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Helpline hours extended

2 May 2003

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority is extending the hours of operation of its dietary supplements helpline.

The helpline 0800 NZFSA1 (0800 693 721) will be operating from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week until further notice. Operators will be able to answer any questions people may have about dietary supplements in the wake of the Pan Pharmaceuticals issue, including whether their products have been recalled.

"Our operators have the latest information available and will be able to answer questions people may have about dietary supplements they may be taking," NZFSA Director of Policy and Regulatory Standards Carole Inkster said.

"Minister for Food Safety, Annette King, yesterday recalled 449 products manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals. That recall notice will be published in daily newspapers at the weekend. More products are being recalled in Australia and as soon as we can we will take action."

"We are expecting to receive later this afternoon from the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA) a list of products sold in New Zealand that are manufactured by Pan Pharmaceuticals. The NNFA represents companies that sell 70 to 80 percent of dietary supplement products on the market. "

"This is the biggest recall of any product in Australia and New Zealand. However it's important to note that not all dietary supplements available in New Zealand are implicated in the Pan Pharmaceuticals recall."

The latest list of products being recalled in Australia is available on our website www.nzfsa.govt.nz.

Ends

For more information contact Sharon Williams, Senior Communications Advisor, NZFSA 04 463 2528 or 021 1936405