After three children were killed by tipping-over IKEA dressers and furniture in the U.S., the Swedish furniture giant made the decision to recall all potentially dangerous products in North America – but not in China.
But after facing public pressure in China, from both consumers and media, IKEA has made the decision to extend its recalls.
IKEA initially excluded China from the recalls, saying its Malm line of dressers and other products sold there met proper standards. This was met with intense backlash from China’s state-run media.
The nation’s official Xinhau news agency said IKEA’s decision against a more comprehensive recall illustrated the furniture maker’s “arrogance” and irresponsibility. IKEA originally offered Chinese customers free anchoring kits - as it had in the U.S. - which IKEA said would eliminate any risk of injury. Xinhau called IKEA’s response in China “petty.”
IKEA’s response to its dangerous Malm series has prompted criticism elsewhere too. U.S. officials in April blasted the company for its attempt in fixing the tip-over problem by urging customers to make sure each item was anchored to a wall.
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