New Zealand Food Safety has advised consumers not to buy seaweed tonic sold in a glass bottle labelled “NZ Focuidan” or in an unlabelled bottle.
Though no reports of associated illness have been received, the regulator says the product is not registered under the Food Act.
Seaweed can contain chemical hazards such as inorganic arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury and the product in question has been available for sale through informal sellers and local markets.
“The tonic presents a concerning food safety risk because it has not been through the required checks and balances to make sure it is safe to consume,” said New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general, Vincent Arbuckle.
“NZ Focuidan is made with seaweed, which can be high in iodine. Without proper controls, treatments and dosage information, iodine can be dangerous, particularly to those with thyroid conditions.”
He added the product also makes “concerning prohibited therapeutic claims” and consumers should not be misled by them.
If the product has been consumed or has any health concerns, consumers are advised to seek medical help immediately.
