Primark urgent recall on popular £8 product with 'serious chemical risk' warning
Primark has issued an urgent recall of a popular £8 product after it was found to present a significant safety hazard. The retail giant has warned anyone who has purchased the item to cease using it immediately and return it for a full refund.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued a recall notice for three models of pepper mill in brown and green, advising customers they pose a serious risk due to their lead content. The hand-grinding mills were manufactured in India for the chain and sold throughout the UK. The model codes affected are 6772201, 6770801 and 3022201, with barcodes 5397349037640, 5397349037541 and 5397349075604.
In its alert the OPSS warned: "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.
The pepper mills proved popular with shoppers, with one TikToker posting a video describing them as Addison Ross inspired. Followers of Liverpool-based Fenlon Interiors were equally enthusiastic about the product.
The alert notice outlined the health risks. 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 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.
Pregnant women, infants and young children are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of lead. When exposed for a long time, it may result in miscarriage, stillbirths or premature births. Children exposed to lead during the first few years of life may have a lower IQ, behavioural problems or nerve damage.
Anyone with health concerns regarding exposure to lead should seek guidance from their GP or contact 111.