Asda has issued an urgent recall for three ladies' handbags sold in its stores, including branches in Birmingham, after they were found to contain excessive concentrations of a chemical that may damage the reproductive system.
The supermarket giant confirmed the recalls in a statement, warning customers who purchased any of the affected bags to stop using them immediately and return them to any Asda store for a full refund. No receipt is required for the refund.
Serious chemical risk identified
According to Asda, the products present a serious chemical risk because they contain excessive concentrations of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Phthalates are harmful to health and may cause damage to the reproductive system, the company said in its recall notice.
The products do not meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations, which govern the use of chemicals in consumer goods in the UK. Asda apologised for any inconvenience caused and directed customers to contact Asda Customer Relations on 0330 053 0111 for further information.
Official safety warning from OPSS
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has also recommended that consumers stop using the affected products immediately. In a statement, the OPSS said the bags present a serious chemical risk because of the excessive DEHP concentrations, adding that phthalates may harm the health of children and possibly cause damage to the reproductive system.
The OPSS confirmed that the products do not meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations 2008. It said the products have been recalled from end users by Asda, and advised consumers to stop using them and return them to any Asda store for a full refund.
Affected products and codes
The recall covers three specific handbag products. The first is the FRONT POCKET XBODY BAG, with product code 1100258937001, priced at £10, and barcode 5059206286959. The second is the OPP TOTE BAG, with product code 1100260834001, priced at £16, and barcode 5059206491797. The third is the BLACK NYLON PHONE BAG, with product code 1100258939001, priced at £8, and barcode 505920628577.
The OPSS listed the case as PSD case number 2609-0009, notified by Local Authority Trading Standards. For further information, customers can visit the Product Recall - Ladies Handbags page or contact Asda on 0330 053 0111.
Asda has urged anyone who purchased any of the affected bags to return them to their nearest store for a full refund. The company said it is very sorry for any inconvenience caused.
