Urgent product recall of mugs containing toxic metals linked to brain damage

Boots and TK Maxx have issued an urgent product recall on mugs that could shed toxic metals linked to brain damage. Product safety tests revealed that the coating on seven character-themed mugs leeched into hot drinks that exceeded food contact safety limits and could pose serious health risks if ingested over time.

Boots has removed three Blue Sky Designs gift sets from shelves and urged shoppers to return them for a full refund, including the Game of Thrones Mug and Sock Set, the Rick and Morty Mug and Keyring, and the Batman Mug and Sock Set. The pharmacy chain warned that "it is possible that heavy metals may migrate from the enamel coating into hot drinks, posing a health risk if ingested repeatedly over a long period of time."

TK Maxx has also issued a recall on four character mugs sold between May and September, after tests revealed they could release heavy metals exceeding safety limits.

The designs affected include Harry Potter, South Park, SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The retailer urged customers to stop using them immediately and to return them to any TK Maxx or HomeSense store for a refund without needing a receipt.

A TK Maxx spokesperson previously said: "The vendor is recalling these products because they do not meet safety standards for materials intended to come into contact with food

"Testing has shown that the coating may release levels of heavy metals that exceed safe limits, which could pose a potential health risk if used with food or beverages."

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has also published an official product recall notice.

Both retailers have encouraged customers to share the news with friends and relatives who may have received them as gifts.

While occasional use is unlikely to cause harm according to health experts, the potential side effects of consuming unsafe metals include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and damage to the brain, kidneys, and liver.

Chronic exposure, if left untreated, can result in serious long-term issues, including anaemia, miscarriage and brain damage.

Customers can contact Blue Sky Designs on 0800 980 3901 or via recall@blueskystudios.co.uk. TK Maxx customers can reach out on 01923 473561 or customerservice@tjxeurope.com.

For those concerned about potential exposure to heavy metals, clinical advice recommends contacting a GP if any symptoms of heavy metal poisoning occur, and the doctor can then arrange testing and treatment as necessary.