RIVER Island has been forced to recall one of its products after a chemical risk to users was discovered.
The product in question is a pink bucket-style with a gold-coloured chain strap.
Produced in Bhutan, it has been found to contain dangerous levels of lead.
A report by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said: “The product presents a serious chemical risk as the soldering on the metal chain contains an excess concentration of lead.”
Exposure to the substance can cause a wide range of dangerous effects.
These include damage to the kidneys, the circulatory system, and the developing brain.
Read more about River Island
Unborn and young children are at greater risk of lead exposure.
The OPSS has recommended that consumers stop using the product immediately and that they should return it to the manufacturer for a full refund.
This comes after the major fashion retailer revealed that it was middle of restructuring efforts to save itself from collapse.
In August, the High court approved a plan to shut at least 33 stores.
Tens of its other high-street stores have been earmarked for closure after the decision was made to shift the company’s focus to online sales.
Ben Lewis, chief executive of River Island, explained that this model makes more sense as consumer habits have changed to be far more internet-driven.
“River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street.
“However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs.”
Company executives also attributed the downturn to the higher costs of running physical stores.
The threat of closures was reflected in last year’s sales analytics.
The company recorded a 19% drop in sales and a £33.2 million annual loss in its most recent accounts.
If it does not attempt to restructure, the business could face total collapse.
This would not only affect the public’s ability to purchase goods from River Island, but it will also leave thousands of people without a job.
However, new funding is expected to be injected once a restructuring plan is in place.
River Island stores in the UK reportedly employ around 5,500 people.
This figure is spread across 223 locations, including the stores in Ireland.
