The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a recall notice advising customers they items pose a serious risk because they contain ‘excessive’ lead
Primark has issued a recall(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)
Primark has issued an urgent recall of a popular product after discovering it poses a serious risk. The retailer has warned anyone who purchased the item to stop using it “immediately” and return it for a full refund.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued the recall notice for three models of pepper mill in brown and green, warning customers they pose a serious risk due to containing lead. The £8 hand-grinding mills were manufactured in India for the retailer and sold throughout the UK.
In its alert it stated: “The product presents a serious chemical risk because it contains excess concentrations of lead. The product does not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008.
“The product has been recalled from end users by Primark. Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to their nearest Primark store for a full refund. For further information, please access the Primark Live Chat.”
The pepper mills proved popular with shoppers, with one TikToker posting a video and describing them as “Addison Ross inspired”. Liverpool-based Fenlon Interiors followers loved the product with one saying “so good” and another simply “Neeeeeed.”, reports the Mirror.
The affected items have the model number and barcodes below:
- 6772201 / 5397349037640
- 6770801 / 5397349037541
- 3022201 / 5397349075604
The alert notice also outlined the dangers of lead consumption. It stated: “Exposure to high levels of lead in a short time can result in stomach upset, mood changes, poor attention span, headaches, hallucinations and damage to the brain and kidneys in severe cases.
“Lower-level exposure to lead over a long time can lead to anaemia and high blood pressure, damage to the nervous system, brain and kidneys as well as effects on male and female reproduction. Eating food or drink or breathing in air contaminated with lead or lead compounds for a short period usually does not cause any ill effects.”
The notice went on to say: “Additionally, in the UK lead levels are under stringent control and exposures to lead in water, air and food are reduced to the lowest practical level to minimise possible risks to health.”
Nevertheless, it cautioned: “Pregnant women, infants and young children are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of lead.”
Pregnancy and the unborn child
It warned when exposed to lead for a long time may result in miscarriage, stillbirths, or premature births. It added: “Children who are exposed to lead in the womb may have a lower IQ, behavioural problems, nerve damage or delayed growth. Lead may also affect both male and female fertility.”
Children
Children are particularly sensitive to the effects of lead on the nervous system as their brains are still developing. Children exposed to lead during the first few years of life may have a lower IQ, behavioural problems, or nerve damage.
What to do if you are exposed to lead
If you have any health concerns regarding exposure to lead, seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
