ASDA has expanded its recall of George ladies' handbags to 11 products after excessive levels of the restricted chemical DEHP were found. Shoppers are entitled to a full refund by returning the affected bags to any store.
Recall widened to include three more handbags
The product recall was revised on Gov.uk as of 2 November to add three further handbags from ASDA's George range, following an earlier recall. The update brings the total number of recalled bags to 11.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards said the bags contain elevated levels of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, commonly known as DEHP. The substance is restricted under UK safety legislation because it can be detrimental to human health and may cause harm to the reproductive system.
Customers urged to stop using bags immediately
A statement on Gov.uk advises customers to stop using the bags immediately and explains that owners are entitled to a full refund. It reads: "The product does not meet the requirements of the REACH Regulations 2008. The product has been recalled from end users by ASDA. We recommend that owners stop using the product immediately. Return the product to any ASDA store for a full refund."
ASDA stated that while the product passed initial testing, further examination revealed phthalate levels, including DEHP, that exceeded regulatory thresholds and breached REACH Regulations. Despite no incidents being reported, ASDA launched the recall as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Three newly added models and full list
The three recently added models included in the recall are the Quilted Nylon Camera Bag in Burg (barcode 5059206287215), the Zebra Nylon Phone Bag in Animal (barcode 5059206286553), and the Quilted Nylon Camera Bag in Brown (barcode 5059206962396).
These are in addition to eight other George handbags previously identified by safety inspectors, including the George Nylon Backpack, the Charm Hobo Workbag, the Opp Crossbody Bag, and various versions of the Front Pocket Xbody Bag and Nylon Phone Bag in black and tan. All of the recalled products were made in China.
The complete list of affected bags includes:
- George Nylon Backpack - Black - Article Number: 1100260030 - Barcode: 5059206404971
- George Charm Hobo Workbag - Black - Article Number: 1100264700 - Barcode: 5059206962570
- George Opp Crossbody Bag - Black - Article Number: 1100242685 - Barcode: 5059204259931
- George Opp Tote - Black - Article Number: 1100242000 - Barcode: 5059204184790
- George Front Pocket Xbody Bag - Black - Article Number: 1100258937 - Barcode: 5059206286959
- George Opp Tote Bag - Black - Article Number: 1100260834 - Barcode: 5059206491797
- George Nylon Phone Bag - Black - Article Number: 1100258939 - Barcode: 5059206285778
- George Front Pocket Xbody Bag - Tan - Article Number: 1100265415 - Barcode: 5059207039158
- Quilted Nylon Camera Bag - Burg - Article Number: 1100258923 - Barcode: 5059206287215
- Zebra Nylon Phone Bag - Animal - Article Number: 1100258936 - Barcode: 5059206286553
- Quilted Nylon Camera Bag - Brown - Article Number: 1100264721 - Barcode: 5059206962396
How to return affected bags
Shoppers are advised to inspect their wardrobes straight away. If they possess any of the 11 affected handbags, they should cease using them immediately to prevent further exposure to the chemical.
Customers do not require a receipt to obtain their money back. Anyone who purchased one of these bags can return it to their nearest ASDA branch, where staff will provide a full refund. Customers can verify their items by locating the product names, 10-digit article numbers, and barcodes displayed on the bags' internal labels.
For additional assistance, shoppers can access the official ASDA recall webpage or contact the customer service team directly on 0330 053 0111 to confirm whether their handbag is safe to use. ASDA also recalled eight models of George Home baby sleeping bags because snap buttons can become loose and detach, presenting a choking hazard to infants.
