Sainsbury’s and Argos have issued an urgent recall for three tote bag designs due to a serious chemical safety risk. The TU Tote Shopper Bags, sold at selected Sainsbury’s stores, on the TU website, and through the Argos website, have been found to contain excessive levels of phthalates. These chemical compounds, commonly used to make plastics softer and more flexible, may pose health hazards, especially to children, potentially affecting the reproductive system.
The recall specifically affects the following products: the Tu Pu Tan Curved Top Shopper (item number 147160412), the Tu Black Croc Winged Tote Bag (item number 147166081), and the Tu Brown Belt Handled Core Shopper (item number 147789704). These items do not comply with the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008, which govern chemical safety standards in consumer products.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s stated: “We are recalling these products because their phthalate concentrations exceed our safety requirements. Prolonged exposure could be harmful, so we ask customers to stop using the bags immediately and return them to any local Sainsbury’s store for a full refund. For more information, visit sainsburys.co.uk/help or call 0800 028 8303.”
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Similarly, an Argos representative confirmed the recall, emphasising the importance of customer safety and advising anyone who purchased the tote bags to cease use and return them to Argos stores for a full refund. Details can be found at argos.co.uk or by contacting 0800 011 3462.
The Office for Product Safety & Standards echoed these concerns, highlighting the risks posed by excessive phthalate exposure to children and confirming that the products violate safety regulations. They strongly advise all users to stop using the bags immediately and return them to the nearest Sainsbury’s or Argos store.
Customers are encouraged to share this information with others who may have purchased or received the affected products to ensure prompt action and minimise health risks.