Turkey's Ministry of Trade bans Mikro brand pencil cases

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has banned the sale and ordered the recall of Mikro brand pencil cases due to health risks. The decision comes ahead of the new school year following inspections of stationery products.

Laboratory tests revealed that the products contain levels of phthalates and cadmium exceeding permitted limits. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics that can disrupt hormonal systems, potentially leading to reproductive issues and allergies. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the kidneys and liver, potentially causing organ damage and bone density loss.

The Ministry announced the ban through the Unsafe Product Information System (GÜBİS), initiating the process to remove existing stocks from shelves.