FSAI recalls contaminated fruit juices

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a product recall for an Irish brand of fruit juices, after some batches were discovered to contain a contaminant produced by mould.

Killowen Orchard has withdrawn the products in which a high level of the contaminant, patulin, was found. The FSAI said that while patulin, which is produced by moulds found on or in fruit, does not pose an immediate risk to the health of consumers, long-term and repeated consumption could damage the immune system, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

The affected batches are the 750ml Killowen Orchard's Pure Irish apple juice and Pure Irish apple juice with blueberry, with a best before date of August 2008. The Killowen Orchard Pure Irish apple juice with strawberry with a best before date of December 2008 is also affected.

Consumers should dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase.

"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," said Jeffrey Moon, Chief Specialist Environmental Health, FSAI.

"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."

Queries or concerns about the recall should be directed to the FSAI advice line on 1890 336677.