Bath Product Deemed 'High Risk' in Urgent Safety Recall
A popular bath product has been urgently pulled from sale after safety officials issued a stark warning about its high risk of choking to children and vulnerable adults. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirmed the immediate recall, stating the item presents a serious hazard because it could easily be mistaken for food.
Product Poses Direct Choking Threat
The recalled item is the Scotch Mystic Blackberry and Almond Donut Bath Melt, a product designed to dissolve in bathwater as an alternative to bubble bath. Officials highlighted that its appearance—resembling a doughnut complete with sugar sprinkles—makes it foreseeable that young children or vulnerable individuals might attempt to eat it.
The OPSS provided a detailed assessment: "The product presents a risk of choking as it is foreseeable that children or vulnerable adults could mistake it for food. Due to the composition of the product, if bitten it will disintegrate into smaller parts." These smaller fragments are particularly dangerous for children under 36 months, who naturally explore objects by placing them in their mouths.
Regulatory Failures Identified
Authorities confirmed the bath melt does not comply with established safety regulations. Specifically, it fails to meet the requirements of:
- The Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products
This regulatory breach prompted the immediate removal from all retail channels. Scotch Mystic had been marketing these doughnut-style bath bombs at £4 each, with product listings humorously noting: "We know it's tempting, but don't try to eat it!"
Recent Pattern of Product Recalls
This incident follows several other urgent bathroom product recalls issued in recent days, indicating heightened regulatory scrutiny:
- Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set: Removed from Amazon after containing Zinc Pyrithione, a banned ingredient in cosmetics that poses a "serious chemical risk." The product also contained undeclared allergens including hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene, risking allergic reactions in sensitive consumers.
- Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes SPF 50: Recalled from Boots and other retailers after testing revealed it failed to provide the SPF protection level stated on its label. All batch numbers and expiry dates are included in this recall.
These consecutive recalls underscore the importance of rigorous product safety testing and compliance with consumer protection standards. The OPSS continues to monitor the market and urges consumers to check recent recall notices for any potentially hazardous items in their homes.
