KID joins with CFA to call for more action on deadly & unstable IKEA recalled dressers

Washington, DC – Today, after an initial recall in June 28, 2016 that followed a yearlong education campaign, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and IKEA re- announced the recall of Malm and other dressers. In their press release announcing the reissue of the recall, the CPSC urged consumers to obtain a refund or a repair for these dressers.

“Sadly, we know the tragic consequences of inadequate communication about this recall of unstable dressers due to the eighth death that was recently publicized,” stated Rachel Weintraub, legislative director and general counsel at Consumer Federation of America. “We urge IKEA to more robustly communicate this recall to its consumers. We urge consumers to remove these unsafe dressers from their homes and obtain a refund. We urge the CPSC to take stronger action to protect consumers from these potentially deadly dressers.”

These dressers are now known to be responsible for eight deaths. The most recent known death occurred in May 2017 in California, and involved a 2 year-old boy. The CPSC has stated that IKEA has received 186 reports of tip-over incidents involving the MALM chests and dressers, including 91 reports of injuries to children. In addition, IKEA has received 113 reports of tip- overs with other recalled IKEA chests and dressers, including 53 reports of injuries to children.

”IKEA should again use their Friends & Family program and other lists to communicate directly with consumers who purchased these unstable dressers and urge them to return them for a refund,” stated Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids In Danger. “Millions of these are still in homes and are extremely likely to tip – causing future injuries.”

Our organizations have previously called on the CPSC and IKEA to protect consumers by substantially increasing efforts to reach every home with an IKEA dresser, urging families to return them for a refund, and providing incentives for consumers to remove the unsafe dresser from their homes. Our groups have also used social media to communicate to consumers about the recall and the need to remove these unsafe products from their home.

“It is imperative that safety messages focused on anchoring dressers to the wall not be substituted for clear messages urging consumers to remove the unstable Malm dressers and obtain a refund from IKEA,” stated Weintraub.

“Without direct and extensive communication about this recall, we will see additional deaths,” added Cowles. “Any family with a recalled dresser is in danger.”