Calling back: Dangerous pumpkin seed oil threatens your health!

Calling back: Dangerous pumpkin seed oil threatens your health!

Vom Kürbis Handels-GmbH, Österreich - On April 9, 2025, the recall of her product Clever Pumpkin seed oil 500ml announced from the pumpkin Handels-GmbH due to exceeded maximum limits in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAK). The batches are affected with the best before 01.2026/Los A50, 01.2026/Los A51, 02.2026/Los A52 and 02.2026/LOS A53. The manufacturer urgently advises against the consumption of the affected oil because a health risk cannot be excluded.

In connection with this recall, the inventory was immediately removed from sale. Customers have the option of returning the product without receipt. A service hotline is available for questions, which can be reached on +43 664/99776575 (Mon-Fri from 09: 00-15: 00) and by email to vomkuerbis@gmx.at. That of the pumpkin Handels-GmbH apologized for the inconvenience and emphasizes that the warning does not implied the manufacturer's or distributor's health risk, but refers to the pak values ​​found.

dangerous contamination by Pak

Pak are chemical compounds that arise from incomplete combustion of organic materials and are known for their genotoxic properties. A well -known example is Benzo [a] Pyren, which is considered carcinogenic. The European Food Authority (EFSA) has classified several PAK as serious in terms of health, which is why the high level of the EU has been determined in the EU for its occurrence in food, including herbal oils. These maximum values ​​are regulated in the EU Contaminant Ordinance and, in particular, also concern other products such as dietary supplements that can contain microalgae or bee products

In particular, ingredients such as Spirulina, Chlorella, Propolis and Tonerden have recently come into focus, since they can also have PAK deposits. These contaminants often result from improper production and drying. The consumer advice centers warn of purchasing products from uncertain origin, and recommend to prefer reliable brands that are subject to strict controls.

consumers called for caution

The EFSA has already published a report that emphasizes the need to use a sum of 4 or 8 PAK as more suitable indicators for the occurrence in food. Because while Benzo [a] Pyren is often monitored as a single nutrient, other carcinogenic PAK could also be detected during controls. In general, exposure to PAK should be reduced by, for example, paying attention to fat droplets that can contribute to the formation of these compounds when preparing food, especially grilling, especially grilling.

In view of the current recall and the potential risks of PAK, consumers should be vigilant and react carefully to such warnings. For more information about the control methods recommended by the EFSA, interested parties can view detailed publications on the websites of the responsible authorities.

For more information about the recall and the affected products, please visit ots.at Environmental risks in nutritional supplements inform the Consumer center and for scientific knowledge about PACH stands EFSA available