Jeans manufacturers Levi Strauss have recalled 105,000 "glossy finish" garments from 20 countries, including Ireland, because of health fears.
A limited edition of denim jeans, skirts and jackets are being recalled because of potential skin irritations and breathing problems from fumes emitted during ironing.
In a press release, Levi Strauss said that "although we have had no consumer complaints about these finishes, two employees who have had extensive exposure to them have experienced minor skin irritations".
The company estimates that between 300 and 1,000 garments were shipped to Ireland and Britain, the majority going to Britain. According to a company spokesman, Mr Frederick Jung peter, a finish containing polyeurethane was sprayed onto the garments to give them a glossy look and there was a "change in the chemistry" which caused the problem.
The garments, produced mainly in Italy and Spain, were recalled from shops on Friday and a statement issued yesterday to the public. "Our first priority was to avoid the clothes being sold from the stores," Mr Jungpeter said from the company's European headquarters in Brussels.
A Levi spokesman said a helpline for Irish customers would be established "within days" but in the interim they should phone a Netherlands number, 00 31 503 167 898, for information. The cost of the clothing and call would be refunded. Customers in Northern Ireland and Britain can dial a freephone number, 0800 028 3371.
