The Ministry of Health has published a reminder note for a set of 6 knives tableware. This is a specific batch of a product that is very widespread in homes throughout Italy. The knife subjected to recall and withdrawal, with ban on saleis the famous knife with a red handle.
The recall mark is Gnali and the reason for the report refers to a possible risk of contamination food due to the migration of hazardous materials for health like the chrome.
Recall for non-food product: risk of contamination for table knives
With a note, also arrived in digital version on the dedicated app, dated 17 April Ministry of Health recalls a non-food product for risk of chromium contamination. It is a set of 6 table knives. The brand name of the recalled product is Gnali and the name or company name of the OSA under which the product is marketed is Fratelli Gnali Bacicio srl
Specifically, the set of table knives subjected to recall is the one with red handle, sold in blister packs of 6 pieces. The recall lot is number 23/CTR0303.
The reason for the recall refers to the presence, in non-compliant levels, of chrome. The product was in fact found not to comply with the Ministerial Decree. 03/21/1973 regarding the migration level specification of materials potentially dangerous to health, such as chrome.
It is then requested return by consumers to the retailer where it was purchased and for retailers the suspension of sale immediate.
What is chromium, how is it used and what are the health effects
From the website ofHigher Institute of Health you can read the characteristics of the chromei.e. the chemical element whose presence beyond the expected limit triggered the product withdrawal shown above (set of 6 table knives with red handle). Chromium is in fact a chemical element (Cr) which is very rare in nature (even if the cases of its presence in water are increasing), but which in small quantities is essential in human diet because it promotes glucose metabolism. Chromium is also used in the production and processing ofsteel in the metallurgical industry, but also in textile production. Finally it is possible to find it in the preparation of drugs and as a dye (color is the translation from Greek of the name chosen for the element) nei cosmetics.
The health effects they are therefore not always negative, as previously introduced, but in some cases yes and what makes the difference is the method of exposure. Although chromium is associated with the onset of tumors, the risk is mainly present in the case of inhalation. Cases of onset cannot be ruled out even after oral or cutaneous exposure, but it is the quantity that makes the difference toxicity of the element. Attention should be paid especially in the case of contact, because it can cause allergic reactions like eczema.
In the case of chromium used in materials intended to come into contact with food products, a limit has been calculated to follow: 0.01 milligrams per kilogram. It is often found in plastics, just like the red handle of knives withdrawn by the Ministry of Health.
