Cod liver oil brand 'contaminated'

Batches of cod liver oil and other food supplements were being pulled from shop shelves today due to chemical contamination.

Seven Seas Ltd recalled some its own-brand products after the discovery of dioxins at levels above the legal limits.

The move affects different sized pots of high and extra strength cod liver oil capsules, plus some “joint care” and “ProBrain” capsules.

Dioxins are chemicals that get into food from the environment, according to the Food Standards Agency.

They have no immediate effect on human health but can cause problems if they are absorbed into the body at high levels for long periods.

The FSA said consumers’ health would not be put at risk from eating the recalled food supplements.

A spokesman said: “The Seven Seas products have slightly exceeded legal limits for dioxins in food but the levels reported in these products do not pose a risk to health.”

Seven Seas has contacted the relevant retailers asking them to withdraw the affected batches from sale.