{"id":489712,"date":"2026-06-22T10:31:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T10:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/489712\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T10:31:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T10:31:12","slug":"woolworths-pulls-banned-items-from-shelves-as-new-rule-enforced-from-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/489712\/","title":{"rendered":"Woolworths pulls banned items from shelves as new rule enforced from today"},"content":{"rendered":"

Woolworths<\/a> has taken action to remove a banned item from its stores, with a whopping $550,000 fine on the line if the product is spotted on the shelves from today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Popular coconut water brand<\/a> H2coco sells 200ml cartons exclusively through Woolworths, but they were found to have plastic drinking straws attached to the sides of the box.<\/p>\n

In NSW, single-use plastic<\/a> straws on juice boxes and poppers were banned on January 1, 2025, aiming to reduce plastic waste and prevent problematic materials from polluting the environment.<\/p>\n

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)<\/a> issued compliance notices to both Woolworths and H2coco, requiring them to withdraw the drinks from sale.<\/p>\n

The affected items were:<\/p>\n

H2coco Young Green Coconut Water 200ml<\/p>\n

H2coco Chocolate Flavoured Coconut Water 200ml<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The straws on the H2coco products will now be paper, instead of plastic.<\/p>\n

(Yahoo News Australia)’No excuse’ for plastic straws remaining on shelves<\/p>\n

A NSW EPA spokesperson told Yahoo News<\/a> last month that businesses have had plenty of time to adjust to the laws.<\/p>\n

“We have consulted widely in the lead-up to these reforms, giving businesses time to prepare for the changes,” the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n

“The EPA actively monitors compliance and will act when prohibited items are identified.”<\/p>\n

H2coco had until June 7 to stop supplying plastic straws<\/a> and switch to a paper alternative, while Woolworths was ordered to get rid of its current stock by Sunday, June 21.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

Failing to comply is a serious offence, carrying maximum penalties of up to $550,000 for wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors.<\/p>\n

A $55,000 fine is added for each day the offence continues.<\/p>\n

NSW EPA Executive Director of Operations Steve Beaman said the rules couldn’t be any clearer: “Plastic straws attached to beverages are prohibited in NSW”.<\/p>\n

“If they’re stuck to a popper or juice box, it’s against the law in NSW \u2014 even if it’s marketed as biodegradable or compostable,” Beaman said in a statement.<\/p>\n

“We’ve been communicating to businesses for a long time regarding these changes, so there’s no excuse for prohibited items still ending up on supermarket shelves. “<\/p>\n

\"Left:<\/p>\n

The H2coco 200ml Young Green coconut water and chocolate flavoured coconut water have had their straws replaced.<\/p>\n

(Woolworths\/NSW EPA)Excess stock ordered to be donated or returned<\/p>\n

Any product that remained after June 21 was ordered to be donated to food rescue organisations, to stop it from going to landfill, the EPA said.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, the stock could’ve been returned to H2coco, with proof provided to the EPA.<\/p>\n

A Woolworths spokesperson said they commenced an immediate review once the straws were brought to their attention.<\/p>\n

“As soon as we were made aware these products did not meet NSW single-use plastic regulatory requirements, we commenced a review,” the spokesperson told Yahoo News.<\/p>\n

“We are working closely with the NSW EPA and the supplier to update the product’s packaging so it is compliant. All existing stock will be withdrawn from sale by 21 June.”<\/p>\n

Single-use plastic, made from a type of bioplastic called polylactic acid, has been banned in NSW since 2022.<\/p>\n

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