Hamper Basket Recall Extended

A recent voluntary national recall of wood and cane hamper baskets by the importer, Glass Jar Pasta Company, was widened today on advice from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

The recall earlier this month of hamper baskets (product names ‘Coffee for Two’, ‘Tea for Two’, ‘Chocolate for Two’ and ‘Festive Delight’) that may contain larvae of exotic wood boring beetles sold by Target stores now extends to include a similar range of baskets sold by Target and by BIG W stores (listed below).

The voluntary recall follows extensive trace-back by AQIS and the importer to find other hamper baskets which may have been processed in China through the same facilities as the baskets recalled earlier this month.

The trace-back revealed that in total 21 varieties of basket hampers retailed through Target and

BIG W stores between October 2004 and January 2005 may be of quarantine interest.

At the time of the original recall of hamper baskets AQIS significantly stepped up physical inspections of consignments from the Chinese exporter. Subsequently, exports to Australia of product treated at the Chinese fumigation facility have been suspended.

The extended recall is a precautionary measure. It is not known to what extent hamper baskets retailed through Target and BIG W stores may contain exotic beetle larvae.

Glass Jar Pasta Company is asking people who bought the hampers listed for recall from late last year or early this year, to immediately place the basket (without the contents) in a secured plastic bag and:

• return the basket (without the contents) to a store of the retailer from which it was bought (Target, Target Country or BIG W) for a cash refund of $10 for the basket only

OR, if this is not possible

• treat the basket yourself by placing the bag and the basket (without the contents) in a freezer for 14 days (2 weeks)

OR

• burn the basket (without the contents) in a safe manner, observing any local fire restrictions and regulations.

The hampers affected by today’s extended recall are:

Target or Target Country

 ‘Festive Fun Picnic’ ‘Outdoor Celebration’

‘Seasonal Splendour’

BIG W

‘Festive Flair’ ‘Shining Star’

‘Seasonal Highlights’ ‘Festive Spirit’

‘Festive Fun’ ‘Grand Gourmet’

‘Decadent Delight’ ‘Festive Favourites’

‘Christmas Travels’ ‘Holiday Heaven’

‘Christmas Cheer’ ‘Three Bottle Basket’

‘Everyday Café Coffee for Two’ ‘Everyday Café Chocolate for Two’

Inquiries from members of the public about the recall of hamper baskets bought from:

BIG W stores should be directed to toll free number 1800 251 311

Target stores should be directed to toll free number 1800 814 788.

Media inquiries: 

Glass Jar Pasta Company - David Meyer, 0411 712 860

DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232