The international furniture retailer has pulled a popular IKEA-branded garlic press from circulation, amid concerns that small metal fragments could break off into food and be accidentally swallowed.
The recall affects certain batches of the IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL Garlic press in black, after the company uncovered a manufacturing defect during an internal investigation.
According to IKEA, there is a risk that “small metal pieces” may detach from the kitchen tool during use and subsequently be ingested with food, posing a potential safety hazard to customers.
The affected garlic presses were sold worldwide, both in store and online, and carry the article number 601.636.02. The kitchen implement can also be identified via date stamps found on the product. Date stamps include 2411 up to 2522 (see below for how to decode IKEA date stamps). The recalled presses can further be identified by an IKEA logo marking on the upper handle.
Customers who own one of the recalled products have been urged to stop using it immediately and contact IKEA for a full refund, the retailer confirmed in a statement, adding that shoppers will not need to provide a receipt or proof of purchase in order to claim their money back.
A statement on the Swedish furniture retailer’s website also urged any customers who may have lent or gifted the item to spread the word. In a statement, IKEA – best known for its penchant for Allen keys and ready-to-assemble furniture – apologised for the inconvenience caused by the recall.
Alongside the faulty garlic press, the Swedish furniture giant has issued a string of further recalls in recent months. Other recalled items include:
- Garlic Press: Stamped on the black plastic handle.
- Furniture/Other: Usually a 4-digit number on a sticker, often found underneath or on the back of the item.
IKEA date stamps run off a Year-Week format. For example: 2411 would mean 2024, week 11.
If you are affected by any of the aforementioned recalls, further details can be found on the IKEA website.