Metal found in mixed berries ‘not needles’

Metal found in some frozen mixed berries has ‘‘nothing to do with needles’’ and is suspected to be from a conveyor belt, a Ministry for Primary Industries spokeswoman says.

No deliberate contamination was involved in the recall of a specific batch of Fruzio brand mixed berries from Nelsonbased FSL Foods Ltd, the spokeswoman said. The recall comes after needles were found in some Australian strawberries during September in several Australian states and in Auckland.

On Friday, MPI said the FSL recall was because ‘‘the product may contain foreign matter (metal)’’.

A spokesman for FSL said the company was reviewing its processes. The incident was related to a mechanical breakdown that affected one batch of berries only, and the machinery had been fixed, he said. Distribution of the affected batch had been traced, and it all went to North Island stores.

‘‘This does not affect the South Island,’’ the FSL Foods spokesman said.

The berries were sold in New World and Pak’nSave supermarkets, as well as Gilmours stores in the North Island.

In the recall notice, MPI says if people have bought the berries, they should check the date mark on the back of the product.

‘‘There have been no reports of injury, however, if you have consumed any of this product and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.’’