A high street retailer has recalled a product which poses a “serious chemical risk” to buyers. River Island has issued a recall for the Pink Floral Heat Seal Droplet Bucket Handbag, sold between June 18 and November 3.
Available online and in high street retail outlets, the pink bucket-style handbag with a gold-coloured chain strap has the product number 927917. The retailer has said they decided to recall the item after “due diligence testing” as part of their “ongoing commitment to product quality and customer safety”. The handbag presents a “serious chemical risk” as the soldering on the metal chain contains an “excess concentration of lead”, in breach of the REACH Regulations 2008. Exposure to lead can have a wide range of adverse effects, including damage to the kidneys, the circulatory system, and the developing brain. Unborn and young children are at greater risk to lead exposure.
River Island said that while the areas with excess lead are “limited in size”, they are considered “accessible during use” and therefore “do not meet our strict safety standards”.
The retailer considers the risk of harm to be low, however “lead is toxic and can cause adverse health issues only when mouthed for prolonged periods or ingested.,
They added that customer safety is “our highest priority” therefore they are recalling the product immediately as “a precautionary measure”.
The product has been recalled from end users. The Government recommends that consumers stop using the product immediately and return it to River Island for a full refund.
For both in-store and online purchases, consumers are advised to return the product to: River Island Customer Service Parcels Freepost River Island, MK17 8EW. Customers can also email customer.services@river-island.com or call 03445 766444.
River Island said: “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and will, of course, offer you a full refund.”