Melons recalled from French supermarket due to cadmium risk
Fruits were above EU limits for produce and should not be consumed
A nationwide recall of loose melons sold at a French supermarket has been launched after tests on the fruit showed they exceeded European levels for cadmium.
The melons, sold at Carrefour supermarkets across France, were from the ‘Reflets de France’ brand, classified as ‘Haut-Poitou IGP’ produce (benefitting from geographical protected status).
The melons, with the GTIN code 1233333333333, were sold between July 12 and July 22.
Shoppers who have purchased one are asked to return it to the store of purchase for a refund or exchange.
Otherwise they should not eat it and should discard it. This includes if the melon has been used as an ingredient in a dish – the entire dish should be thrown out.
More information can be found on the official RappelConso website.
As of Friday (July 24), no melons at other supermarkets have been recalled for their level of cadmium.
A help number is available: 08 05 90 80 70.
Cadmium threat
Unlike recalls related to a specific virus or bacteria (most commonly salmonella, listeria, and E.coli), there are no immediate health threats associated with eating the melons.
However, they are being recalled due to falling foul of EU regulations on cadmium levels in food.
The presence of cadmium, a carcinogenic substance often found in soils and then ingested through food and ingredients grown in it, is significantly higher in France due to the phosphate fertilisers the country uses (compared to those employed by the rest of the bloc).
Continued warnings over the long-term threat of cadmium exposure in France means the country has rolled out free testing for people from some areas, although the measure has been criticised as too restrictive
