Two different brands, two recall dates spaced three days apart, but only one production batch behind both measures. The Ministry of Health has published two recall notices for popcorn found to be contaminated with tropane alkaloids beyond the legal limits, and both lead to the same plant, that of Preziosi Food SpA in San Nicola di Melfi, in the province of Potenza.
The two products involved
The first recall, dated 7 August, concerns Salati Preziosi brand “Pop Corn”, sold in 90 gram packs with EAN 8025579240031. The production batch is L 26269, with a minimum shelf life set for 16 December 2026.
@salute.gov.it
The second, on 10 August, involves Mambo Kids brand “Pop Corn”, marketed by Eurospin Italia SpA in 120 gram packs. The batch indicated on the official form is 26269, the same one, confirming that it is the same production, with the same expiry date of 16 December 2026.
@salute.gov.it
As mentioned at the beginning, in both cases the producer is Preziosi Food SpA, based in the Nuova ASI San Nicola di Melfi plant.
The reason for the recall
The cause indicated in the two forms is identical: “sum of atropine and scopolamine above the permitted limit”. Atropine and scopolamine are tropane alkaloids, natural substances that weeds such as jimsonweed can release during growth in corn crops. When the crop isn’t cleaned sufficiently before processing, these compounds end up in the finished product, and that’s exactly what appears to have happened in this case. These are toxic substances for the nervous system, which in high doses can cause dry mouth, tachycardia, blurred vision and, in more serious cases, confusion and/or hallucinations. Children, due to their lower body mass, are the group most exposed to the effects, a significant detail considering that one of the two recalled brands, Mambo Kids, is aimed specifically at the children public.
What to do
The instructions for those who own one of the two products are the same in both notices: do not consume them and return them to the point of purchase, where it will be possible to obtain an exchange at par or a refund. It is worth checking the pantry even if you have only purchased one of the two brands, because the batch is the same and what changes is only the label with which the product arrived on the shelf.
