AVA said in a statement on Friday that high peroxide is an indication of degraded food quality which may result in rancidity, deterioration in taste and flavour. The European Commission issued an alert on Friday, informing consumers that the biscuits had been tested and found to be harmful for consumption.

The particular product - Frollini Con Farina Organic Integrale Biologica - comes from Italy, weighing 350g, with best before date of Jan 23, 2009.

AVA wants all importers and retailers to recall the implicated product from the market immediately.

Consumers who have bought the product are advised to discard the biscuits and not consume them.