Swedish furniture company Ikea has been forced to recall nearly 160,000 pieces of dishware in the U.S. owing to possible burning risks.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, some of the company's dishware could pose a burning hazard to consumers.
The CPSC said some of the company's products can "become brittle and break'' when used for hot food items. This includes Ikea's line of Heroisk and Talrika bowls, plates and mugs.
When the dishware breaks after being exposed to extreme heat, hot content could leak out and potentially cause burns. The CPSC said it has received around 123 reports of Ikea's products breaking. The agency said at least four of the reports involved injuries, while two had resulted in injuries that required medical attention.
"Most of the injuries were burns due to hot contents leaking out," the CPSC said.
The agency said Ikea produced some of its dishware using polylactic acid or polylactide material derived from renewable sources. After conducting its own investigation, the CPSC said the material used was not suitable for everyday use and the storing of hot food and beverages.
"The products can break after some time of use and potentially cause minor burns, which is why we have taken this precautionary measure and recalled the products," the CPSC said.
Ikea said it sold the affected products at its Ikea stores nationwide and online from August 2019 through May 2021. The CPSC said about 148,000 of the affected bowls, plates and mugs were sold in the U.S., while around 11,000 pieces were sold in Canada.
Ikea said customers who had bought its affected products may return them to any of its branches nationwide. Customers will be given a full refund. Ikea said customers won't be required to present receipts.
"We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation," Ikea said.
