A major European grocery store has recalled one of its products because it may contain clear plastic pellets.
What happened?
Irish grocer Dunnes Stores and the Irish Food Safety Authority issued a notice regarding 1kg (2.2lb) packages of Dunnes Organic Oatmeal, the Irish Sun reported.
“Customers are advised not to consume the product and instead return it to Dunnes Stores for a full refund. No receipt is required,” the company said, according to The Sun. “We apologize for the need to recall this product and for the inconvenience this may cause.”
The batch number of these products is 5284 FI, the shelf life is November 10, and the consumption time is 06:00 to 12:00. Oats cost €1.39 ($1.62).
Dunnes, which has 138 stores in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Spain, recently recalled its desiccated coconut products due to similar issues.
Why is this important?
Plastic particles in food are hazardous to health. Most concerning, however, is that the oats are reaching store shelves before the problem is resolved. If food production and safety regulations fail to prevent this from happening or prevent product from leaving the factory after such an incident, it raises questions about the ability of companies and institutions to protect the public.
Because plastic is so ubiquitous in production and packaging systems, it’s common for various goods to be recalled due to plastic contamination. This happens in countries around the world and in a variety of products, including pulled pork sandwiches, white fish dip, and brownies.
While some contaminants may be large enough to see (or suffocate), others are microscopic, and microplastics have been linked to numerous health problems, including cancer, infertility, stroke, and heart disease.
What measures are being taken against plastic contamination in food?
Dunnes removed the affected oats from its shelves and issued a recall. However, other contaminants can cause more complex problems. For example, biodegradable plastic used in food packaging was shown to reprogram the metabolic system of mice.
You can reduce your risk by reducing your use of plastic, especially when it comes to water bottles, food containers and clothing. Choose reusable glass containers, bring your own takeout boxes to restaurants, and buy clothing made from natural fibers. You can also wash your clothes with laundry detergent (not fabric softener) and use wool dryer balls.
When it comes to diet, natural foods are generally cleaner than processed foods.
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