Bracelet recalled after link with child’s death

A LEADING sportswear company is urging parents in Ireland to dispose of a bracelet that has been linked with the death of a young child in the US.

The bracelets, given away free with pairs of trainers, have been in circulation in America, Britain and Ireland for the past two years.

Reebok is now recalling the metal charm bracelets as a four-year-old boy from Minneapolis, Minnesota, died from lead poisoning after apparently swallowing a link from the bracelet.

The Chinese-made jewellery contains high levels of lead and Reebok have warned that it should be taken away from children immediately and thrown away.

Around 145,000 of the heart-shaped bracelets have been available in Ireland and Britain since December 2004.

The bracelets are eight inches long, made from silver-coloured metal and have the name Reebok engraved on one side of a heart-shaped charm.

Reebok International Paul Harrington president said the company was determined to discover the cause of the problem and ensure it never happens again.

“As president and chief executive of the Reebok Brand and the father of three young children, I am deeply saddened and greatly concerned,” he said.

He pointed out that the day the company was notified that there might be a connection between Reebok and the child’s death, they aggressively began their recall process.

Parents also have the option of returning the bracelet to Reebok Consumer Advice, Freepost LA1116, Moor Lane Mill, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1ZY. They can also visit Reebok’s website at www.rbk.com for more information.

Meanwhile, O2 Ireland is urging 2,300 customers to return a mobile phone because they might catch fire.

A spokesperson said they decided to recall the O2 X1 handsets after three O2 customers in Britain complained that their phones overheated while charging.

“We have not received any similar reports in Ireland. However, as a precautionary measure, we have taken the decision to recall and replace all X1 mobile phone handsets and chargers,” he said.

He said the model was withdrawn from sale in Ireland in June 2004.

No one has been injured and no damage has been caused by the overheating of the flip phones.