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Vitamin K in Anlene milk and yoghurt – warning to people taking Warfarin

2 August 2006

MEDIA STATEMENT

This statement is made under section 37 of the Food Act 1981 by the Director (New Zealand Standards), NZFSA under delegated authority.

It is protected by qualified privilege.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is warning people who are taking the blood thinning drug Warfarin (trade names ‘Coumadin’ and ‘Marevan’) not to consume Anlene milk or yoghurt unless they consult their GP or medical specialist.

The product Anlene contains levels of vitamin K which for most consumers will not lead to any health risks. But for those in our population who are taking the blood thinning drug Warfarin there could be significant health risks associated with the level of Vitamin K that the Anlene products contain.

Anlene is sold as dietary supplements in New Zealand and come as:

• a milk drink in 1 litre cartons

• a milk drink in 2 litre bottles

• yoghurt in 450g or 150g pottles.

Anlene labels are green and white with red branding and are displayed in chillers where dairy products are sold.

The warning comes after a risk assessment of vitamin K on consumer health conducted by NZFSA indicates that the levels of vitamin K in the Anlene product could interfere with the efficacy of the drug Warfarin.

NZFSA has asked the product’s manufacturer to place a warning statement on the label of all Anlene products informing those taking the blood thinning medication Warfarin not to consume Anlene products without consulting their GP or medical specialist.

For further information on vitamin K and Warfarin see NZFSA’s website: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food-safety-topics/chemicals-in-food/vitamin-k/index.htm

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For further comment contact: Jenny Reid on (04) 463 2582 or 029 200 7241.

This statement is made under section 37 of the Food Act 1981 by the Director (New Zealand Standards), NZFSA under delegated authority. It is protected by qualified privilege.

Signed by: Tim Knox, Director, (New Zealand Food Standards), New Zealand food Safety Authority.