Albert Heijn issues second recall in a week, this time for contaminated endive

Supermarket chain Albert Heijn has announced a recall of its AH Endive 400-gram product due to elevated levels of the pesticide tau-fluvalinate. The company warns that excessive consumption of the contaminated endive could result in mild symptoms such as headaches and nausea.

The recall applies to AH Endive 400 grams with a "best before" date of January 19, 2025. Customers who purchased the product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the store for a full refund.

“We understand that this recall may raise questions or concerns, especially following the incident with frozen blueberries earlier this week,” the company stated. “We want to emphasize that such recalls are exceptional and are part of our commitment to ensuring the highest food safety standards. We are taking continuous measures with our supply chain partners to prevent such situations. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”

Earlier this week, Albert Heijn was in the spotlight for recalling frozen blueberries that were found to be contaminated with hepatitis A. More than 30 people reported symptoms linked to the contaminated fruit, and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has indicated the number of infections could be in the hundreds.

Albert Heijn is currently investigating how the hepatitis A virus ended up on the blueberries supplied by a Polish distributor. “It’s possible that an infected berry picker didn’t wash his or her hands properly after visiting the toilet, ” said RIVM representative. “With poor hygiene, there is a chance that an infected person will transmit the virus to the berries.”