Pams Chicken Nuggets Recall: Blue Rubber Fragments Found in Products Sold in New Zealand

On February 18, 2025, a significant food recall was issued for Pams Chicken Nuggets in New Zealand, after blue rubber fragments were discovered in the product. The recall was initiated by the New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS), which is working alongside Foodstuffs Own Brands to address the issue and ensure the safety of consumers.

Details of the Recall

The affected product is Pams Tempura Chicken Nuggets, sold in 1 kg packages, with an expiration date of October 16, 2025. The issue was discovered when blue rubber fragments were found within the product, raising serious health and safety concerns. Although no injuries have been reported, the fragments could pose a potential choking hazard or cause other health issues if consumed.

The recalled products were distributed to supermarkets nationwide across New Zealand, including:

• Four Square

• Gilmours

• New World

• Pak’nSave

• Social Supermarket

Consumer Guidance

In response to the recall, Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, issued an urgent warning to consumers. He advised that the affected products should not be consumed and recommended that consumers return the product to the store from which it was purchased for a full refund. For those who are unable to return the items, it was suggested that the products be discarded.

Post-Recall Actions

New Zealand Food Safety has stated that it will collaborate with Foodstuffs Own Brands to investigate how this contamination occurred and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent a similar situation from happening again in the future.

Impact on Health and Safety

Food recalls are a critical component of maintaining consumer safety, and this incident highlights the importance of regularly checking expiration dates and recall notices when purchasing food. While this recall is limited to New Zealand, consumers in other regions, including the United States, should be aware that no such issues have been reported with products sold outside New Zealand.

In the past, other chicken products in the U.S. have faced recalls, such as Perdue Foods, which has issued recalls for chicken nuggets and tenders due to various issues. However, the Pams Chicken Nuggets recall is unrelated to any U.S. food safety events.

Conclusion

Consumers who purchased the affected Pams Chicken Nuggets are urged to check the product's packaging for the expiration date and take appropriate action immediately. The recall serves as a reminder for all consumers to stay informed about product recalls and to act quickly to protect their health. New Zealand authorities are working diligently to ensure that the cause of the contamination is fully understood, and similar incidents are avoided in the future.