Introduction: A Shocking Recall in New Zealand
A major food safety recall has been issued for Pams Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets (1kg) due to possible contamination with blue rubber pieces. New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) announced the recall on February 18, 2025, advising consumers to stop consuming the product immediately and return it for a full refund.
This urgent recall has raised concerns among parents, health-conscious consumers, and food safety advocates. With nationwide distribution across Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak’nSave, and Social Supermarket, this recall affects thousands of households across New Zealand.
1. Why Are Pams Chicken Nuggets Being Recalled?
The recall was initiated after a customer complaint led to the discovery of small pieces of blue rubber inside the nuggets. While no injuries or illnesses have been reported so far, the presence of foreign objects in food poses a serious choking hazard, especially for children.
According to Foodstuffs Own Brands, which distributes Pams products, the contamination likely occurred during the manufacturing or packaging process. NZFS is actively investigating the source of the contamination and working to prevent future occurrences.
2. Which Pams Products Are Affected?
The specific product being recalled is:
- Brand: Pams
- Product Name: Tempura Coated Chicken Nuggets
- Size: 1kg
- Best Before Date: October 16, 2025
- Batch Code: (Check packaging for affected codes)
- Retailers: Sold at Four Square, Gilmours, New World, Pak’nSave, and Social Supermarket
Consumers should check their freezers immediately to see if they have the recalled product.
3. What Are the Risks of Consuming Contaminated Nuggets?
Potential Health Risks
Eating contaminated food can lead to serious health issues, including:
✅ Choking hazards – Small rubber pieces could get lodged in the throat, posing a risk, especially to children.
✅ Digestive issues – If swallowed, rubber can cause stomach discomfort or internal blockages.
✅ Infection risks – Depending on the source of contamination, bacteria may also be a concern.
Who Is Most at Risk?
👶 Children – Chicken nuggets are a common kids’ meal, making this recall especially concerning for parents.
👵 Elderly individuals – Those with difficulty chewing or swallowing could face greater risks.
🤰 Pregnant women – Food contamination can lead to digestive issues and potential complications.
4. What Should Consumers Do Now?
Immediate Actions to Take
🚫 Do NOT consume the nuggets
📦 Check your freezer for the recalled product
🔁 Return the product to the store for a full refund
📞 Contact NZFS or Foodstuffs Own Brands for more information
NZFS has assured consumers that other Pams products are safe, and the recall only applies to the affected batch.
5. How to Spot Contaminated Chicken Nuggets?
If you have already cooked Pams chicken nuggets, check for:
- Unusual texture or hardness when chewing
- Visible blue rubber pieces inside the nuggets
- Strange taste or smell
If you suspect contamination, stop eating immediately and report it to food safety authorities.
6. What Steps Are Authorities Taking?
New Zealand Food Safety’s Investigation
NZFS is currently:
🔍 Conducting a thorough investigation into the contamination source
🏭 Working with manufacturers to ensure quality control measures are strengthened
⚠️ Advising retailers to remove the affected products from shelves immediately
Food safety experts say this incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and monitoring in food production facilities.
7. The Growing Problem of Food Contamination in Processed Foods
This recall is just one of many recent food safety issues worldwide.
Some major chicken nugget recalls in recent years include:
🚨 Perdue Chicken Nuggets Recall (2024) – 167,000 pounds recalled due to metal wire contamination
🚨 Tyson Chicken Recall (2023) – Millions of pounds of nuggets recalled for plastic contamination
🚨 McDonald’s Recall (2022) – Chicken nuggets in Japan contained unexpected foreign objects
These incidents raise concerns about food processing quality control and the safety of processed frozen foods.
8. How Can You Protect Yourself from Contaminated Foods?
Food Safety Tips for Consumers
✅ Always check recall alerts before purchasing packaged foods
✅ Inspect frozen foods for any unusual texture, color, or smell before cooking
✅ Cook food thoroughly to eliminate any possible bacterial contamination
✅ Report any strange foreign objects in food to food safety authorities immediately
9. How Will This Impact Pams’ Brand Reputation?
Pams has been a trusted New Zealand brand for years, but this recall could damage consumer confidence.
🚨 Consumers may switch to other brands for frozen chicken products
🚨 Retailers might reconsider their partnership with Pams if further issues arise
🚨 More quality checks and food safety audits may be required before future product launches
While Pams and Foodstuffs Own Brands are taking responsibility, it will take time for trust to be fully restored.
10. Final Thoughts: What Happens Next?
🔹 The recalled nuggets have been removed from stores, but consumers should still check their freezers.
🔹 NZFS continues to investigate and ensure better food safety measures moving forward.
🔹 More transparency and quality checks are needed in food processing to avoid future contamination issues.
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💬 What do you think about this recall? Have you ever found something unusual in packaged food? Share your experiences below!
