The FSAI is advising consumers, particularly pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, not to consume calabash chalk due to the presence of high levels of lead.
What is calabash chalk?
Calabash chalk is a type of chalk which is known under many names, including calabar chalk, calabar stone, la craie, argile, nzu, ndom, eko and mabele.
Calabash chalk can be either naturally occurring, composed of fossilised seashells, or artificially prepared by combining clay, sand, wood ash, and sometimes salt.
Calabash chalk is imported from outside Ireland and can be found in ethnic shops in the form of blocks, pellets and powders. The product is generally sold loose or in plastic bags with limited labelling information or consumer advice.
What is calabash chalk used for?
Calabash chalk is eaten by some pregnant women, traditionally those from the Nigerian and wider West African Communities, as a remedy for morning sickness.
Why are consumers, especially pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, advised not to eat calabash chalk?
Testing of calabash chalk has shown that it can contain high levels of lead. Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be harmful to health.
Lead is a toxic metal that builds up in the body over time and can be transferred to unborn babies during pregnancy and to infants during breastfeeding. Lead has a range of toxic effects. The main concern for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding is the negative effect on the developing brain of unborn babies and breast-fed infants.
What should I do if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding and have already eaten calabash chalk?
You should stop eating calabash chalk. If you feel well, you do not need to do anything. If you feel unwell, you should seek medical advice.