Lidl UK is recalling their Kania Gravy Granules after unsafe levels of xylene - a paint thinner chemical - were found in the product. The chemical occurs naturally in petroleum and crude oil.
According to the Independent, the supermarket chain were alerted to the problem two weeks before the recall, after Eugene Vatsaloo and his family from South Wales became very ill following dinner.
.@LidlUK recalls Kania Gravy Granules because of chemical contamination https://t.co/lvGcb1sNkn #FoodAlert #Recall pic.twitter.com/uIU6J9tR4d
— FoodStandardsAgency (@foodgov) December 17, 2016
They experienced stomach cramps, headaches, dizziness and breathing difficulties shortly after eating the product, and Eugene contacted the company on December 2.
According to the Food Standards Agency, exposure to xylene in food products represents a health risk as it can cause adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
However, the contaminant levels in this product exceed those set to minimise the risk and the product is therefore being recalled as a precaution.
Lidl UK Recall batches of Kania Gravy Granules (Meat and Chicken) because of chemical contamination with xylene https://t.co/luao0EeB3L pic.twitter.com/5BvUd1vUMP
— Recall Database (@RecallDatabase) December 18, 2016
The store is urging anyone who may have purchased the product to return it to a Lidl UK stroe for a full refund. Consumers are being advised not to eat it.
The gravy concerned is Kania Gravy Granules, Meat and Chicken, 300g; Best Before Date: October 2017 and November 2017 only.
