Kids’ lunchbox staple is urgently recalled from Asda over fears its contaminated with unsafe metal
A KIDS’ lunchbox staple has been urgently recalled from Asda over fears its contaminated with an unsafe metal.
The giant supermarket is urging parents to return a popular juice drink as kids could face a major health risk.
The Food Standards Agency has recalled cartons of apple and pear juice because the attached straw could be unsafe for children.
Asda‘s own brand drink comes in a 5 x 150ml pack and is manufactured by Refresco Bverages UK.
But the popular item has now been pulled from shelves because a “potential metal contamination was found”.
Due to the dangerous risk, the FSA has deemed it “unsafe to drink”.
A spokesperson said: “Asda is conducting a precautionary recall on Asda brand apple & pear juice drink due to potential metal contamination in the straws.
“No other Asda brand products are known to be affected.
Parents who have bought the juices are advised to not to use the straw and to return the drink to the store they bought it from to receive a full refund – with or without a receipt.
They added: “If you have purchased any of the products and codes listed above, please bring them back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt.
“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.”
The retailer is asking shoppers seeking further information to contact their customer service by dialling 0800 952 0101.
The warning applies to another six Asda multipack drinks, including 3 x 150ml of orange juice from concentrate and essential orange juice from concentrate.
It also includes 5x 150ml of apple and blackcurrant juice, apple and mango juice.
The alert did not say how much metal could be in the straws.
However, swallowing any sharp object, like metal, can damage the teeth, mouth and oesophagus (food pipe) and be a choking risk.
If sharp fragments make it further into the body, they can pierce the intestines, which can lead to internal bleeding in severe cases.
High levels of metal poisoning can result in irreversible conditions, like brain damage and kidney and liver failure.
The FSA issues alerts if there is a problem with a food product, meaning it should not be sold.
This could be that it has been contaminated with something, such as mould or metal, or it carries an incorrect ‘use by‘ date.
Items are then either withdrawn (taken off the shelves) or recalled (customers are asked to return the product).
People can then get their money back from where they bought the affected items.