Monday, March 1, 2010

In December 2009 Spiral Foods, the distributors of Bonsoy in Australia, initiated an immediate and voluntary recall of Bonsoy milk after being notified of elevated levels of iodine in the product.

Spiral Foods co-operated fully with health authorities and worked with its distributors to immediately remove Bonsoy from the shelves.

Bonsoy has now isolated the source of the iodine, which is naturally occurring in kombu, a seaweed which was an ingredient of Bonsoy.  The producers of Bonsoy are currently reformulating the product, which involves the removal of kombu. While kombu has recognised health benefits (http://www.kurakonusa.com/), Spiral Foods is taking this step to eliminate any future issues.

Spiral Foods is committed to the highest standard of product quality and has taken this situation extremely seriously.

Spiral has been at the forefront of quality natural/gourmet foods for nearly 30 years and we pride ourselves in our products. Spiral Foods is also subject to all Australian health and food safety regulatory testing.

Thank you to those who have contacted Spiral Foods showing your support, we will be bringing back Bonsoy (reformulated) to our loyal customers very soon.

Spiral Foods is deeply concerned by this situation and appreciates your patience in this matter.  

ENDS

VOLUNTARY RECALL

22 December - Bonsoy was made aware of a potential issue via an email from a customer who suggested customers be made aware of the levels of iodine

23 December - Victoria Health advises it had tested the product and found elevated levels of iodine

24 December - Within 12 hours of Victoria Health's notification, Spiral Foods undertook a full voluntary recall of Bonsoy. This included:

• Recall notices in all major national newspapers
• Notification to retailers to remove all Bonsoy products
• Product returned or collected by Bonsoy where requested
• Full co-operation with health authorities who notified medical professionals

 More information can be found at www.foodstandards.gov.au

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Carey

Spiral Foods