Ikea announced a recall of its MALM dressers and other popular models on June 28 following the death of a third toddler earlier this year. According to the recall notice issued by the furniture giant, “the recalled chests and dressers are unstable if they are not properly anchored to the wall, posing a tip-over and entrapment hazard that can result in death or injuries to children.” The notice goes on to say that consumers should “immediately stop using any recalled chest or dresser that is not properly anchored” and “place it an area not accessible to children.”
A few months ago the company issued free wall anchors in response to two reported deaths in 2014 that are believed to have resulted from the tipping furniture and which have resulted in wrongful death lawsuits against the company. However, this measure may have been insufficient to prevent the death of yet another child. 22 month old Teddy McGee died in February. Teddy’s death is reportedly under investigation by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and is believed to be related to the tipping problem.
The MALM dresser line was no longer available on the company’s website as of Monday and Ikea is now offering full or partial refunds for the recalled furniture. In the alternative, the company continues to offer free wall anchors for the MALM line. The recall is estimated to apply to 29 million dressers sold over a ten year period.
