Coffee recall issued over toxic contamination fears
A specific batch of Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello coffee is being withdrawn after detection of harmful Ochratoxin A levels. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has urged all sellers to remove these products immediately to prevent long-term health risks.
Urgent Food Safety Alert: Bialetti Ground Coffee Recalled in Ireland Over Toxic Contamination Concerns
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued an urgent recall notice for a specific batch of Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caramello (caramel-flavoured ground coffee) after routine safety testing detected elevated levels of Ochratoxin A exceeding European Union legal safety limits.
Retailers, wholesalers, and food service businesses across Ireland have been directed to remove the affected product from shelves immediately. Consumers who have purchased this coffee are urged not to drink it and to return it to the point of sale.
Product Identification Details
Consumers should check their pantry and kitchen cupboards for the following product details:
- Product Name: Bialetti Perfetto Moka Caffe Macinato Caramello (Caramel-Flavoured Ground Coffee)
- Pack Size: 250 g
- Batch Code / Lot: LC5 BD149T
- Best Before Date: 29/05/2027
- Barcode (EAN): 8006363076203
- Country of Origin: Italy
- Main Outlets Sold: Department stores and discount retailers across Ireland (including TK Maxx and Homesense), speciality coffee retailers, and online merchants
Important Note: Only batch LC5 BD149T with the best-before date 29/05/2027 is implicated in this recall. All other Bialetti blends, roast varieties, and lot numbers remain unaffected and are safe to consume.
Why Was the Coffee Recalled?
The alert was triggered after laboratory screening revealed that the coffee contains unacceptable concentrations of Ochratoxin A (OTA). Ochratoxin A is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by moulds, primarily species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. These moulds can colonise agricultural crops such as green coffee beans, grains, spices, and dried fruits if harvesting, drying, or storage conditions are excessively warm or humid. To safeguard the public, the European Union enforces strict maximum residue thresholds for mycotoxins in food and beverages. Testing confirmed that this batch exceeded allowable legal limits.Health Risks and Long-Term Effects
While the FSAI notes that this contamination does not represent an immediate medical emergency, continued exposure presents serious health risks:- Short-Term Risk: Drinking a single cup or an occasional serving is unlikely to cause acute poisoning or sudden symptoms.
- Long-Term Risk: Ochratoxin A is nephrotoxic, meaning it accumulates and exerts toxic effects on the kidneys. Repeated dietary ingestion over extended periods can cause progressive kidney damage, suppress immune system function, and elevate the risk of certain cancers.
Guidance for Consumers
If you possess a bag matching the batch code and expiration date:- Do Not Consume: Stop using the product immediately. Do not use it for brewing, cooking, or dessert recipes.
- Return for a Refund:
- TK Maxx / Homesense purchases: Return the item to any local branch for a full refund or exchange. Under safety recall protocols, a receipt is generally not required.
- Independent retailers or online orders: Contact the seller's customer support or bring the packaging back to the store for reimbursement.
[email protected].
Instructions for Retailers, Caterers, and Distributors
- Immediate Withdrawal: Retailers and catering businesses must immediately quarantine and remove batch LC5 BD149T from customer displays and preparation areas.
- Point-of-Sale Notices: Businesses that stocked this product must display prominent recall notices at cash registers and in coffee aisles informing customers of the return and refund process.