GA-FDD recalls some Häagen-Dazs ice cream products following presence of pesticides

The Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has alerted consumers of a voluntary recall of Häagen-Dazs Plain Vanilla ice-cream products, manufactured by General Mills and imported by Massy Distribution (Guyana) Inc.
These products range from the vanilla pint, mini-cup, and bulk formats. Only the products listed herein are affected by the product recall, which applies to batches with best before dates up to and including May 21, 2023.
The recall is based on the detection of ethylene oxide in the implicated products. Ethylene oxide is a chemical that in gas form has been found to cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory passages.
Although there is no immediate risk to consumption of food contaminated with low levels of ethylene oxide, long-term exposure may lead to health issues. Consequently, the GA-FDD advises consumers not to consume this product.
Ethylene oxide is also used as a sterilising agent for medical equipment and a fumigating agent for spices. The acute effects of ethylene oxide in humans consist mainly of central nervous system depression and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. Chronic (long-term) exposure to ethylene oxide in humans can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and damage to the brain and nervous system.
Ethylene oxide is used mainly as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of ethylene glycol (antifreeze), textiles, detergents, polyurethane foam, solvents, medicine, adhesives, and other products.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, consumption of ethylene oxide can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts. On the other hand, exposure can result in eye pain, vomiting, headaches, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision.
For more information consumers are advised to visit www.generalmills.com/VanillaRecall or contact the GA-FDD on 222-8859, 222-8934 or 222-8857 or visit www.gafdd.gy.