Warning over Aldi kitchen taps after 'high level of lead' detected
Australian consumers are being urged not to consume or cook with water from a tap sold by Aldi, after tests detected high levels of lead.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission raised the alarm with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at the weekend, and the watchdog has since issued a warning.
The QBCC says testing it commissioned found water from Easy Home brand taps (model number NI 183 escrt-aud) could contain up to 15 times the maximum allowable level of lead.
The Easy Home brand taps have been found to have extreme levels of lead in them. Photo: 7 News
The ACCC says it has approached Aldi, and if there is any risk to consumers, a voluntary recall will be expected.
"Consumers who have purchased the particular taps but have not had them installed can seek a refund from Aldi," the ACCC said in a statement on Monday.
"If installed, consumers should avoid drinking water or using them for cooking until more is known about the health risks that may be posed."
Aldi identified the tap as a "Spiral Spring Mixer Tap", saying it went on sale on June 10 this year.
It says the tap was "independently tested and confirmed to comply with Australian standards prior to going on sale".
"Aldi is liaising with the responsible authorities and our supplier to investigate the matter with utmost urgency," it said.
"If at any stage test results confirm that chemical parameters do not meet regulatory requirements, Aldi will take appropriate action."
