IKEA recently announced several recalls, both in Australia and worldwide. Topping the recent list in Australia are safety gates and chocolate (yes, chocolate).
In the U.S. and Canada, the company is also recalling more than 36 million chests and dressers due to toppling concerns.
The Swedish superstore known for its DIY assembly products (and that cute little allen key that comes with almost every product) has gotten several reports that some models of their safety gates have failed. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the PATRULL gate locking mechanism may fail. This can result in the gate unexpectedly opening. The ACCC noted that children have fallen down stairs as a result of the lock failure.
The catch on the lock may not return to the necessary position after being opened. Parents may not notice this issue, meaning that it is possible that you think your gate is locked when it’s not. As mums, we all know the importance of a fully functional (and locking) safety gate. As your little one begins to toddle, keeping him safe and sound (and away from the stairs) is a must-do. Falls tops the list as the most common reason for hospital admission when it comes to children ages four and under, according to the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia.
The models included in the recall are:
- 30200489 PATRULL safety gate 55-89 white AP CN
- 60247635 PATRULL safety ext gate 12-24 white AP CN
- 10226522 PATRULL KLAMMA safety ext gate 6.5-13 white AP CN
- 70226524 PATRULL KLAMMA safety gate 73-87 white AP CN
- 90226518 PATRULL FAST safety gate 65-106.5 white AP CN
- 20175602 PATRULL FAST safety gate 72.1-110.9 beech AP CN
These models were sold at IKEA stores in Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia from 1st August 2014 to 16th June 2016, 1st April 2012 to 16th June 2016 1st April 2012 to 20th June 2016 and 1st February 2011 to 1st April 2012, depending on the model. See the ACCC website for full details.
This is not the first safety gate recall for IKEA. In May of 2015 the company recalled the PATRULL KLAMMA and PATRULL SMIDIG safety gates. The ACCC recall notes that the pressure mounted gate may not stay in place and that the lower metal bar could pose a tripping hazard. Sold in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia from 1st April 2012 to 11th February 2015, the defects in these gates may also result in a child falling down the stairs.
The second recent Australian IKEA recall involves CHOKLAD MORK 60%, 100g dark chocolate and CHOKLAD MORK 70%, 100g dark chocolate.
The recall involves insufficient declaration of dairy and nut products. The packaging doesn’t fully include all of the milk and hazelnut ingredients, according to the ACCC.
This only affects people who are allergic or sensitive to milk or hazelnuts.
If you (or your child) has an allergy or suspected allergy to these ingredients do not eat the chocolate. Bring the product back to the IKEA store where you bought it for a full refund. The products recalled were sold in IKEA stores in Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
