Food Alerts

Recall of a Batch of King Oscar Sardines in Tomato Sauce due to the Presence of the Unauthorised Pes

Friday, 08 October 2021

Summary:
Category 2 Food Alert for Information: A batch of King Oscar Sardines in Tomato Sauce is being recalled due to the presence of the unauthorised pesticide ethylene oxide.

Message:

The above batch of King Oscar Sardines in Tomato Sauce is being recalled due to the presence of the unauthorised pesticide ethylene oxide in a batch of the food additive locust bean gum (E410) used in its production. Locust bean gum (E410) is an approved food additive in the EU. It is obtained from the seeds of the carob tree 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. The consumption of foods containing ethylene oxide does not pose an acute risk to health, but there is an increased health risk if foods contaminated with ethylene oxide are consumed over a long period of time. Therefore, exposure to ethylene oxide needs to be minimised and contaminated product must be removed from the market.  Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.For further information on ethylene oxide in locust bean gum, please see our FAQ.