Wholefood Supplement Faces Recall: Find Out What’s Causing Concern

"Recall" stamp over blurred grocery store shelves.

Waitrose recalls ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement due to potential contamination with stones and metal fragments, raising serious safety concerns.

At a Glance

  • Waitrose recalls ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement due to contamination risks
  • Affected batches have a ‘best before date’ of September 30, 2025
  • Customers advised to return the product for a full refund
  • Contamination poses choking and internal injury risks
  • Food Standards Agency issues warning about the recall

Waitrose Recalls ZOE Daily30+ Supplement

Waitrose, a prominent UK supermarket chain, has issued a recall for the ZOE Daily30+ Wholefood Supplement due to potential contamination with small stones and metal fragments. This recall affects batches with a ‘best before date’ of September 30, 2025, and specific batch codes: 24266A, 24267A, and 24270A. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning about the recall, emphasizing the serious safety concerns associated with consuming these products.

“The possible presence of stones and metal makes this product unsafe to eat.” – the food watchdog

The ZOE Daily30+ supplement, developed by Professor Tim Spector, is designed to enhance gut health by incorporating over 30 plants into the diet. It’s a plant-based, wholefood supplement containing nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes, marketed as high in fiber, a source of plant protein and omega-3s, and rich in copper. Despite its intended health benefits, the potential contamination poses significant risks to consumers.

Health Risks and Consumer Action

Swallowing sharp objects like metal fragments or small stones can cause severe internal injuries and pose choking risks. Given these dangers, consumers are strongly advised not to consume the product if purchased. Instead, they should return it to their local Waitrose branch for a full refund. For more information, customers can contact Waitrose Customer Care at 0800 188 884, Option 4.

“If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead return it to your local Waitrose branch for a full refund. For more information contact Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884, Option 4.” – The Food Standards Agency

This recall is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents in the food and supplement industry. Recent recalls by other retailers like Marks & Spencer and Costa due to metal and stone contamination underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining product safety across the supply chain.

ZOE Nutrition and Personalized Health Approach

ZOE Nutrition, co-founded by Professor Tim Spector, offers personalized nutrition programs based on gut microbiome testing, blood sugar, and blood fat responses. The company promotes a tailored approach to nutrition, moving away from one-size-fits-all diets. Professor Spector, a renowned epidemiologist and author known for his research in gut microbiome science and personalized nutrition, also led the ZOE COVID Symptom Study during the pandemic.

While the recall is a setback for the brand, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to consumer safety by taking swift action in cooperation with regulatory authorities. The FSA’s involvement in publicizing the recall highlights the importance of transparency and prompt communication in food safety incidents.

Broader Implications for Food Safety

This recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring food and supplement safety. It underscores the need for rigorous quality control measures throughout the production and distribution process. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and to follow safety guidelines provided by regulatory agencies and manufacturers.

As the investigation into the contamination source continues, this incident may lead to enhanced safety protocols in the supplement industry. It also highlights the importance of consumer vigilance and the role of regulatory bodies in protecting public health through swift action and clear communication in the event of safety concerns.

Sources:

  1. Waitrose recalls ZOE food supplement as it may have small stones and metal – see full warning
  2. Tim Spector’s ZOE Nutrition recalls superfood that could be dangerous