Hazards · 19
Why products are recalled in the EU
Pathogens, allergens, mycotoxins, banned chemicals, choking and electric shock risks — a short explanation of each type of hazard, what it can cause and what to do if you have an affected product.
Chemical
A consumer product contains a chemical substance that is banned or restricted in the EU — for example phthalates in toys, lead or cadmium in…
Alerts and advice → 7,724Heavy metals and contaminants
Chemical contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, dioxins, PAHs, 3-MCPD or ethylene oxide above the limits set in EU law.
Alerts and advice → 5,682Injuries
The product can break, collapse, tip over or has sharp edges or points, which can lead to cuts, falls or other injuries.
Alerts and advice → 4,017Choking
Small parts that can easily detach — from toys, children's products, clothing or food — and be swallowed or inhaled.
Alerts and advice → 3,600Electric shock
Electrical products with insufficient insulation, accessible live parts or poorly designed plugs — often chargers, adapters, lamps and small…
Alerts and advice → 3,477Composition and additives
Unauthorised or excessive food additives, colours, novel foods without authorisation, or ingredients not allowed in food or food supplements (for…
Alerts and advice → 3,212Strangulation
Cords, drawstrings or loops — in children's clothing, blinds or toys — that can wrap around the neck.
Alerts and advice → 1,995Fire and burns
The product can overheat, catch fire or cause burns — for example batteries, chargers, heaters, candles or flammable clothing and toys.
Alerts and advice → 1,595Pathogenic micro-organisms
Bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms that can cause illness — for example Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli (STEC), norovirus or…
Alerts and advice → 1,302Other risks
Other risks identified by the authorities, such as labelling problems, poor or insufficient controls, or risks that do not fall into one of the…
Alerts and advice → 1,132Pesticide residues
Residues of plant protection products above the legal maximum level, or of substances that are not authorised in the EU — frequently found in…
Alerts and advice → 883Mycotoxins
Toxic substances produced by moulds — mainly aflatoxins in nuts, dried fruit and spices, and ochratoxin A in cereals, coffee and dried fruit.
Alerts and advice → 656Allergens
An allergen (such as milk, egg, gluten, nuts, peanuts, soy, sesame, mustard or crustaceans) is present but not declared on the label, or is declared…
Alerts and advice → 575Migration from food contact materials
Substances that move from packaging, kitchenware or tableware into food — such as formaldehyde, melamine, primary aromatic amines or heavy metals…
Alerts and advice → 491Foreign bodies
Pieces of glass, metal, plastic, stone or wood that should not be in the product.
Alerts and advice → 282Suffocation
Plastic bags, packaging or products that can cover the mouth and nose, or small items that can block airways.
Alerts and advice → 243Microbiological (non-food)
Consumer products such as cosmetics, tattoo inks, toys with liquids or slime contaminated with bacteria or fungi.
Alerts and advice → 164Natural toxins
Toxins that occur naturally in plants, fungi or fish — for example pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tropane alkaloids, histamine in fish, or toxins in…
Alerts and advice → 65Environment
Products that contain substances harmful to the environment above EU limits — for example heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants in electrical…
Alerts and advice →These descriptions are general information and do not replace medical advice. If you have worrying symptoms, contact a doctor or call the emergency number 112.