The Junta de Andalucia has ordered the withdrawal of around 15,000 shoes from various stores in the region due to health concerns.
The problem does not concern the actual shoes themselves, but relates to the little packets found in shoe boxes, amongst other places, which contain a chemical used to prevent moisture.
The offending packets contain dimethyl fumarate, a chemical which can cause severe allergic reations, even in small doses, and is very difficult to treat. The reaction is often an eczema with what appears to be burns to the skin.
The chemical is banned in Europe but has often been found in products, such as shoes and leather sofas, originating in China.
The withdrawal of the shoes was ordered after two denuncias were made in Andalucia, although more people have been affected, they just haven’t made official complaints. The allergic reactions or burns can be extremely severe and are very difficult to treat. Recovery can be a relatively long process.