France has initiated a recall of Olympic-branded water bottles for children, just a week before the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are set to commence. The recall was prompted by findings from Rappel Conso, the official consumer recall agency, which revealed that the reusable bottles contain excessive levels of Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical.
The white flasks, adorned with the iconic Olympic rings and the Paris 2024 mascot or flame, were released in August last year and sold until June. Authorities have urged consumers to return these bottles to the stores where they were purchased.
Bisphenol A, commonly used in manufacturing food containers, has long been scrutinized for its safety. France’s food safety agency, Anses, identifies BPA as an endocrine disruptor, a substance that can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, potentially leading to health issues such as breast cancer and infertility. Due to these significant health risks, BPA has been banned in France since 2015.
According to Rappel Conso’s website, the bottles produced by the Vilac company contain “levels of Bisphenol A not in line with regulations” for products designed for food contact. This recall underscores the ongoing concerns regarding BPA’s safety and the stringent measures France continues to take to protect consumer health.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, an international multi-sport event, is scheduled to be held from 26 July to 11 August 2024, bringing together athletes and spectators from around the world.
