Leading UK retailers Boots and TK Maxx have issued urgent product recalls for enamel mugs sold in popular gift sets after laboratory tests revealed the potential for hazardous heavy metals—specifically lead and cadmium—to leach into hot beverages.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) flagged the items as posing long-term health risks, including neurological damage and organ toxicity, if used repeatedly.

The affected products include several character-themed sets sold by Boots under the Blue Sky Designs label: Game of Thrones mug and socks, Rick and Morty mug and keyring, and Batman mug and socks. TK Maxx has recalled four standalone mugs sold between May and September 2025, featuring designs from Harry Potter, South Park, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Retail prices ranged from £6.99 to £10.99.

While both retailers emphasized that isolated use is unlikely to cause harm, they warned that chronic exposure could lead to serious health issues such as nausea, anemia, kidney damage, and cognitive impairments. “It’s possible heavy metals may migrate… posing a health risk if ingested repeatedly,” Boots stated, offering full refunds without requiring receipts. TK Maxx echoed the warning: “Stop using them immediately,” and advised customers to return the mugs to any store location.

The OPSS noted that enamel coatings can degrade over time, especially with repeated exposure to heat, increasing the risk of metal migration. Blue Sky Designs confirmed that vendor-led testing prompted the recall and provided a dedicated helpline (0800 980 3901) and email support ([email protected]). TK Maxx customers can contact 01923 473561 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Health professionals have urged caution. Dr. Elena Rossi of the British Medical Association advised consumers to monitor for symptoms such as persistent headaches, fatigue, or confusion, and to consult their GP for blood testing if concerned. “A single sip won’t harm, but consistency builds risk,” she said, commending the swift action taken by authorities and retailers.

The recall follows a series of recent product safety alerts, including contaminated sandwich fillers from Tesco and mislabeled Lindt chocolates, underscoring growing scrutiny across UK supply chains. Consumers are encouraged to notify gift recipients and return affected items through retailers to prevent landfill reuse.