hijiki) 30g
• Wako Shokai brand Roasted Seaweed (Hijiki) 25g
• Yamanaka Foods brand Dried Seaweed (Mekabu) 15g
• Ichibiki brand Hijiki Seaweed / Seasoned Vegetable 70g

The recall covers all batches and dates of these items. Mr Arbuckle also clarified, “Hijiki seaweed is not used in sushi products or as a seaweed wrap. It is usually sold in a dried, shredded form and rehydrated before eating.”

Although no illnesses have been reported, consumption of hijiki seaweed with elevated arsenic levels can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, typically within an hour of ingestion.

If you’ve eaten any of these products and are feeling unwell, it’s recommended to seek medical advice.

Healthline is available for free advice at 0800 61 11 16.

New Zealand Food Safety is investigating the source of the contamination alongside Tokyo Foods to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Mr Arbuckle reassured the public, saying, “The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.”