Food recall: Supermarket shelves stripped after Bajaria Global coconut product contaminated with hepatitis A

Supermarket shelves are being stripped and an urgent recall has been issued after a frozen food product was found to be contaminated with Hepatitis A.

Consumers have been urged not to eat Fresh ‘N’ Frozen Favour-ita Grated Coconut and instead return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

“Food products contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may cause illness if consumed,” a statement by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand reads.

“Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.”

Bajaria Global, trading as The Spice Merchants, is conducting the recall for the products which have been available for sale in independent retail stores in WA.

The recall affects products with a date marking of July 2028, batch number Fl-08-25.

Hepatitis A is a notifiable viral infection that affects the liver, according to HealthDirect.

“Most infections are caused from consuming contaminated food or water. The illness usually lasts a few weeks, and most people make a full recovery.”

Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay coloured poo and jaundice. A blood test is required to diagnose Hepatitis but there is no medicine that can treat it.

Instead, Health Direct recommends patients rest, drink fluids and eat a healthy diet.

The health scare comes a day after FSANZ issued a recall for Aldi’s Hillcrest Bubble bars after rubber pieces were found in the product.

The 132-gram bars are sold at Aldi stores across Australia.

The choc rainbow, birthday cake and choc chip flavours with a best before date of September 8, 2026 have all been recalled.

For more information about the The Spice Merchant’s grated coconut recall, contact (08) 9204 4225 or kash@thespicemerchants.com.au