NZ Muscle recalls creatine products over allergen risk

NZ Muscle has recalled multiple products due to the possible presence of an undeclared allergen.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has issued a recall for two creatine products sold by the New Zealand supplement brand at retailers across the country, due to possible contamination with milk.

"If you have an allergy or intolerance to milk and have purchased these products, please do not consume them. If you have consumed these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice," the notice reads.

"Consumers with a milk allergy or intolerance should return the products to the store for a full refund. If you are not allergic or intolerant to milk, this recall does not affect you."

The affected products include NZ Muscle Creatine (Unflavoured) and No Brand Creatine Monohydrate.

NZ Muscle

• NZ Muscle Creatine (Unflavoured) (200g) – Best before: JUN27

• NZ Muscle Creatine (Unflavoured) (500g) – Best before: JUN27

• NZ Muscle Creatine (Unflavoured) (1kg) – Best before: JUN27

No Brand

• No Brand Creatine Monohydrate (200g) – Best before: JUN27

• No Brand Creatine Monohydrate (500g) – Best before: JUN27

• No Brand Creatine Monohydrate (1kg) – Best before: JUN27

The products were sold through a selection of retailers across New Zealand, as well as NZ Muscle's online store.

The recall comes just days after the supplement brand issued an apology following an internal review that identified labelling and packing issues across multiple products.

Those products included items from the No Brand, NZ Muscle and Shotgun Creatine ranges.

"Non-compliant packing was identified across No Brand Isolate, No Brand Whey Plus, No Brand creatine products, NZ Muscle Creatine, and Shotgun Creatine," a statement from the brand on June 22 read.

"Affected creatine products have been removed from sale across online and retail shops. No Brand Whey Plus and No Brand Isolate products that were relabelled inappropriately have been removed from sale."

NZ Muscle apologises for these issues and invites affected customers to request refunds directly.

Following an independent investigation that made a number of serious allegations against the well-known supplement brand, New Zealand Food Safety confirmed it is also conducting its own investigation.

NZFS told RNZ that officers had been speaking with complainants on Tuesday, June 23, as part of its inquiry.

"NZFS is investigating claims of breaches of the Food Act 2014 made in a recent YouTube video," acting deputy director-general Mike Inglis told the outlet.

At this stage, NZFS has not clarified which specific allegations it is investigating.