Australian consumers have been warned not to consume or cook with water using the tap sold by the supermarket giant, since tests have shown high levels of lead.
According to AAP, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has released the warning with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) last weekend.
“Aldi Australia takes safety very seriously. We have strict quality assurance processes in place and we relentlessly test our products to ensure they are safe and of the highest quality,” Aldi Australia spokesperson has commented to Inside FMCG.
Their statement mentioned the Spiral Spring Mixer Tap, which went on sale as a Special Buy on 10 June 2017, “was independently tested and confirmed to comply with Australian standards prior to going on sale. It is certified to the WaterMark and compliant to the WELS scheme.”
QBCC has also tested the product and found water from Easy Home brand taps (model number NI 183 escrt-aud), which could contain up to 15 times the maximum allowable level of lead. ACCC said it has approached Aldi, and if there was any risk to consumers, a voluntary recall would be expected.
“Consumers who have purchased the particular taps but have not had them installed can seek a refund from Aldi,” the ACCC said in a statement on Monday. “If installed, consumers should avoid drinking water or using them for cooking until more is known about the health risks that may be posed.”
The discount grocer said they are currently “liaising with the responsible authorities and our supplier to investigate the matter with utmost urgency. If at any stage test results confirm that chemical parameters do not meet regulatory requirements, Aldi will take appropriate action.”
“Aldi will always remove any product from sale if it is identified as a risk to our customers. If any customer is unsatisfied with a product purchased at Aldi, they are welcome to return it to the store for a full refund,” Aldi Australia spokesperson added.
