DUBAI // Ikea is recalling a popular range of baby high chairs because of a faulty belt that has led to several children being injured.
The store is offering free replacement parts for its Antilop chairs, which are sold in the UAE, as part of a global product recall.
"The high chair belt can open unexpectedly while in use, creating a fall hazard," it said in a statement.
"Ikea has received eight reports of the belt opening, including three resulting in minor injuries when a child fell from the high chair."
The recall was issued in Europe on Thursday. However, the company only issued a statement to media yesterday in the UAE.
A spokesman was unavailable to comment on the reason for the delay. However, recalls normally have to be cleared by the Ministry of Economy.
Elaine Stannard, a co-founder of the parenting information service Mumcierge.ae, first heard about the recall from UK news. However, she had no idea there was also going to be a recall in the UAE.
"I can't believe they are a week behind the UK," she said. "You'd think they'd already have it out there in the public domain. If I hadn't checked the news I wouldn't have a clue that they were being recalled in the UK."
The recall has also sparked discussion on UAE-based forum ExpatWoman.com. One Dubai-based poster wrote: "I think almost everyone with little ones has this high chair."
The recall affects chairs with the supplier number #17389 moulded on the bottom of the seat, sold between July 2006 and November 2009. No other high chairs are affected.
Those who own faulty units should contact the company's customer service line on 800 4532 for a replacement belt.
The company said the recall was issued by "taking on board the Ministry of Economy's interest in conducting an ongoing review of all products in the UAE market in order to protect consumers".
"IKEA apologises for any inconvenience this may cause," it added.
mcroucher@thenational.ae
