Urgent product recall of mugs containing toxic metals linked to brain | UK | News
Boots and TK Maxx have issued an urgent product recall over mugs that can release toxic metals linked to brain damage. Product safety testing has revealed that the coating on seven character-themed mugs leaches into hot drinks exceeding food contact safety limits and can pose serious health risks if swallowed over time.
Boots has removed three Blue Sky Designs gift sets from shelves and called for them to be returned for a full refund, including the Game of Thrones Mug and Sock Set, Rick and Morty Mug and Keychain and Batman Mug and Sock Set. The pharmacy chain warned that “it is possible for heavy metals to leach from the enamel coating into hot drinks and may pose a health risk if swallowed repeatedly over a long period of time.”
TK Maxx has also decided to recall four-character mugs sold between May and September after tests revealed they released heavy metals exceeding safety limits.
Designs affected include Harry Potter, South Park, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The retailer urged customers to immediately stop using them and return them to any TK Maxx or HomeSense store for a refund, no receipt required.
A TK Maxx spokesperson previously said: “The retailer is recalling these products because they do not meet safety standards for materials intended to come into contact with food.”
“Tests showed that the coating may release heavy metals at levels exceeding safe limits, which could pose a potential health risk when used with food or beverages.”
The Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) also issued an official product recall notice.
Both retailers encouraged customers to share the news with friends and relatives who may have received it as a gift.
While occasional use is unlikely to cause harm, potential side effects of consuming unsafe metals include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion and brain, kidney and liver damage, according to health experts.
Chronic exposure, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term problems such as anemia, miscarriage, and brain damage.
Clients can contact Blue Sky Designs on 0800 980 3901 or recall@blueskystudios.co.uk. TK Maxx customers can contact 01923 473561 or customerservice@tjxeurope.com.
For those concerned about potential exposure to heavy metals, clinical advice recommends contacting a GP if any symptoms of heavy metal poisoning occur, who can then arrange testing and treatment as necessary.
