SEVERAL THOUSAND bottles of fruit juices containing high levels of a toxic contaminant, patulin, may already have been purchased by Irish consumers, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said yesterday.
It issued a product recall on a number of batches of Killowen Orchard bottled juices in 750ml, which were found to have high levels of the contaminant, which is produced naturally by moulds on fruit.
The FSAI said the affected batches are Killowen Orchard pure Irish apple juice: best before August 2008; Killowen Orchard pure Irish apple juice with strawberry: best before December 2008; and Killowen Orchard pure Irish apple juice with blueberry: best before August 2008.
The problem was identified when tests were carried out on the product by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which found that the fruits used were not of acceptable quality for human consumption because of the high levels of patulin.
The FSAI said that although patulin does not present an immediate risk to consumers, long-term consumption could affect human health.
She said anyone with concerns or queries should contact the FSAI advice line on 1890-336677.