BATCHES of milk cartons are currently being recalled from Iceland stores due to the presence of an unauthorised pesticide.
One litre packs of Banana and Chocolate flavours of Moo Milk may contain the unauthorised pesticide ethylene oxide, the Food Safety Authority has warned.
The milk products being recalled have the use by dates 13/10/ 2o21 (banana 1 litre) and 12/10/ 2o21 (chocolate 1 litre).
This pesticide is unauthorised for use in food sold in the EU.
The FSAI said: "Locust bean gum (E410) is an approved food additive in the EU.
"It is obtained from the seeds of the carob tree and is used as a thickener and stabiliser in a broad range of food products.
"Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not permitted for use in foods sold in the EU but is approved for use by other countries outside the EU.
"The consumption of foods containing ethylene oxide does not pose an acute risk to health, but there is an increased health risk if foods contaminated with ethylene oxide are consumed over a long period of time.
"Therefore, exposure to ethylene oxide needs to be minimised and contaminated product must be removed from the market."
On the dangers posed to children, the EFSA said: "Infants and young children consuming foods for special medical purposes may show a higher susceptibility to gastrointestinal effects of locust bean gum due to their underlying medical condition."
Customers will also be alerted to the potential danger by point-of-sale recall notices, which will be displayed in Iceland stores supplied with the compromised batches.
