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Thousands of pairs of flip flops have been recalled by Primark over fears that they contain a chemical that can cause cancer.

The company said three versions of the men’s Cedar Wood State range in khaki, black and blue contained chrysene, a carcinogenic risk to humans according to Science Direct .

The shoes were taken off the shelves on June 2 after being on sale since January, the Mirror Online said.

Primark has suspended orders with a factory pending an investigation and is offering full refunds to customers.

The serial numbers of affected flip flops are: khaki 02387/07, 08, 09; black 02387/01, 02, 03 and blue 02387/04, 05, 06.

A Primark spokesman said: “We take the safety of our customers, and the quality of our products, very seriously, which is why we have chosen to recall three men’s flip flops from our Cedar Wood State range.

“All new orders with this factory have been suspended while we carry out a thorough investigation.

“A full refund is being offered to all customers.”

In a warning online, the company said the flip flops do not “meet the Primark usual high standards for chemical compliance, adding: “We have found levels of a restricted substance in the product in excess of the 1.0 mg/kg requirement.

The serial numbers of affected flip flops are: khaki 02387/07, 08, 09; black 02387/01, 02, 03 and blue 02387/04, 05, 06.