Ikea recall faulty children's beds in UAE

The Swedish company has recalled its Kritter and Sniglar brand junior beds as a precaution to prevent injury.

Ikea in the UAE recalled its Kritter and Sniglar brands of junior beds after a reported breakage of a metal rod (shown here in the red circle) in the two products. Photo courtesy Ikea

DUBAI // Consumer protection officials have praised Ikea’s decision to recall a batch of pine beds for children because of a possible “laceration hazard”.

The Swedish company, which specialises in ready-to-assemble furniture, recalled its Kritter and Sniglar brand junior beds as a precaution to prevent injury. The home furnishings chain announced the recall after several reports of a metal rod breaking in the two products.

But it is unclear if customers in the UAE had complained.

“Ikea kindly asks customers who have a Kritter or Sniglar junior bed to immediately check the date stamp on the label attached to either the headboard or the underside of the bed,” the company said on its website.

“Ikea has received seven reports of breakage of the metal rod connecting the guardrail to the bed frame. A broken rod could expose sharp metal edges, presenting a laceration hazard.”

The company said there had been no reports of injuries from the faulty rods.

The affected beds are Kritters with date stamps between 1114 and 1322, and Sniglar junior beds with date stamps from 1114 to 1318.

Kritter junior beds in blue and white are not affected, the company said. “Ikea apologise for the inconvenience,” it said.

Ikea’s swift response has been praised by Abdul Aziz bin Hathboor, director of consumer protection at the Department of Economic Development in Dubai.

“We congratulate Ikea for stepping forward to protect their consumers and ensure their safety,” Mr bin Hathboor said.

“Leading retailers like Ikea setting such examples in safeguarding consumer rights, especially those regarding repairs and warranties, will inspire others and highlight the importance of mutual trust and harmonious relations in maintaining a healthy business environment.”

It is the second time this year Ikea has been forced to issue a recall.

In March, hundreds of chocolate and butterscotch almond cakes were taken off the shelves of its stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi after fears that they contained traces of bacteria.

In January last year, Ikea also recalled its Antilop brand of baby high chairs because of a faulty belt that had resulted in several children being injured.

Customers should visit their local Ikea store, call the toll-free number 800 4532, or visit www.Ikeauae.com and collect the repair kits.