An urgent recall has been issued for a popular ice cream brand sold in stores around the country over the use of a pesticide that can cause cancer.
Continued exposure to the pesticide ethylene oxide is known to increase the risk of cancers of the white blood cells, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma, and lymphocytic leukemia.
The batches of Carte D’or Strawberry ice cream 1000ml have been recalled after the unauthorised use of ethylene oxide in the addictive locust bean gum (E410) in their production.
The affected batch codes are L1123CL020, L1146AL020, L1146BL020 and L1147BL020.
The affected batches have the best before date 05/2013.
The pesticide that was used in the dessert is not approved for use in the EU and the ice cream is sold in several Irish supermarkets including Tesco.
The full Food Safety Authority of Ireland message reads: “Certain batches of Carte D’or Strawberry ice cream are being recalled due to the presence of the unauthorised pesticide ethylene oxide in the batch of food additive locust bean gum (E410) used in their production.
“Locust bean gum (E410) is an approved food additive in the EU and is used as a thickener and stabiliser in a broad range of food products.
“Ethylene oxide is a pesticide that is not permitted for use in foods sold in the EU, but is approved for use by other countries outside the EU.
“Although the consumption of the contaminated products does not pose an acute risk to health, there is an increased risk if there is continued consumption of ethylene oxide in contaminated food over a long period of time.
“Therefore, exposure to ethylene oxide needs to be minimised.
“Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batches.”
This recall comes just days after the FSAI also recalled batches of their Milkybar and Nuii ice creams due to the presence of the same substance.
