A popular frozen breakfast item has been pulled from supermarket shelves across New Zealand after potential contamination was detected. Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd has issued a recall of a specific batch of Pams brand Mini Hash Browns (750g), warning consumers that the product may contain foreign matter—specifically, hard plastic fragments.
The recall, announced on October 3, 2025, affects Pams Mini Hash Browns with the best before date of 1 September 2027. The product is sold in 750g plastic bags at Four Square, New World, and Pak’n Save supermarkets nationwide. Authorities have confirmed that no other Pams brand products are impacted, and the affected batch has not been exported.
The recall was triggered after internal quality checks indicated the possible presence of hard plastic pieces within some packages. While there have been no reported injuries or illnesses to date, ingestion of hard plastic can pose serious health hazards.
Consuming food contaminated with hard plastic carries risks such as:
Consumers who have already eaten the affected product and experience pain, bleeding, or discomfort should seek medical advice immediately.
Customers are urged to check the date marking on any Pams Mini Hash Browns they have at home. Products with the best before date of 1/09/2027 should not be consumed. Affected packs can be returned to the retailer for a full refund, even without a receipt.
Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd has confirmed its cooperation with New Zealand Food Safety to ensure the removal of all affected stock and the display of point-of-sale notices in all retail outlets for a minimum of one month.
In a statement, Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd emphasized that the safety and quality of its products remain a top priority. The company is currently reviewing its production and packaging processes to prevent recurrence.
For further details, consumers can contact Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd at 0800 245 114.