The FSAI has warned women not to consume a certain product due to dangerously high levels of lead.
Calabash chalk is imported into Ireland and can be found in some ethnic shop (file photo)(Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images)
Women across Ireland have been warned not to consume a dangerous imported product sold in some shops after food safety officials raised concerns over high levels of lead.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued an alert on Thursday over calabash chalk, a product sometimes used as a traditional remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy.
The FSAI said the product, which may also be sold under names including calabar chalk, calabar stone, la craie, argile, nzu, ndom, eko and mabele, can contain dangerously high levels of lead.
The officials warned that lead is a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time and may be passed to unborn babies during pregnancy and to infants through breastfeeding.
Calabash chalk is imported into Ireland and can be found in some ethnic shops. It is typically sold in blocks, pellets or powder form and may have limited labelling or consumer information.
The product can occur naturally from fossilised seashells or may be artificially made using mixtures including clay, sand and wood ash.
Calabash chalk is sometimes consumed as a traditional remedy for morning sickness. (Image: FSAI)
The FSAI warned that consuming it can “significantly increase” exposure to lead, which is linked to a range of serious health problems, particularly affecting the development of unborn babies and young infants.
Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive of the FSAI said: “High levels of lead in calabash chalk is a serious public health concern. Lead can have harmful effects, particularly for unborn babies and infants, where it can severely affect how a child’s body grows and their brain develops.
“At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. We advise pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding not to eat this product.”
The FSAI has urged women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and have consumed calabash chalk to stop using it. Anyone feeling unwell has been advised to seek medical advice.
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