Some Bounty, Snickers and Twix ice creams withdrawn

The health ministry said on Wednesday that it had received information that some batches of Bounty, Snickers and Twix ice creams on the market contained a banned carcinogen, ethylene oxide, and were being withdrawn.

At room temperature, ethylene oxide, which is banned in the EU, is a flammable colourless gas and is used as a steriliser. It is said to have the ability to damage DNA and cause cancer.

Consumers who are in possession of the ice cream should avoid consuming them the ministry said.