DWN - John Lewis Recalls Festive ‘Quality Street’ Baubles Due to Injury Risk

John Lewis Recalls Quality Street-Inspired Christmas Baubles Over Safety Concerns After Reports of Potential Injury Risk

John Lewis has issued a recall of their Quality Street-themed glass baubles due to the risk of cuts if mistakenly bitten or swallowed. Resembling popular chocolates, the decorations could cause mouth and hand injuries, prompting an urgent safety warning from officials. Customers who bought these baubles are advised to return them for a full refund.

30th October 2024

Digital Worldwide News

John Lewis recalls Quality Street-themed baubles after officials warn of injury risks if mistaken for chocolate. Customers advised to return for full refund.

John Lewis has issued an urgent recall for its Quality Street Sweet Glass Baubles, a range of Christmas decorations crafted to resemble the iconic chocolates. This move follows a warning from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) about the potential hazards these baubles pose if mistakenly ingested or bitten.

The concern stems from the baubles' realistic design, mimicking popular Quality Street flavors such as Fudge, Coffee Crème, The Purple One, and Caramel Swirl. If someone were to bite or swallow the glass decorations, they could suffer cuts to the mouth or hands, prompting the OPSS to take action.

OPSS: Why These Decorations Are Hazardous

According to the OPSS, the baubles violate both the Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989 and the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. In their statement, officials noted: “The products present a risk of cuts or injuries as they may be mistaken for real chocolates. If the glass baubles are bitten or swallowed, the user could receive lacerations to the mouth or hands.”

The OPSS also emphasized that the resemblance to edible products increases the likelihood of accidental injury, particularly around children, who may not distinguish between the glass decorations and actual sweets.

Guidance for Affected Customers

In response to the recall, John Lewis has assured customers a full refund on the returned items. Customers are advised to take the following steps if they have purchased these baubles:

Stop using the decorations immediately – Store them safely out of reach to prevent any accidents.
Return to any John Lewis store – Customers can bring the items back to any John Lewis location for a refund.
Contact Customer Service for Assistance – John Lewis has provided a dedicated support line at 03456 049 049, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Additional details can be found on the John Lewis recall page.

This recall applies to all batch codes and includes items sold between September 2023 and mid-October 2024. The affected baubles are listed under specific product codes, including 76640881, 76640856, and 76640883, among others.

Implications of the Recall and Food Imitation Regulations

The OPSS’s swift action under the Food Imitations (Safety) Regulations 1989 highlights the strict guidelines that protect consumers from products resembling food. Similar recalls have occurred with products like scented candles resembling desserts and soaps that look like candy, underscoring the importance of differentiating non-edible products from edible items to avoid confusion, especially among young children.

In an official statement, a John Lewis spokesperson explained, “Customer safety is paramount to us. We advise all customers who purchased the baubles to return them immediately.”

Holiday Shoppers Urged to Be Vigilant

This incident has highlighted the importance of vigilance during holiday shopping, especially when it comes to novelty items and seasonal decorations. The recall serves as a reminder for both retailers and consumers to carefully evaluate products that could be mistaken for food, ensuring safety remains a priority.

For John Lewis customers, the return process has been designed to be straightforward, with customer support available for those seeking further assistance. As the holiday season approaches, this recall emphasizes a critical balance between festive cheer and product safety, ensuring consumers can enjoy their holiday decorations worry-free.

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