The UK's product safety watchdog has issued an urgent alert, warning consumers that two perfume products pose a serious chemical risk and must not be used.
Banned Chemical Found in Fragrances
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published its product safety report on December 22, 2025. The investigation focused on two fragrances: Embark My Freedom and Embark My Story Perfumes.
According to the regulator, the products contain butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA/lilial), a chemical that is prohibited for use in cosmetic products within the UK and the wider European Union.
The OPSS notice states clearly: "The products present a serious chemical risk... BMHCA may harm the reproductive system, may harm the health of the unborn child, and may cause skin sensitisation." Consequently, the items fail to meet the safety standards set out in Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
Immediate Action Required by Consumers
As a direct result of the findings, the OPSS has confirmed that the identified stock has been destroyed. The body is now strongly advising any members of the public who have purchased these perfumes to take immediate action.
The official recommendation is for customers to stop using the product immediately and to contact the distributor for redress.
To help identify the affected items, the OPSS listed the following details:
- Barcodes: 8906096162023 and 8906096160074.
- Other product identifiers: RS.845.00 B230502L.
- Description: Two fragrances sold in blue and black packaging.
- Country of origin: India.
The safety report notes that it remains "unknown" whether the goods are counterfeit versions of legitimate products.
Separate Allergy Alert for Popular Chocolate Bar
This product safety warning follows another recent food allergy alert issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). On December 18, 2025, the FSA announced that Brookie Bakes was recalling all batch codes of its 68g Dubai Bar Pistachio & Knafeh.
The recall was initiated due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts. For individuals with a peanut allergy, this poses a significant health risk. The FSA's statement advised: "This product may contain peanuts making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to peanuts."
Customers who have bought the product and have a peanut allergy are urged not to eat it. The company has initiated a full recall, and all best-before dates and batch codes are affected.
These consecutive alerts from the OPSS and FSA underscore the critical importance of robust consumer safety regulations and swift action when potential risks are identified in everyday products.
