Sainsbury’s and Matalan have urgently recalled a popular Christmas stocking filler – issuing a warning over a serious health risk.
The Beeline Belly Bar, a flower-themed body jewellery piece, has been found to contain an ‘elevated value’ of nickel – raising concerns about potential allergic reactions.
Both retailers issued warnings saying the jewellery could be dangerous when used in a piercing due to the high nickel content.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards said: ‘The product presents a chemical risk as elevated levels of nickel were found.
‘Nickel is a skin sensitiser and can cause allergic reactions if present in articles that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.’
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued a statement warning exposure to elevated levels of nickel can lead to contact dermatitis.
The UKHSA says: ‘Skin exposure to nickel or its compounds can lead to skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis (an immunological reaction leading to skin sensitisation expressed as reddening/rash on the skin).
‘Nickel contact dermatitis was often seen in individuals who wore nickel-containing jewellery in the past, but stringent controls are now in place to ensure that this is no longer a significant route of exposure.
The Beeline Belly Bar, a flower-themed body jewellery piece, has been found to contain an ‘elevated value’ of nickel – raising concerns about an allergy risk
Sainsbury’s and Matalan issued warnings saying the jewellery could be dangerous when used in a piercing due to to the high nickel content
‘Following the EU nickel directive, which implemented a maximum level of nickel that could be released from such items, exposures have been reduced or prevented.
‘If contact dermatitis (red skin rash) occurs following skin exposure to items containing nickel, contact should be ceased immediately.’
A statement from Beeline said: ‘Product safety is our and our partner’s top priority. In order to guarantee you the greatest possible protection, we have decided to remove the belly bar shown below from sale.
‘During follow-up checks, an elevated nickel value was found in a part of the belly bar, which exceeds the legal limit. Wearing this belly bar can cause allergic reactions.
‘You can, of course, return items you have already purchased to us by any means, such as this partner’s store.
‘Even without a receipt, you will be refunded the purchase price.
‘If you have any further questions, please contact us as supplier of this product via: product.safety@beeline-group.com.
‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’