Why is the Agency advising people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, not to eat Calabash chalk?
The Food Standards Agency was made aware of a problem with calabash chalk by the London Borough of Greenwich after results of sampling taken locally indicated high levels of lead. Tests of samples taken by the Agency also showed high levels of lead. Exposure to lead may result in a number of harmful effects, and the developing child is particularly at risk of effects on the nervous system. Calabash chalk is eaten by pregnant women, and sometimes by breastfeeding women, and so our advice aims to protect the unborn child and the breast-fed infant. Anyone who has been eating calabash chalk and is concerned about their health should contact their GP or health visitor.
