FOR many Auckland-based Fijian families, Christmas is not complete without a slice of Lees Golden Fruit Cake.
But for one family, the festive tradition ended in shock and concern.
Zaim Ali said his family purchased a Lees Golden Fruit Cake from Food 4 Less in Otahuhu ahead of Christmas.
The cake appeared normal on the outside, but when Ali cut into it on Christmas Day and took a bite, he noticed something wasn’t right.
“On a closer look, I saw mold inside the cake,” Ali said.
Concerned, Ali cut several more slices, only to discover the same issue throughout the cake.
“Fruit cake and Christmas go hand in hand for Fijians. It usually goes with a drink of choice but not this time,” he said.
Ali said many Fijian-owned shops stock the popular product, and consumers may be unaware of potential health risks if the cake has spoiled.
“It could easily have been the kids eating it. They wouldn’t necessarily notice mold, and it could make them sick,” he said.
Ali said a quick online search raised further concerns, noting that certain molds can pose risks to people with weakened immune systems if spores are inhaled or ingested.
“A slice of Lees Golden Fruit Cake or life that’s the question here,” he said.
Ali believes he is not alone, claiming hundreds of consumers may have unknowingly purchased affected cakes over the Christmas period. He says responsibility lies with suppliers, distributors, and retailers to ensure food safety.
“These cakes aren’t cheap. I paid $56.97 that’s not money well spent,” he said.
Ali says he plans to return to Food 4 Less to seek a refund and raise the issue.
