Asda has issued an urgent recall for some men's hiker boots and shoes after testing found they contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), above the permitted limit. The products do not meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations 2008.
Reason for the recall
PFAS are man-made chemicals that resist heat, water, oil, and stains. Prolonged exposure to these substances may pose a risk to human health, as they may cause damage to the reproductive system. As a result, the footwear has been recalled from shoppers.
An Asda spokesperson said: "At the time of shipment, this product successfully passed all required tests. However, subsequent testing has identified that it may contain PFAS at levels exceeding the permitted regulatory limit. Certain Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are subject to regulatory restrictions, because prolonged exposure above specified limits may pose potential health risks and possibly cause damage to the reproductive system."
What shoppers should do
Anyone who bought the hiking boots is urged to stop using them immediately and return them to their local Asda store for a full refund. A receipt is not needed. The spokesperson added: "While no safety incidents have been reported, we're taking this action to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maintain our commitment to consumer safety. The product doesn't meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations. If you've purchased any of these shoes, please bring them back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You don't need your receipt. We're very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like any further information please contact: Asda Customer Relations - 0330 053 0111."
Affected products
An Office for Product Safety & Standards spokesperson said: "The product presents a serious chemical risk because testing identified the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), above the permitted regulatory limit. Prolonged exposure to these substances may pose a risk to human health and may cause damage to the reproductive system. The product doesn't meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations 2008. The product has been recalled from end users by ASDA. If you own the product, stop using it immediately and return it to the nearest ASDA store for a full refund. You don't need a receipt."
The recall covers the Khaki Hiker Boot with article number 1100226294 and barcodes 5059202354010, 5059202354034, 5059202354058, 5059202353853, 5059202353877, and 5059202353891; the Khaki Hiker Boot with article number 1100245442 and barcodes 5059204617151, 5059204617175, 5059204617199, 5059204617090, 5059204617113, and 5059204617137; the Khaki Hiker Shoe with article number 1100243431 and barcodes 5059204347379, 5059204347393, 5059204347416, 5059204347317, 5059204347331, and 5059204347355; the Grey Hiker Boot with article number 1100264858 and barcodes 5059206979271, 5059206979295, 5059206979417, 5059206979431, 5059206979219, 5059206979233, and 5059206979257; and the Grey Hiker Shoe with article number 1100226297 and barcodes 5059202354737, 5059202354751, 5059202354775, 5059202353976, 5059202353990, and 5059202354713.
