High street retailer Next has issued an urgent safety recall for two of its popular festive-themed homeware products, warning customers to cease using them immediately due to potential injury risks.
Products Affected by the Recall
The recall specifically concerns the Gingerbread Serveboard and Gingerbread Nibble Bowls, which have been withdrawn from sale across all Next stores and online platforms. These items feature decorative enamel coatings designed with a seasonal aesthetic, but have been found to present a significant safety hazard during normal use.
Nature of the Safety Concern
According to official statements from Next and the Office for Product Safety and Standards, the enamel layer on these products may crack and chip unexpectedly. This defect creates a serious risk that small fragments of material could break off and be accidentally swallowed by users, potentially causing internal injuries.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards confirmed: "The product presents a risk of injuries as the enamel layer may crack and chip during use. This may result in small pieces of the material being swallowed, causing injuries. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005."
Immediate Action Required
Next has strongly advised all customers who own either of these products to stop using them immediately and arrange for their return. The retailer is offering full refunds for both items, regardless of whether customers have retained their original proof of purchase.
How to Return Affected Items
Customers have several options for returning the recalled products:
- Return the items to any Next store for an immediate refund
- Arrange a collection by calling Next customer service on 0333 777 8000 and selecting option 1
- Use the Selfserve system by calling 0800 587 7758, entering your Selfserve number, and selecting option 3
- Log into your 'My Account' online and select 'Arrange a return' from the menu options
Product Identification Details
The specific items affected by this recall are:
- Gingerbread Serveboard - Item number: AW2342
- Gingerbread Nibble Bowl - Item number: AN8859
Special Considerations for Gifted Items
Next has addressed the situation for customers who may have purchased these items as gifts for others. The retailer requests that anyone who gifted these products should ask the recipient to contact Next directly to arrange the return and refund process.
Retailer's Response and Apology
In their official statement, Next explained: "As the Gingerbread Serveboard and Gingerbread Nibble Bowls don't meet our strict, technical specifications, we've taken the precaution of recalling them, and request that you return your Gingerbread Serveboard and Gingerbread Nibble Bowls to us immediately for a full refund."
The company added: "We're very sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience this may cause." This recall represents a precautionary measure taken by Next following the identification of the safety issue, demonstrating the retailer's commitment to consumer protection despite the timing inconvenience for customers who purchased these festive items.
The recall notice serves as an important reminder for consumers to regularly check product safety alerts and respond promptly to manufacturer recalls, particularly for items used in food preparation and serving contexts where material integrity is crucial for user safety.
