(Image: Chris Radburn/PA Wire)
Men's hiking boots and shoes have been recalled after testing found chemicals above legal limits.
Supermarket chain Asda withdrew five product lines sold in stores and online.
Safety officials classified the footwear as presenting a serious chemical risk.
Testing showed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid, exceeding permitted regulatory limits.
An Asda notice stated: "At the time of shipment, this product successfully passed all required tests.
"However, subsequent testing has identified that it may contain PFAS at levels exceeding the permitted regulatory limit."
The retailer added: "Certain Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are subject to regulatory restrictions, because prolonged exposure above specified limits may pose potential health risks and possibly cause damage to the reproductive system."
Officials at the Office for Product Safety and Standards confirmed the footwear fails the requirements of the REACH Regulations 2008.
Regulators warned: "Prolonged exposure to these substances may pose a risk to human health and may cause damage to the reproductive system."
Five outdoor lines across two colours are affected:
- Khaki Hiker Boot, priced at £36, with article numbers 1100226294 and 1100245442
- Khaki Hiker Shoe, priced at £28, with article number 1100243431
- Grey Hiker Boot, priced at £36, with article number 1100264858
- Grey Hiker Shoe, priced at £28, with article number 1100226297
Trading Standards notified the safety regulator of the issue under case number 2610-0025 following the initial notice published on September 29.
Asda stated that no safety incidents have been reported in connection with the products.
Customers who purchased any of the affected shoes should stop using them immediately and return them to an Asda store.
Full refunds will be issued without the need for a receipt.
Shoppers seeking further information can contact Asda Customer Relations on 0330 053 0111.