Sainsbury's has issued an urgent recall notice for three styles of its Tu Tote Shopper Bags after they were found to contain excessive concentrations of phthalates, posing a serious chemical risk. The supermarket is urging customers to stop using the products immediately and return them to any Sainsbury's or Argos store for a full refund.
Products affected and reason for recall
The recall covers the Tu Pu Tan Curved Top Shopper (SKU: 147160009, item number: 147160412), the Tu Black Croc Winged Tote Bag (SKU: 147165985, item number: 147166081), and the Tu Brown Belt Handled Core Shopper (SKU: 147789683, item number: 147789704). These items were sold through selected Sainsbury's stores, the Tu website, and the Argos website.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) stated: "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 do not meet the requirements of the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008."
Official guidance and refund process
OPSS added: "We recommend that you stop using the products immediately and return them to your nearest Sainsbury's or Argos store for a full refund." Sainsbury's also 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 do not meet Sainsbury's safety requirements."
The supermarket added: "We are 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." It also asked customers to share the recall notice with anyone who may have purchased or used the products, confirmed no other products were affected, and apologised for any inconvenience. Customers who bought the bags from Argos can visit Argos.co.uk or call 0800 011 3462 for next steps.
Understanding phthalates and their risks
According to Breast Cancer UK, phthalates are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with male and female sex hormones. They are found in PVC, used to make plastic stronger and more flexible, or in PET, sometimes found in single-use bottles. Products listing "fragrance," "parfum," or "perfume" may contain these chemicals, which are used in cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning products to make fragrances last longer. Phthalates have been detected in blood, urine, breast milk, and breast tissue.
Phthalates may interfere with the hormone system by changing levels of sex hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone, and can lower testosterone activity, copy oestrogen action, or decrease oestrogen activity. Breast Cancer UK added: "Some phthalates are recognised to be harmful chemicals due to their toxic effects on reproduction and/or endocrine disrupting properties. These phthalates have been restricted or banned from toys, cosmetics, beauty products and materials that come into contact with food or are used in baby products. However, manufacturers can simply swap these phthalates with unregulated ones for which the effects on our health are unknown."
