Moët & Chandon recalled in France over potential ecstasy contamination

Two batches of Moët & Chandon champagne are being recalled in France because they may contain traces of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.

Belgium’s food safety authority (AFSCA) issued an alert regarding batches:

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The bottles concerned are magnums – containing three litres of champagne – with the ‘Moët & Chandon Imperial Ice’ label, which were sold online and in some shops.

The health authorities state that affected champagne will not fizz, will have a red-brown colour and an odour of aniseed.

Anyone who bought a bottle from these batches should not drink it, with AFSCA stating: “Considering the risk associated with MDMA, the simple act of dipping your finger in the liquid and tasting it could lead to serious health problems, even if you do not ingest it.”

An investigation has been opened into the circumstances behind the contamination.

AFSCA said: “At this stage in the investigation, it has not been ruled out that other bottles of the same brand also contain MDMA.”

Around 10 people have already been affected by the contaminated champagne in the Netherlands and Germany, and a person in their 50s lost their life.

LVMH, which is part-owned by Moët & Chandon, states that the issue is “a criminal matter” and does not relate to a “quality issue”.

“These bottles have been bought on an individual-to-individual purchasing platform some time before they were consumed.

“In this context, the police are calling for caution when consuming drinks whose origin is not clear.”

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