Large recall toxins detected in other popcorn brands

Recall for Good & Cheap Popcorn

Currently, the consumer protection portal "lebensmittelwarnung.de" by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety warns against the consumption of the popcorn of the brands "American Style" and "Good & Cheap". The manufacturer XOX Gebäck GmbH recalls the mentioned products for reasons of preventive consumer protection. According to the manufacturer, popcorn has been found to contain increased amounts of alkaloids, which could be detrimental to human health.

Update: It is "American Style" popcorn sweet in the 200 gram pack as well as "Good & Cheap" popcorn sweet in the 100 and 200 gram packaging. Apparently, the alkaloids are more common than originally thought. Initially, the company assumed that only products with the best before dates 02 October, 03 October and 04 October 2018 are affected. Now the manufacturer calls all Products returned by the sell-by date January 11, 2019. The mentioned products were offered at Netto Marken-Discount, EDEKA and Marktkauf. The manufacturer advises against the consumption. The affected articles can be returned to the market for reimbursement of the purchase price.

Sweet Popcorn of the brands "American Style" and "Good & Cheap" until the best before date January 11, 2019 may be contaminated with tropane alkaloids. (Image: food alert.de)

What effects is expected after consumption?

The products mentioned contain increased amounts of so-called tropane alkaloids. According to the manufacturer, the consumption could lead to health problems such as blurred vision, dilated pupils, dry mouth and tiredness.

About tropane alkaloids

Tropane alkaloids are a group of natural phytonutrients in the form of alkaloids derived from tropane. According to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, these alkaloids are found in certain weeds of the Solanaceae family such as Common Datura (Datura stramonium L.), Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger L.) and Belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.). If parts of these crops are harvested during harvest, food contamination can occur.

Sorghum, millet, buckwheat and corn are more commonly affected

Increased levels of the tropane alkaloids atropine and scopolamine have been reported over several batches of cereals and cereal products across the EU. Especially sorghum, millet, buckwheat and corn are more commonly affected. According to the Bavarian State Office, consumption can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache and nausea. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warns that infants and babies are at greatest risk and that health impairments are possible. (Vb)