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.
Heavy 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 → 275Chemical
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 → 203Electric shock
Electrical products with insufficient insulation, accessible live parts or poorly designed plugs — often chargers, adapters, lamps and small…
Alerts and advice → 177Injuries
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 → 157Choking
Small parts that can easily detach — from toys, children's products, clothing or food — and be swallowed or inhaled.
Alerts and advice → 108Composition 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 → 82Fire 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 → 68Other 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 → 68Pathogenic 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 → 34Pesticide 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 → 32Strangulation
Cords, drawstrings or loops — in children's clothing, blinds or toys — that can wrap around the neck.
Alerts and advice → 28Mycotoxins
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 → 19Allergens
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 → 18Migration 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 → 13Foreign bodies
Pieces of glass, metal, plastic, stone or wood that should not be in the product.
Alerts and advice → 7Natural 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 → 6Suffocation
Plastic bags, packaging or products that can cover the mouth and nose, or small items that can block airways.
Alerts and advice → 2Environment
Products that contain substances harmful to the environment above EU limits — for example heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants in electrical…
Alerts and advice → 2Microbiological (non-food)
Consumer products such as cosmetics, tattoo inks, toys with liquids or slime contaminated with bacteria or fungi.
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.