Lidl gravy granules found to contain harmful paint thinner chemical a week before Christmas

Exposure to xylene can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, nose and lungs and in severe cases leading to heart problems, liver and kidney damage and coma, according to Public Health England

The supermarket is recalling two batches of Kania Gravy Granules after they were found to contain xylene (FSA)

Dangerous levels of a paint thinner chemical have been discovered in Lidl gravy a week before Christmas.

The supermarket is recalling two batches of Kania GravyGranules after they were found to contain xylene, which occurs naturally in petroleum and crude oil, said the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Exposure to the harmful chemical poses a health risk, causing irritation of the mouth, throat, nose and lungs and in severe cases leading to heart problems, liver and kidney damage and coma, according to Public Health England.

An alert on the FSA website read: "Exposure to xylene in food products represents a health risk as it can cause adverse effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

"The contaminant levels in this product exceed those set to minimise this risk and the product is therefore being recalled as a precaution."

A notice issued by the supermarket said the products affected were 300g packets of Kania Gravy Granules for meat and for chicken with best before dates of October and November 2017.

Other Kania products are not affected by the recall.

A spokeswoman for Lidl said: "We were very sorry to hear of this matter and can confirm that an investigation was launched as soon as we were made aware.

"We are taking the issue very seriously and are working closely with our supplier to identify the cause."

The supermarket will display notices in all stores that sold the products, and customers are being urged to return the product for a full refund.