By Ron Howells • Published: 30 Aug 2021 • 8:19
Decathlon issue urgent product recall on energy bars containing harmful additive. image: Pixabay
Decathlon has issued an urgent product recall on energy bars containing the harmful additive ethylene oxide. During the past few weeks, several batches of ice creams of different brands have been withdrawn from sale in Spain due to the high presence of a known carcinogen (cancer-causing)- ethylene oxide. However, this is not something that has just been discovered, the rest of the European Union have been dealing with this carcinogenic substance contained in many more products for several months. The first alerts actually started back in September 2020, when very high levels of this same additive had been reported in some batches of sesame seeds sourced from India. According to sources in charge of these investigations, India uses this compound as a *phytosanitary agent to prevent salmonella contamination of these seeds- in recent months ethylene oxide has been found in several products made with sesame or oil from this same ingredient. Several weeks after learning about the presence of ethylene oxide in ice cream, sports retailer Decathlon has reported the recall of some of it’s products for the same reason. The French-owned company has now published a statement on its website in which it warns its consumers of the high presence of ethylene oxide in various products available at stores across Spain. Specifically mentioned are five products resourced from the firm Aptonia, who among things, supply bars and supplements created with sesame that was sold in the market between June 19 and August 12 this year. Products NOT to consume Firstly, and most disturbingly, the company warns that the ethylene oxide content is higher than that set by current EU regulations in the 30 orange-flavoured Vitamins + Minerals bars. Specifically, lots 21,140 and 21,189 that were sold until August 12. Also, lot 21,166 of the Electrolytes Tables “Ecosize” lemon flavoured bars with 20 bars inside and lot 21,167 of the same product packed with ten bars. Return for a full refund However, this notice does not only affect the bars supplied by Aptonia. In a statement on their website, the company also warns of the high presence of ethylene oxide in the bottle of 100 electrolyte capsules from Salts Caps. Specifically of lot 21,182, which was sold in the market until last August 12. Do you have any of them at home? Just to be sure, check the numbers on the bottom of the product to find the batch number which are shown on the website.
Therefore, if you have any of these products at home, do NOT consume them.
Decathlon ask all those who have any of these products, to return them as soon as possible: “If you have any of these batches, we ask you not to consume them and to return them to the reception of your nearest store, so that they can exchange them or you will get your money back (even if the product is incomplete)”. In case of doubt, there is a free telephone number, 900 100 903, to resolve any problem regarding this matter. Read more: Spanish supermarket chain withdraws 29 varieties of contaminated ice cream *The phytosanitary certificate is an official declaration stating that plants and plant material exporting are free from pests and diseases, so as to prevent the introduction and spread of any pests in the importing countries.
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Ron actually started his working career as an Ophthalmic Technician- things changed when, during a band rehearsal, his amplifier blew up and he couldn’t get it fixed so he took a course at Birmingham University and ended up doing a degree course. He built up a chain of electronics stores and sold them as a franchise over 35 years ago. After five years touring the world Ron decided to move to Spain with his wife and son, a place they had visited over the years, and only bought the villa they live in because it has a guitar-shaped swimming pool!. Playing the guitar since the age of 7, he can often be seen, (and heard!) at beach bars and clubs along the length of the coast. He has always been interested in the news and constantly thrives to present his articles in an interesting and engaging way.
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