S. Korea discount chains remove P&G Pampers from shelves

By Park Sae-jin Posted : February 3, 2017, 18:27 Updated : February 3, 2017, 18:27

South Korea's three major discount chains suspended sales of diapers from Proctor & Gamble (P&G) as a state watchdog launched a probe into allegations that its diapers contained toxic chemicals.

The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards said it would conduct a random sample check to see if P&G's popular product, Pampers, had dioxins that can damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and cause thyroid disorders and cancer.

The probe came amid growing concerns among South Korean mothers over the safety of Pampers. Last week, a French magazine 60 Million Consumers released a report discovering toxic chemicals in 10 diaper brands, including Pampers.

On Friday, South Korea's three largest discount chains -- E-mart, Home plus and Lotte Mart -- suspended sales of Pampers, despite claims by P&G Korea that dioxins detected in its product were discovered through natural causes and pose no health risks.

Dioxins are persistent cancer-causing environmental pollutants and found in the environment. They accumulate in the food chain. More than 90 percent human exposure is through food.

 
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