Samsonite recalls 250,000 suitcases after traces of cancer-risk chemical found in handles
London: Luggage maker Samsonite has recalled 250,000 suitcases after tests by a consumer group found traces of cancer-risk chemical in handles on the luxury bags. According to The
Daily Mail, the move came after Hong Kong's Consumer Council reported that a sample it
tested had levels of poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that were higher than recommended
in voluntary guidelines. The compounds are commonly found in plastics, rubber
and lubricating oil and it is possible that traces were left during manufacturing,
the council said. The recall relates to the Tokyo Chic brand, which is part of
the American Tourister range. Samsonite will even be recalling bags that were
sold through online forums. Samsonite, a US company, pulled the line from Hong
Kong stores to replace the side handles. The company said it
was to take about a week to replace the handles on 30,000 cases in stock.
In Hong Kong, about 800 people contacted the company about the suitcases
and about 240 asked for the handles on their bags to be replaced, said Ramesh
Tainwala, Samsonite's Asia-Pacific and Middle East president.
