UK retailers Waitrose and John Lewis have issued recall notices about OXO’s Good Grips Pasta Scoop Strainer after it was discovered a batch contained a primary aromatic amine above the allowed level.
Primary aromatic amines are chemical products used in the production of some pigments and dyes and some are believed to be carcinogens.
Shoppers who bought the product between 15 May 2024 and 25 October 2025 from Waitrose are urged to stop using it immediately, pack-up the item, and return it to their local Waitrose or John Lewis store for a refund.
Waitrose’s recall warning reads: “We are recalling the product due to a batch that contained a primary aromatic amine (PAA) above the permitted level.
“Primary aromatic amines (PAA) are substances that can be used in the production of certain dyes and pigments.
“This means there is a risk of exposure to a potential carcinogen.
“We apologise that it’s been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused.”
John Lewis states the product was sold between 17 May 2024 and 24 October 2025 and that the product code is 81251702.
If a customer bought the pasta strainer online, they can return the product to Waitrose or John Lewis with their order number for a refund.
Food Recalls Explained
Both retail giants apologised for the recall and the inconvenience caused to customers.
In a Product Safety Recall Notice issued by Helen of Troy, who own OXO, they advised customers not to use the product and to ‘dispose of them safely’.
The company said products purchased after 12 December 2024 should be returned along with proof of purchase for a refund.
They advised customers to share their recall notice with anyone they may have given, lent or sold the product to.
Helen of Troy, who own OXO, said: “Testing has found one batch contained a primary aromatic amines (PAA) above the permitted level.
“Primary aromatic amines (PAA) are substances can be used in the production of certain dyes and pigments.
“Some PAAs are considered potentially carcinogenic. In line with our commitment to the highest safety and quality standards, Kaz Europe Sarl is proactively recalling the affected products from the market.”
Michael Burke, General Manager at OXO EMEA comments: “We can confirm that the OXO Good Grips Pasta Scoop Strainer and OXO Good Grips Nylon Turner have been proactively recalled by select UK retailers as a precautionary measure.
“Following a random test conducted by the Swiss authorities, a very small number of products from one single batch were found to have a level of Primary Aromatic Amine (PAA) over the permitted limit. Further independent testing of multiple batches has not shown the same result.
“However, out of an abundance of caution and as part of our steadfast commitment to upholding the highest product standards, we have proactively extended this recall across all European markets, including the UK, notifying all relevant authorities and distributors.
“We are working closely with our retail partners to ensure that all affected products are removed from sale and that customers who have purchased the items within the specified timeframes are fully refunded.
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“We recognise that our consumers place their trust in OXO every day, and we are taking every possible step to ensure that trust is well placed. We apologise for any inconvenience and are committed to keeping our customers fully informed as we complete this process.”
“No other OXO products are affected by this recall.”
Model Number / SKU: (1) 1190200V4MNLYK, and (2) 11338300UK
Barcode / EAN: (1) EAN 719812029023, and (2) EAN 840097702735
