Sainsbury's issues urgent 'stop using' caution over 'serious chemical risk'

Sainsbury's issues urgent 'stop using' caution over 'serious chemical risk' The supermarket has issued an urgent recall notice Sainsbury's has urged its customers to stop using three of its products after a serious chemical risk was found. The supermarket has issued a recall notice warning shoppers of the danger. It has recalled three styles of TU Tote Shopper Bags because they contain excessive concentrations of phthalates. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) explained: "The products present a serious chemical risk because they contain excessive concentrations of phthalates. "Phthalates may harm the health of children, potentially causing damage to the reproductive system. The products do not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008." As a result, Sainsbury's and Argos have recalled the products. The OPSS added: "We recommend that you stop using the products immediately and return them to your nearest Sainsbury’s or Argos store for a full refund." Recalled products Tu Pu Tan Curved Top Shopper - SKU: 147160009 Item number: 147160412 Tu Black Croc Winged Tote Bag - SKU: 147165985 Item number: 147166081 Tu Brown Belt Handled Core Shopper - SKU: 147789683 Item number: 147789704 Sainsbury's said: "Sainsbury’s are recalling the above products due to excessive concentrations of phthalates, which pose a chemical safety risk. Prolonged exposure to phthalates may be harmful to human health. "As a result, the products do not meet Sainsbury’s safety requirements. The products were sold through selected Sainsbury's stores, the Tu website and the Argos website. "We are asking customers who have purchased any of these items to stop using them and return them to their local Sainsbury’s store for a full refund. For further details or if you have any questions, please visit our website Sainsburys.co.uk/help or contact our careline on 0800 028 8303." It added: "Please share this recall notice with anyone who may have purchased, received or used one of these products. No other products have been affected by this issue. Sainsbury’s would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused." If you purchased the bags from Argos, you can visit the website Argos.co.uk or call 0800 011 3462 for the next steps. What are phthalates? According to Breast Cancer UK, phthalates are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with male and female sex hormones. They are found in PVC, which is used to make plastic stronger and more flexible, or in PET, which is sometimes found in single-use bottles. It added: "Products listing "fragrance," "parfum," or "perfume" may contain these chemicals. They are used in cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning products to make fragrances/perfumes last longer. Phthalates have been detected in the human body in blood, urine, breast milk, and breast tissue." Phthalates may interfere with the hormone system by changing the levels of sex hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone. They can also lower the activity of testosterone, copy the action of oestrogen or decrease the activity of oestrogen. Breast Cancer UK added: "Some phthalates are recognised to be harmful chemicals due to their toxic effects on reproduction and/or endocrine disrupting properties. "These phthalates have been restricted or banned from toys, cosmetics, beauty products and materials that come into contact with food or are used in baby products. However, manufacturers can simply swap these phthalates with unregulated ones for which the effects on our health are unknown."