Asda issues urgent recall of handbags over ‘serious chemical risk’ to reproductive system

Asda has recalled three lines of women’s handbags after they were found to pose a “serious” chemical risk that could cause damage to the reproductive system.

The all-black items, which have an “unknown” country of origin, feature excessive levels of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) reported.

The OPSS stated that phthalates, which soften plastic to make it more flexible, can harm children’s health and potentially damage reproductive organs.

The OPSS said: “We recommend that consumers stop using the product immediately.

“Return the product to any Asda store for a full refund.”

Asda has recalled the bags: the £10 Front Pocket Xbody Bag carrying the product code 1100258937001; the £16 Opp Tote Bag with the product code 1100260834001; and the £8 Black Nylon Phone Bag with the product code 1100258939001.

Consumers can contact Asda on 0330 053 0111 for further information.

Last month, Asda, along with Morrisons, issued a recall of pasta products due to a possible listeria contamination.

Food producer Greencore recalled three pasta products because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the Food Standards Agency said.

They were:

Meanwhile, sales at Asda are on track to grow for the first time in two years, despite pressure on household budgets caused by the broader economic environment.

The private equity-backed supermarket chain stated that it remains in the “foothills of recovery” as it moves forward with a major turnaround strategy.

Boss Allan Leighton suggested that the company has now completed roughly one third of this restructuring process.

He noted that the group’s current position aligns with his expectations since assuming control in late 2024, marking a return to Asda’s top job 25 years after he previously headed up the business.

“We have been very consistent with the fact the turnaround will take between three and five years,” Mr Leighton said.

“Whenever someone says that they think it is taking a long time, I make it clear that for something of this scale, this is just how long it takes.”