Asda issues urgent recall alert over 'serious chemical risk' — 'stop using now'

Asda issues urgent recall alert over 'serious chemical risk' — 'stop using now' Anyone with the items must not use them Asda has issued an urgent product recall notice after a "serious" chemical risk was discovered. The supermarket has urged anyone with the items to stop using them immediately. It had already issued a recall alert in September for several handbags; now more have been added to the list. The handbags pose a chemical risk to customers due to excess phthalates. Asda had already recalled the £10 Front Pocket Xbody Bag, the £16 Opp Tote Bag and the £8 Black Nylon Phone Bag. Now, eight more bags have been added. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said: "The product presents a serious chemical risk because it contains excessive concentrations of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Phthalates may harm the health of children, possibly causing damage to the reproductive system. "The product does not meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations 2008." It added: "We recommend that owners stop using the product immediately. "Return the product to any ASDA store for a full refund. For further information, please visit the ASDA recall page or contact ASDA on 0330 053 0111." Ensure our latest recall headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings Recalled products - George Nylon Backpack - Black Article number: 1100260030 Barcode: 5059206404971 - George Charm Hobo Workbag - Black Article number: 1100264700 Barcode: 5059206962570 - George Opp Crossbody Bag - Black Article number: 1100242685 Barcode: 5059204259931 - George Opp Tote - Black Article number: 1100242000 Barcode: 5059204184790 - George Front Pocket Xbody Bag - Black Article number: 1100258937 Barcode: 5059206286959 - George Opp Tote Bag - Black Article number: 1100260834 Barcode: 5059206491797 - George Nylon Phone Bag - Black Article number: 1100258939 Barcode: 5059206285778 - George Front Pocket Xbody Bag - Tan Article number: 1100265415 Barcode: 5059207039158 - Quilted Nylon Camera Bag - Burg Article number: 1100258923 Barcode: 5059206287215 - Zebra Nylon Phone Bag- Animal Article number: 1100258936 Barcode: 5059206286553 - Quilted Nylon Camera Bag - Brown Article number: 1100264721 Barcode: 5059206962396 Asda said: "At the time of shipment, this product successfully passed all required tests. However, subsequent testing has identified that it may contain phthalates at levels exceeding the permitted regulatory limit. "Certain phthalates, including Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), are subject to regulatory restrictions because prolonged exposure above specified limits may pose potential health risks and possibly cause damage to the reproductive system. "While no safety incidents have been reported, we are taking this action to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maintain our commitment to consumer safety." Anyone with the bags must take them back to an Asda store for a full refund. A receipt is not needed. Asda added: "We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused." 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."