A batch of tinned tomatoes has been recalled over fears that a design fault could increase pressue in the tin, resulting in explosions.
The recall is a disaster for Australian tinned tomato producer SPC Ardmona.
The producer has been battling "tomato dumping" as Italian-grown brands are dumped on the Australian market, forcing prices down so low that they do not properly cover costs.
Supermarket prices for tinned tomatoes went up in Australia in February after regulators imposed tariffs on two major Italian exported.
The so-called dumping duties on Italian brands Feger and La Doria were imposed so that Australia's own SPC Ardmona could compete fairly.
SPC Ardmona, which is owned by Coca-Cola Amatil, said it was investing $100 million in new technology to make it more efficient and innovative.
But their 400g tins have let them down after it was revealed that batches sold in Coles, Woolworths, IGA and independent supermarkets could explode because of increased pressure.
The recall is a major mishap for the brand after they opened a $36 million state-of-the-art tomato pressing plant and launched a new marketing campaign.
SPC Ardmona is the only native tomato plant in Australia. It spent two years lobbing the Government over the dumping of Italian tomatoes before the ruling in February.
The company said that 400g tins of SPC tomatoes with the product code (on base of can) of TOM W/P 428580 007CM should be thrown away. Buyers are advised to contact SPC on 1800 805 168 for a refund.
