Anyone who has bought an implicated batch is being urged not to eat it and instead return it for a full refund
Dunnes Stores(Image: Facebook)
Dunnes Stores has issued an urgent recall of a popular freezer favourite amid concerns it could pose a serious health risk to customers.
The recall, announced on Friday by The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), affects specific batches of Dunnes Stores Potato Waffles (680g) with a best before date of July 2028, which retail for €1.45.
The food safety watchdog has confirmed that the freezer favourite has been pulled from shelves due to elevated levels of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), a food additive which can pose health risks if consumed regularly over a sustained period of time.
Whilst there is no immediate cause for concern for consumers who have eaten these products, MOAH can damage DNA and may increase the risk of cancer, especially if eaten in large amounts over time.
Moah is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.
An FSAI spokesperson said: “Mineral oil hydrocarbons comprise a wide range of chemical compounds obtained mainly from petroleum distillation and refining.
“They are categorised into two main groups referred to as mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons.
Dunnes Stores is recalling the above batch of Potato Waffles 680g due to elevated levels of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH)
“Mineral oil hydrocarbons can be present in food in many ways, such as through environmental contamination; use of lubricants for machinery during harvesting and food production; processing aids; food or feed additives; and migration from food contact materials. Some substances in the mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons group are of possible health concern.
“Although the consumption of the contaminated product does not pose an immediate risk to health, continuous consumption over a long period of time may pose a potential risk to health.
“Therefore, exposure to mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons needs to be minimised.”
Authorities have stated that anyone who has purchased the affected items should “stop eating them immediately” and adhere to the recall instructions.
The FSAI said recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale in Dunnes Stores outlets.
Shoppers who may have purchased the frozen potatoes waffles are being urged not to eat it and instead to return it for a full refund. No receipt is required.
As the product is suitable for home freezing, consumers are urged to check their freezers to see if they are in possession of the implicated batch.
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