18 February 2025

Don’t consume raw fruit juice from OFB, advises NZ Food Safety

New Zealand Food Safety is advising people not to consume raw fruit juice from Our Fruit Box or OFB due to potential safety risk, and is directing a recall of all their products.

The recall announcement was made today (Thursday) by Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle.

“This raw fruit juice presents a food safety risk because it has not been through the required checks and balances to make sure it is safe to consume,” says Arbuckle.

All raw fruit juices from Our Fruit Box have been recalled for safety concerns

The recalled raw juice has limited identifying labelling or branding and may be sold in 20 litre plastic containers labelled ‘OFB’ and in unlabelled bottles of different shapes and sizes.

“The company making these juices has not been registered under the Food Act, so consumers cannot be certain that risks have been properly identified and managed.

“The product is a raw fruit juice and for that reason food safety controls are crucial. Without proper controls during processing of food, pathogens can enter the product.

“Pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), SalmonellaCryptosporidium and norovirus can be present in the juice, making it unsafe to consume, particularly for people who are young, older, pregnant or with weakened immune systems.

“If you have bought this product – either labelled OFB or Our Fruit Box, or with limited or no identifying labelling or branding – do not consume it and throw it out,” Arbuckle said.

The raw fruit juice has been available for sale through informal sellers, door-to-door through businesses, local markets and online on their website, www.ofb.nz

Company’s website does not have any details about its location, or who they are.

There have been no reports of associated illness to date, according to NZ Food Safety.

If you have consumed this product and have any health concerns, seek medical advice. Contact your health professional or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16.

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