Contaminated mugs are urgently recalled in UK over toxic metals that risk brain damage and memory loss
CONTAMINATED mugs are being recalled in the UK over toxic metals that can risk causing brain damage and memory loss.
Thousands of shoppers have been warned to stop using a range of character-themed enamel mugs after safety tests found the coatings can shed dangerous levels of heavy metals into hot drinks.
Sign up for newsletter
Thank you!
A range of mugs have been recalled after major safety concernsCredit: tk maxx
Shoppers are being warned to stop using the products and return them for a refundCredit: Unknown
Boots and TK Maxx have both pulled products from shelves and are offering full refunds after laboratory analysis showed metal concentrations that breach food-contact safety limits.
Boots removed three Blue Sky Designs gift sets from sale after discovering contamination concerns with the included mugs.
The affected products include the Game of Thrones Mug & Sock Set, the Rick & Morty Mug & Keyring, and the Batman Mug & Sock Set.
The pharmacy chain warned that “it is possible that heavy metals may migrate from the enamel coating into hot drinks, posing a health risk if ingested repeatedly over a long period of time.”
CHOC-A-BLOCK
Huge brand urgently recalls three chocolate bars over dangerous health risk
FOR TRUCK SAKE
Tesla recalls THOUSANDS of Elon Musk’s Cybertrucks after headlights fall off
They instructed customers to stop using the mugs and return them to any Boots store for a full refund.
TK Maxx recall
TK Maxx confirmed a separate recall after tests showed that four character mugs sold between May and September this year could release heavy metals in amounts that exceed permitted safety thresholds.
The designs affected include Harry Potter, South Park, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with prices originally ranging from £6.99 to £10.99.
The retailer has urged anyone who bought the mugs to “stop using them immediately” and to return the items to any TK Maxx or Homesense branch for a full refund without the need for a receipt.
A TK Maxx spokesperson previously said: “The vendor is recalling these products because they do not meet safety standards for materials intended to come into contact with food.”
“Testing has shown that the coating may release levels of heavy metals that exceed safe limits, which could pose a potential health risk if used with food or beverages.”
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has also published an official product recall notice.
Long term effects
Health experts stress that a single, occasional use is unlikely to cause immediate illness, but repeated exposure to some heavy metals can accumulate in the body and cause serious long-term harm.
Metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury are known to accumulate in organs and tissues, interfering with the nervous system and other vital functions.
Possible side effects of consuming unsafe metals include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and organ damage to the brain, kidneys, and liver.
Chronic exposure, if left untreated can result in serious long-term issues, including anemia, miscarriage, developmental problems in children, and brain damage.
While the precise risk to any individual depends on the metal involved, the level of exposure and the duration, these mugs were found to be serious enough for retailers and regulators to demand an immediate recall.
Shoppers who recognise the designs should stop using the mugs right away and return them for a refund.
Boots’ product recall page explains the issue and the remedy.
TK Maxx’s safety notice gives product codes and dates of sale for the affected lines.
Customers seeking help can also contact Blue Sky Designs on 0800 980 3901 or via recall@blueskystudios.co.uk, and TK Maxx customer services on 01923 473561 or customerservice@tjxeurope.com.
Both retailers have encouraged people to tell friends and relatives who may have received the mugs as gifts so they do not continue to be used.
Product recalls
Regulators say recalls of this type are not uncommon and underline the importance of testing materials that come into contact with food and drink.
In the UK, materials intended for food contact must meet specific legal requirements designed to prevent migration of harmful substances.
What to do if you’ve used these already?
For those worried about past use, clinical advice is that any symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, such as persistent stomach pain, unexplained neurological changes, severe headaches, memory problems or unusual tiredness, should prompt contact with a GP, who can arrange appropriate testing and, if necessary, treatment.
TRAGIC FIND
Tragedy as body found in search for missing woman, 50, at countryside home
PAINFUL REALITY
I spent £100k on surgery after debilitating condition, says James Lock
Early medical assessment improves the chances of effective management.
Authorities continue to remind consumers that refunds are available and to return any suspect items rather than disposing of them in household waste where they might inadvertently be re-used.
Your product recall rights
PRODUCT recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don’t there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.
