A major recall has been issued in Ireland for hundreds of sports bags, backpacks and personal bags after safety checks found they contain chemicals suspected to be linked to cancer.
90 of these specific backpacks have been sold in Ireland(Image: CCPC)
A major recall has been issued for hundreds of bags sold in Ireland after safety checks found the presence of a chemical linked to cancer.
The recall, announced today, affects sports bags, personal bags and backpacks by the brand JAKO.
Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) confirmed that over 200 affected items have been sold in Ireland.
A spokesperson said: “JAKO AG is carrying out a recall of various JAKO sports bags, personal bags and backpacks. The products present a health risk and an environmental risk.
“The products contain a high quantity of perfluorooctanoic-acid (PFOA) related substances. PFOAs are suspected to be carcinogenic and pose a risk to the environment.”
The recall affects all bags with the following item numbers, regardless of color, production date, date of purchase or place of purchase:
1721 Toiletry Bag Challenge1821 Backpack Challenge1921 Sports Bag Challenge2021 Sports Bag Challenge with Bottom Compartment
JAKO has urged its customers to stop using the affected items immediately. They can be returned for free for either a replacement product of equal value or a refund.
It stressed that they must not be destroyed or disposed of by the customer, as the returned item “will be inspected and disposed of properly”.
JAKO AG recalls various JAKO sports bags, personal bags and backpacks(Image: JAKO / CCPC)
A spokesperson said: “The safety of our products is our top priority. As part of our ongoing quality and safety checks, we have determined that the bags, backpacks and toiletries bags from the Teamline CHALLENGE range do not meet our high safety standards. For this reason, we are issuing a product recall.
“The recall is being carried out as a precautionary measure, as a substance that is not permitted under EU regulations has been found in the bags, backpacks and toiletries bags in the Challenge product line. The safety of our products and the satisfaction of our customers are our top priorities.
“The quality and safety of our products are our top priority. We take this product recall very seriously and are committed to transparent and open communication. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Anyone who purchased one of the affected products should stop using it immediately. The CCPC added: “Customers can identify an affected product by the bag’s item number.
“Affected products can be returned to JAKO with a free return label to receive a replacement item of at least equal value, or a refund of the purchase price via the original payment method.
“For information on how to return the product to JAKO and how to identify the item number, or if you wish to contact JAKO in relation to this recall, please see JAKO’s Recall Notice.”
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