Sainsbury’s and Matalan have joined forces to urgently recall the Beeline Belly Bar, a Christmas stocking filler, amid health concerns tying back to elevated levels of nickel. The jewelry piece has been flagged by health authorities as posing serious risks, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Health authorities, including the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), identified the Beeline Belly Bar as having nickel levels exceeding legal limits, triggering concerns over potential allergic reactions. Nickel is known as a skin sensitizer, meaning contact with it can cause various allergic reactions, including itchy rashes and contact dermatitis.
According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, this jewelry presents not just aesthetic concerns but also a significant chemical risk. “The product presents a chemical risk as elevated levels of nickel were found. Nickel is a skin sensitizer and can cause allergic reactions if present in items intended for prolonged skin contact,” officials stated.
Both Sainsbury's and Matalan have urged customers who purchased the Beeline Belly Bar to stop using it immediately. They advise returning the item for a full refund, emphasizing the process is hassle-free, as receipts are not required. The reaction to this product has led retailers to take swift action to mitigate any health risk associated with their purchase.
Beeline, the supplier of the belly bar, has publicly apologized for the oversight, stressing their commitment to product safety. A company representative stated, “Product safety is our top priority. During follow-up checks, we found elevated nickel levels in part of the belly bar. Wearing this belly bar can cause allergic reactions, so we are removing it from sale and offering full refunds for returned items.”
The UKHSA reiterated the importance of monitoring such products, especially those meant for direct skin contact, warning customers: “Individuals who have developed skin irritation or redness after using the belly bar should cease contact immediately and consult healthcare professionals if symptoms persist.”
Customers with questions are encouraged to reach out to Beeline at [email protected]. The urgency of this recall serves as a reminder of the need for stringent checks on consumer products, especially those commonly gifted during the festive season.
The recall affects all units of the Beeline Belly Bar sold at both Sainsbury’s and Matalan, emphasizing the shared responsibility among retailers and manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety. This incident brings to light the broader issue of product safety regulations and the importance of vigilantly adhering to established safety limits to protect consumers from health risks.
With the festive shopping season just around the corner, both retailers stress the importance of customer awareness to minimize potential health risks from unsafe consumer products.
