Over 120,000 items have been recalled from Myer, Just Jeans, Target and other major outlets, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a warning about a potentially deadly dye.

The ACCC tested a large range of clothing items for ‘azo’ dyes after a tip-off by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme.

The usually yellowish azo dye has been linked to cancer and has several known toxic effects.

ACCC’s tests uncovered high concentrations of the dyes on materials, leading to the recall of over 121,000 items from Myer, Target, Rivers, Trade Secret, Just Jeans and Pillow Talk.

“While consumer exposure to hazardous azo dyes is likely to be very low, the associated cancer risks give cause for concern,” the ACCC said in a statement.

There are currently no regulatory limits on the dyes, despite their carcinogenic risk, but recommendations have reportedly been lodged with the Government.

The European Union has banned the dye in any product that may come into direct contact with the skin or oral cavity, including all clothes, luggage, sanitary and sleeping items.

The following items were specifically recalled by the ACCC:

  • Rivers – Doghouse style children's dark-denim and black jeans
  • Just Jeans – Junior girls jeans and skinny jeans; junior boys pants, shorts, and denim shorts
  • Trade Secret – Firetrap Blackseal super skinny girls jeans
  • Pillow Talk – 50/50 poly/cotton 225 thread count plain dye range (red)
  • Myer – Milkshake classic jeans, Wayne Junior acid wash jeans
  • Target – Kid's and ladies' denim jeans