TK Maxx urgently recalls coffee over potentially harmful mould toxin

TK Maxx has urgently recalled a popular ground coffee after tests found levels of a potentially harmful mould toxin above the permitted limit.

Shoppers are being told to stop using Bialetti Perfetto Moka Ground Coffee Flavoured with Caramel immediately and return affected packs to TK Maxx or Homesense.

The recall affects 250g packs from one specific batch which were sold in stores between July and November 2025.

Testing found elevated levels of ochratoxin A, a naturally occurring toxin produced by some types of mould.

Although food safety officials say consuming the affected coffee does not pose an immediate risk to health, continued exposure to ochratoxin A over a long period may potentially be harmful.

Customers are therefore being advised not to drink the coffee and to return it for a refund or replacement.

Which Bialetti coffee has been recalled?

The recall applies only to packs with the following details:

• Product: Bialetti Perfetto Moka Ground Coffee Flavoured with Caramel
• Pack size: 250g
• Batch number: LC5 BD149T
• Best before: May 29, 2027
• EAN/barcode: 8006363076203

TK Maxx said the affected coffee was sold in TK Maxx and Homesense stores between July and November 2025.

Its recall notice states: “This product is being recalled because testing identified levels of Ochratoxin A above the permitted limit.

“Ochratoxin A is a naturally occurring substance produced by certain moulds and may be harmful if consumed.”

Anyone who has the affected batch at home should stop using it immediately and return it to any TK Maxx or Homesense store.

Customers can receive a full refund or replacement.

What is ochratoxin A?

Ochratoxin A is a toxin produced naturally by certain types of mould and can develop in crops and food products, including coffee, particularly during storage.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland, which has also issued an alert over the affected Bialetti batch, said consumption does not pose an immediate health risk.

However, it warned that “continuous consumption over a long period of time may pose a potential risk to health” and said exposure to ochratoxin A should therefore be minimised.

The affected batch has also been recalled in other European countries.

Bialetti said its own quality checks detected ochratoxin A at levels exceeding those allowed under current regulations.

The company said: “If you've a package from this batch at home, please don't consume it and return it to the point of purchase.

“We will provide a full refund, even without a receipt.”

Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Bialetti at [email protected].