CANBERRA, July 10 (Xinhua) -- German retail giant Aldi on Monday announced it was investigating claims that 12,000 water taps sold in Australia have been contaminating water with lead 15 times the maximum allowable limit.
Local media reported that the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) undertook testing of the taps, and found they were emitting up to 15 times the allowable level of lead into the water.
In a statement, the Australian-based arm of the German retailer said that it was "liaising with the responsible authorities" with an "utmost urgency" to determine the extent of the problem.
"If at any stage test results confirm that chemical parameters do not meet regulatory requirements, Aldi will take appropriate action," Aldi Australia said on Monday.
"Aldi will always remove any product from sale if it is identified as a risk to our customers."
Later on Monday, Australia's consumer watchdog warned Australians against using the taps until a conclusion had been reached, calling for a recall of all of the taps sold across the nation.
"If there is a risk that consumer goods may cause injury the (watchdog) expects suppliers and manufacturers to put voluntary recalls in place to protect consumers," a spokesperson from the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) said.
"Consumers should avoid drinking water or using them for cooking until more is known about the health risks that may be posed."
Meanwhile Dr Ian Musgrave, pharmacology expert from the University of Adelaide, said the revelations were "extremely concerning," explaining that lead poisoning can cause kidney damage and negatively affect red blood cell production if untreated.
"While the levels involved are low and not likely to cause acute lead poisoning, lead is a cumulative toxin," Musgrave said in a statement.
"Continued consumption of low levels of lead can have adverse effects especially in young children and unborn babies. Effects include disruption of red blood cell, production, kidney damage, behavioral disturbances and other nervous system effects."