NZFSA investigates contaminated pea products

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is investigating how black nightshade berries got into some bags of frozen vegetables.

While it is very unlikely a person could eat enough to be at risk, the unripe green berries can be mildly toxic and should be avoided.

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) berries have been found in several packets of frozen vegetables. The plant is distinct from deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) which can be fatal but is rare in New Zealand.

NZFSA Director of Compliance Dr Geoff Allen says it is likely the contamination occurred when the berries were harvested with peas.

”This is a food quality issue. NZFSA is working with manufacturers to find out how many products are affected, and ensure their quality systems are improved to prevent the berries from ending up in food products again.”

Unripe black nightshade berries are similar in size, shape and colour to peas but have star-like scales (the calyx) where the berry originally connected to the stem. An easy way to tell a berry from a pea is by squashing it – a berry will reveal seeds.

Dr Allen says consumers should remove the berries from the food product or return it to their supplier. If a large number of berries are found, people should alert their local public health unit. People with health concerns should contact their doctor.

Under the Food Act, food sold must not contain any extraneous thing that would be unexpected and unreasonable in food of that description.

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For comment: Geoff Allen, Director (Compliance and Investigation) 029 894 2518

For information: Mandy Smith, Advisor (Media Communications), 029 894 2528