The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority has pulled a batch of baby rice porridge with strawberry and raspberry, sold under the Nature's Promise Bio brand, from store shelves after lab tests revealed nearly seven times the permitted level of aflatoxin B1 — a dangerous carcinogenic substance.
The affected batch is marked LOT 50426, with a best-before date of 31 July 2027. The porridge is intended for children over one year old and is supplied by the Prague-based company King Food Bohemia. According to the inspection authority, the contaminated product was discovered at an Albert store on Ječná Street in Brno.
Inspection spokesman Pavel Kopřiva explained that aflatoxins belong to a group of mycotoxins — substances produced by mould fungi. They are classified as carcinogenic and can enter food when it becomes contaminated with mould.
After the excess level was detected, inspectors turned to the national public health institute for a risk assessment. Experts confirmed that the product poses a health hazard. As a result, inspectors ordered the porridge to be immediately withdrawn from the retailer's shelves.
Administrative proceedings will now be opened against the supplier, which could result in a fine. In addition, information about the dangerous product has already been entered into the European rapid alert system, allowing authorities in the product's country of origin to investigate as well.
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Source: novinky.cz