In the Wake of Massive IKEA Dresser Recall, Attorney General Urges Consumers to Check for Recalled Products Before Buying Used Items Online
Chicago —(ENEWSPF)–July 1, 2016. Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined with Kids in Danger today to urge Illinois consumers shopping on second-hand markets to be aware of recalled products that may be sold without warning.
Madigan and Nancy Cowles, executive director of KID, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving children’s product safety, urged any consumers who may be shopping on sites like Craigslist, eBay or other second-hand markets to check if the product or item may have been recalled. Consumers can view information about recalls on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website and KID’s website.
This week IKEA voluntarily recalled 29 million dressers and chests after the deaths of six toddlers from tip-over accidents. Consumers – especially consumers with young children – who own the dressers that are not anchored to the wall should stop using the dressers until they can be anchored. IKEA has advised consumers that they can receive a refund or store credit for their dresser or received a free repair kit to anchor the dresser to the wall to prevent a tip-over accident. For more information about the IKEA recall, contact its customer service at (866) 856-4532 or visit its website.
“Consumers shopping for used products should know that recalled products may be sold online without warning,” Madigan said. “It’s critical to check if an item has been recalled before making any second-hand purchase and learn what information or repairs may need to be made in order to ensure the item is safe in your home. Consumers can also contact my Recall Hotline for information on recalled products.”
“While it’s illegal to sell recalled products, online sellers may be unaware their product has been recalled,” Cowles said. “Online sites should do what they can to keep recalled products off their sites, and buyers should check as well at CPSC.gov or by searching at kidsindanger.org on a mobile device.”
Madigan and KID also warned families and caregivers to the risk of tip-over accidents for unsecured furniture that has led to increased reports of injury and deaths across the country. Madigan and KID urged families to follow CPSC guidelines to secure furniture in their homes:
- Anchor furniture to the wall or floor;
- AnPlace televisions on sturdy, low-base stands or furniture, or anchor the furniture and the television on its base, and push the television as far back to the wall as possible;
- AnKeep remote controls, toys and other items of interest to children off of television stands or furniture;
- AnKeep television and cable cords out of reach; and
- AnEnsure that freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.
For more information, including information about the IKEA recall, contact Madigan’s Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678.
Source: http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
