At Holland & Barrett, the safety and quality of our products are our top priorities. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards, we have recalled our Psyllium Husk POWDER 340g due to the presence of a pesticide, Ethylene Oxide, found in levels above the permitted amount during routine testing.
Please do not consume this product. You can return it to your nearest Holland & Barrett store for a full refund. If you no longer have the product, please just take along a proof of purchase. If you are unable to return to store for your refund you can request it here and our team will arrange this for you.
As soon as the issue was identified, we promptly removed the product from our shelves. We would like to reassure you that we have worked closely with our trading standards officer and the Food Standards Agency and have followed their guidance. The FSA have confirmed that we have taken all the necessary steps to manage this recall.
We are sorry that it has been necessary to recall this product and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you have taken this product and it has made you unwell. For any other concerns or questions please read the Frequently Asked Questions listed below. If you have any unanswered questions or need further help you can contact us here.
What products are affected?
- Holland & Barrett Psyllium Husk Powder 340g SKU Code; 046918
What batch numbers are affected by the recall?
- 168964-01
168965-01
168978-01
168979-01
168990-01
168991-01
The affected batches were only on the market between 22nd July 2024 and 18th October 2024.
How do I know if my product is affected?
- You can find details of your batch number on the white strip on the side of the tub. If you have purchased this product from Holland & Barrett between 22nd July 2024 and 18th October 2024 and have any of this product within your home please return to your local store for a refund.
What is the issue?
- This product has tested positive for ethylene oxide residue and is being recalled for consumer safety.
What is ethylene oxide?
- Ethylene oxide is a pesticide which is used typically in farms and as a chemical in the sterilisation of medical goods. The UK and European Union (EU) prohibits the use of ethylene oxide for sterilizing food additives. However, some countries outside the EU, such as India, allow the use of ethylene oxide as a disinfectant in food.
How has ethylene oxide got into the product?
- Due to the use of ethylene oxide on farms in places like India and Pakistan, it can sometimes be found in farmed crops which were grown in or around other crops where ethylene oxide was used.
- This was identified during routine surveillance testing of our products
I've taken this product and I feel unwell, what do I do?
- The safety risk is linked to long term exposure to ethylene oxide and given that the impacted product was only on-sale for 3 months this does not constitute as long term, but please consult your GP if you have any concerns.
I've been taking this for a while what should I do?
- If you have consumed one of our affected batches, we would like to reassure you that short term exposure to ethylene oxide is not a risk to health. According to UK government guidance, consumption of ethylene oxide can cause adverse health effects if there is significant and direct long-term exposure. The affected batches were only on the market from 22nd July 2024 and we acted promptly to remove the product from sale on 18th October 2024. Therefore, customers have not been exposed to ethylene oxide for a significant or long period of time.
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We have engaged with an external scientific specialist in this area to provide further guidance, they confirmed in the case of ethylene oxide, long term exposure was generally defined as at least 12 months of continuous use.
Will I get a refund?
- Any affected stock returned will get a refund. If you have the product but no proof of purchase a refund will be issued. Customers can obtain a full refund by returning their item to their local Holland & Barrett store or by contacting us here