With the return of sunny weather across parts of France, many are excited to enjoy picnics and snacks outdoors. But before reaching for those chips, consumers should check the packaging carefully. Salt and vinegar chips sold under Intermarché’s private label, Bouton d’or, are being recalled due to chemical contamination.
On March 3, 2025, the recall alert was issued by RappelConso, notifying the public about the potential health risks posed by these chips. Available from December 19, 2024, to February 28, 2025, these chips were sold at various Intermarché locations across France. To determine if their product is affected, consumers can verify their snacks using the following details: lot number P06542562709L2 and barcode 3250393180545, with the minimum durability date marked as March 9, 2025.
The reason for this widespread recall stems from testing which revealed elevated levels of acrylamide within these chips. RappelConso reported, "Un contrôle a mis en évidence une teneur en acrylamide dans le produit à un seuil supérieur autorisé par la réglementation," indicating the presence of this substance exceeded the legal limits set forth by health regulations. Acrylamide is a chemical formed naturally when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, often contributing to concerns around food safety.
This substance is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), prompting health authorities to take precautionary measures. Consequently, RappelConso advises consumers to refrain from consuming these chips, recommending they either destroy the products or return them to any Intermarché store for safe disposal.
To support affected customers, Intermarché has issued a refund policy for the recalled chips. Consumers may request refunds through March 31, 2025. To facilitate this process, RappelConso encourages individuals to keep the packaging handy when returning or destroying these products.
With spring upon us, it’s imperative for shoppers to stay vigilant and check their pantry items, particularly snack foods like chips. The recall serves as an important reminder to always stay informed about product safety issues and to read labels attentively. Regular updates from local health authorities and food safety notifications play key roles in ensuring consumer safety.
It's worth noting the significance of food recalls as part of broader public health efforts. Such actions not only safeguard consumer health but also reflect the regulatory system's commitment to food safety standards. Monitoring bodies like RappelConso play valuable roles, acting swiftly to engage with and inform the public whenever potential health threats arise.
Those who believe they may have purchased the affected chips can visit the RappelConso website for more information or call their local Intermarché to confirm details about the recall. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to navigate these situations and maintain well-being during food enjoyment.
Looking to the future, vigilance will remain key as food safety continues to evolve. Educated consumers are empowered to make safe choices and mitigate risks associated with foodborne contaminants through awareness and action.