Details of the affected product:
The levels of patulin found pose an unacceptable risk to public health. This chemical, produced by some moulds that grow naturally on fruits, particularly apples, can affect the developing foetus and cause neurological and immunological effects in animals. There it is important to keep human exposure to this chemical as low as is practically possible.
Steve Wearne, Head of Chemical Contaminants at Food Standards Agency, said:
'Our regular survey work picked up this problem. Whilst there has been action to withdraw the product from sale, that may not have been comprehensive and consumers may have some still in the cupboard at home. The Agency's advice is that this particular juice should not be drunk. Consumers should throw it away or return it to where they bought it.'
This particular juice was not on sale in high street supermarkets and was only available from approximately 160 outlets around the country. Most of the outlets were farm shops, garden centres and nurseries around the country. Full details of outlets are available on the FSA website: www.food.gov.uk.
The Agency has today issued a Food Hazard Warning asking local enforcement officers to check that these products have been removed from sale.