On June 28, 2016, Ikea announced that it is recalling 29 million dressers due to a tip-over and entrapment hazard that can result in death or injuries to children.
The units being recalled are children’s chests and drawers taller than 23.5 inches and adult chests and drawers taller than 23.5 inches. The recall includes several types of chests and drawers, including the Malm line.
IKEA’s recall announcement came in the wake of the sixth death caused by IKEA furniture. The first death occurred about 27 years ago and the most recent occurred in June of 2016. All of the children killed were three years old or younger.
Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) had received 36 reports of children who were injured by IKEA chests and drawers. The CPSC recently held a press conference discussing the importance of removing the furniture from homes. Elliot Kaye, the CPSC Chairman, stated, “[c]onsumers need to act immediately because it’s a very present hazard, especially of you have kids in your home.”
Consumers affected by the recall should either get an anchor kit from Ikea for free and install it on their furniture, or take it back to the store for a full refund. Consumers can also opt to have IKEA pick the furniture up from their homes for free.
Although this furniture presents a grave risk for children, the recall did not extend to consumers in China and Europe. In fact, these dressers are still on sale in many Ikea stores across China.
A marketing manager for Ikea’s branch in Guangzhou stated, “This product meets the mandatory safety requirements of EU and our country.” This contrasts the situation in the United States, where the recalled furniture did not meet voluntary industry standards.
Given the grave dangers associated with these products, the decision not to extend the recall to China and Europe has understandably elicited criticism from those who believe that IKEA should recall all of the dangerous dressers, regardless of national standards.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a defective product, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211 for a free, confidential consultation.