Sainsbury's and Argos have issued an urgent recall for three tote bags sold in selected stores and online, warning they pose a "serious chemical risk" due to excessive concentrations of phthalates. Customers who bought the items are being urged to stop using them immediately and return them to either retailer for a full refund.
Which products are affected?
The recall covers the Tu Pu Tan Curved Top Shopper (item number 147160412), the Tu Black Croc Winged Tote Bag (item number 147166081), and the Tu Brown Belt Handled Core Shopper (item number 147789704). The bags were available at selected Sainsbury's stores, the TU website, and the Argos website.
According to the recall notice, the bags do not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008. Phthalates, chemical compounds used to make plastic softer and more flexible, may harm the health of children by potentially causing damage to the reproductive system.
What customers should do
A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "Sainsbury's are recalling the above products due to excessive concentrations of phthalates, which pose a chemical safety risk. Prolonged exposure to phthalates may be harmful to human health. As a result, the products don't meet Sainsbury's safety requirements."
The spokesperson added: "The products were sold through selected Sainsbury's stores, the Tu website and the Argos website. We're asking customers who have purchased any of these items to stop using them and return them to their local Sainsbury's store for a full refund. For further details or if you have any questions, please visit our website Sainsburys.co.uk/help or contact our careline on 0800 028 8303."
An Argos spokesperson issued a similar statement, saying: "Argos are recalling the above products due to excessive concentrations of phthalates, which pose a chemical safety risk. Prolonged exposure to phthalates may be harmful to human health. As a result, the products don't meet Argos safety requirements."
Official warning and next steps
The Argos spokesperson continued: "The products were sold through selected Sainsbury's stores, the Tu website and the Argos website. We're asking customers who have purchased any of these items to stop using them and return them to their local Argos store for a full refund. Please share this recall notice with anyone who may have purchased, received or used one of these products. No other products have been affected by this issue. Argos would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. For further details or if you have any questions, please visit our website Argos.co.uk or contact us on 0800 011 3462."
An Office for Product Safety & Standards spokesperson said: "The products present a serious chemical risk because they contain excessive concentrations of phthalates. Phthalates may harm the health of children, potentially causing damage to the reproductive system. The products don't meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008. The products have been recalled from end users by Argos and Sainsbury's. We recommend you stop using the products immediately and return them to your nearest Sainsbury's or Argos store for a full refund."
