As a precautionary measure, the organic retailer Alnatura is recalling its whole-grain spelled spaghetti because they can lead to health problems.
Darmstadt - Many customers who buy organic products pay particular attention to quality. But customers now have to be particularly careful with a pasta product from the manufacturer Alnatura: Alnatura has started the recall of a type of pasta. Residues of dangerous mushrooms were found in a batch of the whole-grain spelled pasta. Even in small amounts, these can lead to health problems. Customers are therefore called upon not to consume the affected product under any circumstances.
As the manufacturer announced on Wednesday (September 15) on its website, the precautionary recall applies to packs of Alnatura wholegrain spelled pasta with the best before date February 26, 2023. Traces of ergot alkaloids were found in the products in question.
These are mushrooms, so-called ergot mushrooms, which can lead to health problems.
Recall at Alnatura: mushroom residues found in pasta
"As a precaution, customers who have Alnatura whole-grain spelled spaghetti at home with the best before date mentioned above should no longer consume the pasta," the message says.
The affected batches have already been withdrawn from the sale.
Customers who already had the item with the best before date of February 26, 2023 at home could bring the product back to their respective market and “of course receive a replacement”, according to the manufacturer.
Other best-before dates or other Alnatura pasta types are not affected by the recall.
The spelled wholemeal spaghetti was available nationwide, according to an Alnatura spokeswoman.
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Fungal residues in Alnatura pasta: Dangerous health threat
As the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety informs, ergot is a poisonous substance.
Customers who have already consumed the product should therefore pay attention to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, muscle contractions, headaches, cardiovascular problems (e.g. high blood pressure) or disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).
As the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment writes, uterine bleeding and miscarriages can occur after consumption of small amounts.
Larger amounts of ergot alkaloids can also cause circulatory disorders, hallucinations, cramps, as well as sensory disturbances and paralysis.
The discounter Lidl also recently started a recall of pasta products all over Germany: they are said to have contained carcinogenic disinfectants.
List of rubric lists: © Christin Klose / dpa