Urgent warning to women who take common remedy to help with morning sickness

It contains high lead levels that can be transferred to unborn babies during pregnancy and to infants during breastfeeding, as well as cause serious health problems for the user

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are being urged not to eat a popular traditional remedy for morning sickness due to high lead levels.

Calabash chalk (also known as calabar chalk, calabar stone, la craie, argile, nzu, ndom, eko and mabele) is sometimes consumed as a remedy for morning sickness. However, eating it can significantly increase exposure to lead, which is harmful, particularly to unborn babies and infants, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) warns.

Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time and can be transferred to unborn babies during pregnancy and to infants during breastfeeding. Exposure to lead is associated with a range of adverse health effects, particularly its impact on the developing brain of unborn babies and young infants.

The heavy metals might also cause health problems for pregnant women that include nervous and kidney damage, anaemia, and gastric ulcers, as well as other serious medical conditions.

Calabash chalk may be naturally occurring, composed of fossilised seashells, or artificially produced from a mixture of clay, sand, wood ash and other materials. The product is imported into Ireland and can be found in some ethnic shops, typically sold in blocks, pellets or powders, often with limited labelling or consumer information.

Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive of the FSAI, urged pregnant and breastfeeding women not to eat this product.

“High levels of lead in calabash chalk is a serious public health concern. Lead can have harmful effects, particularly for unborn babies and infants, where it can severely affect how a child’s body grows and their brain develops. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. We advise pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding not to eat this product,” he said.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and have consumed calabash chalk should stop using the product. Those who feel unwell should seek medical advice.

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