23 June 2008 - The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today advised a product recall is being carried out on a number of batches of Killowen Orchard bottled juices, 750ml.
The products are being recalled due to the presence of high levels of a contaminant called patulin that was found in a number of affected batches which were tested by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF). Patulin is a toxic contaminant produced naturally by a number of moulds found in and on fruit. The products were found to contain high levels of patulin indicating that the fruits used were not of acceptable quality for human consumption.
Details of the affected batches are as follows:
Killowen Orchard - Pure Irish apple juice. Best before: August 2008
Killowen Orchard - Pure Irish apple juice with strawberry. Best before: December 2008
Killowen Orchard - Pure Irish apple juice with blueberry. Best before: August 2008.
The FSAI stated that whilst patulin does not present an immediate risk to consumers, its presence is unacceptable and long-term consumption could cause an effect on human health. If consumed in large quantities over a period of time, patulin may cause damage to the immune system, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. The FSAI is advising consumers not to drink the product and dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.
The producer has withdrawn the affected product from food businesses in Ireland known to have received the affected products. The FSAI is continuing to monitor the withdrawal from sale with DAFF.
According to Mr Jeffrey Moon, Chief Specialist Environmental Health, FSAI, consumers should not consume the affected batches.
“These products have been available through a variety of retail stores and we have concerns that if consumed on a regular basis over a long period of time the products could have serious risk to human health. Any consumer who has a bottle of the affected batches is advised not to drink it and to dispose of it or return it to the store where it was purchased.” says Mr Moon.