Written by: Swikblog News Desk
Smartfoods Limited has pulled popular Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs off Coles shelves nationwide after plastic was found in multiple batches, prompting a trans-Tasman safety alert.
Shoppers across Australia are being urged to check their pantry immediately after Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs sold at Coles supermarkets and online were urgently recalled due to the presence of plastic inside the product.
The recall, initiated by manufacturer Smartfoods Limited, affects specific batches of the brand’s popular Hazelnut and Raspberry flavours and follows similar warnings already issued in New Zealand. Food authorities say eating the affected snacks could cause illness or injury.
Which Tom & Luke Snackaballs are affected?
The recall covers the following products sold at Coles stores nationally and on Coles Online:
- Brand: Tom & Luke
- Range: Low Carb Snackaballs
- Flavours: Hazelnut, Raspberry
- Pack size: 112g
Best before dates included in the recall:
- Hazelnut 112g: 3 SEP 2026, 11 SEP 2026
- Raspberry 112g: 11 SEP 2026, 15 SEP 2026, 16 OCT 2026
These date markings are printed on the back of the packet next to the nutrition panel. No other Tom & Luke products are currently included in the Australian recall notice.
Why have the Snackaballs been recalled?
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the products are being pulled due to the presence of foreign matter (plastic) inside the Snackaballs.
Food products contaminated with plastic can pose a range of risks, including:
- Choking or gagging if fragments are large enough
- Mouth, tooth or throat injuries from sharp edges
- Internal injury if swallowed pieces don’t pass normally
The recall follows a wider alert issued in New Zealand, where authorities have confirmed contamination in several flavours, including Cookies & Cream, Hazelnut and Raspberry. New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has published full batch details on its recall hub, which can be viewed here on the official MPI website.
What should Coles shoppers do now?
Authorities have issued clear advice for anyone who has bought the affected Tom & Luke Snackaballs:
- Do not eat the product, even if it looks normal.
- Return it to any Coles store for a full refund. A receipt is not required.
- If returning the snack is not practical, dispose of it safely in the rubbish.
FSANZ has also stressed that any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice. If you have already eaten the Snackaballs and notice symptoms such as mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, unexpected stomach pain, vomiting or bleeding, you should contact your GP, local emergency department or a health advice line as soon as possible.
Trans-Tasman warning: exported from New Zealand to Australia
Tom & Luke is a New Zealand brand, and Smartfoods Limited confirmed that the affected Snackaballs were sold in multiple New Zealand supermarkets and health food outlets before being exported to Australia. That means the same underlying production issue sits behind both the New Zealand and Australian recalls, even though only certain flavours and date codes are on the FSANZ alert.
New Zealand Food Safety officials have said they are working with Smartfoods to understand how the plastic entered the product and to prevent a repeat incident. For consumers on both sides of the Tasman, the message is simple: check the date markings, don’t consume affected packs, and get your money back.
Have there been other issues with Snackaballs?
This isn’t the first time Tom & Luke products have faced safety scrutiny. Earlier this year, a separate batch of Snackaballs was recalled in New Zealand over possible metal fragments, highlighting how even “better-for-you” snack brands can be caught up in serious manufacturing faults.
For shoppers, the incident is another reminder to treat recall notices as seriously as any breaking news alert. Food contamination problems can escalate quickly from a packaging notice to a medical emergency if warnings are ignored.
What to do if you’re worried
If you have any of the affected Tom & Luke Low Carb Hazelnut or Raspberry Snackaballs at home:
- Stop eating them immediately.
- Check the best before date against the recall list.
- Return the pack to Coles for a refund or safely throw it away.
If you’re feeling unwell after eating the product, don’t wait to see if it passes. Speak to a medical professional and mention the recall. It’s always better to be overly cautious with possible plastic ingestion, especially for children, older adults and anyone with existing health conditions.
