Urgent recall of children's shoes over poisonous lining

Urgent recall of children's shoes over poisonous lining

Next is urgently recalling a pair of children's shoes over fears the lining of the shoes contain a substance that could cause cancer.

The UK retailer issued a notice last month asking people to return its Younger Boys Navy Brogue Shoes saying footwear contained a substance that did not meet the firm's 'technical specifications'.

But concerns raised by watchdogs in Australia revealed that the lining of the shoe contains benzidine - which could cause cancer with prolonged contact with the skin.  

UK retailer Next is urgently recalling a pair of children's shoes over fears the lining of the shoes contain a substance that could cause cancer

The shoes, distributed in Australia and the rest of the world through online sales, internally in UK stores, were available for sale between December 19 last year and June 26, 2017. 

The product - with an item number of 964786 (UB/489) - was urgently recalled due to concerns highlighted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

In a statement, the Commission said the defective product's lining 'contains a quantity of benzidine which could have carcinogenic properties if in prolonged contact with the skin. 

'Expert authorities classify benzidine as a carcinogen and recommend that exposure be limited.'

Customers are advised t o stop using the shoes immediately. 

In a product recall notice on the Next website in June, the retailer said the shoes were being recalled due to a 'potential problem with the lining'.

SUBSTANCE IS A RISK 

Benzidine is a manufactured chemical that was used to produce dyes for cloth, paper and leather.

The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer deems the substance as a carcinogenic to humans.

Occupational exposure to benzidine results in an increased risk of cancer. 

Watchdogs in Australia revealed that the lining of the shoe contains benzidine

Benzidine has not been sold in the United States since the mid-1970s and it is no longer used in medical laboratories or in the rubber and plastics industries. 

It has been withdrawn from use in most industries. 

It mentions a 'restricted substance,' but does not clarify what it is or mention the consequences and risks people are subjecting their children to if they did not return the item.

'Unfortunately, it's come to light that there's a potential problem with the lining of the above style which contains a quantity of restricted substance which exceeds Next's specification,' the notice said.

'As the shoes don't meet our strict, technical specifications, we've taken the decision of recalling them, and are requesting that you return them to us for a full refund.

'We're very sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience caused, but we hope you'll understand that customer safety is our highest priority.' 

Next urged its customers to call 0333 777 8185 to arrange a collection, or return the shoes to a local store. 

Earlier this year, Next issued an urgent safety warning after discovering children’s sandals contained a possible choking hazard.

The High Street chain recalled pairs of the £18 stud sandals after realising small rivets attached to the straps could come loose and be swallowed by youngsters.

The sandals were marketed as part of their ‘Younger Girls’ range targeting those aged three months to six-years-old.

A statement on the company website about the stud sandals said: ‘Unfortunately, it’s come to light that there’s a potential problem with the star rivets, which could become detached, presenting a choking hazard to young children.  

In a product recall notice on the Next website in June, the retailer said the shoes were being recalled due to a 'potential problem with the lining'.

Next (pictured is its store in Bond Street, London) urged its customers to call 0333 777 8185 to arrange a collection, or return the shoes to a local store

Earlier this year, Next issued an urgent safety warning after discovering children’s sandals contained a possible choking hazard 

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