Winged Bull rice contaminated with pesticides

Have you recently purchased some Winged Bull basmati rice? So beware, the brand is recalling certain batches due to the presence of a pesticide banned in France.

This rice, from the Taureau Ailé ​​brand, has been sold in some French supermarkets and should not be consumed.

Rice that contains pesticides banned in France

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) has detected the presence of pesticides in Taureau Ailé ​​basmati rice. “L 2021F” batches contain a fungicide called chlorpyrifos, which is banned in France.

This type of pesticide is used to protect crops against fungi, but it can be dangerous if consumed by humans. ANSES therefore recommends not consuming this batch.

What are the risks of chlorpyrifos?

Chlorpyrifos is toxic to the central nervous system, that is, it is a neurotoxin, and it interferes with thyroid signaling.

It is an endocrine disruptor that can harm brain development in children and adolescents. High doses of chlorpyrifos have been associated with neurological problems such as decreased IQ, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and autism spectrum disorder in children exposed during fetal development or childhood.

In adults, long-term exposure to high levels of chlorpyrifos has been associated with headaches, dizziness, weakness, and abdominal cramps. In extreme cases, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

What should I do if I own this rice?

If you purchased the recalled batch of rice, do not consume it to avoid any risk to your health.

You can either take it back to the store where you bought it or just throw it away.

Which batches are affected?

A recall has been issued for 500 gram bags of Whole Basmati Rice (Lot: lots L 2021F / GTIN no.: 303835459330) sold from February 7, 2022 in the following stores:

• Carrefour,
• Auchan,
• Intermarket,
• Casino,
• Gaelic,
• and Cora