Christmas is just around the corner but Target shoppers will have to go without two popular stocking stuffers this year after the retailer recalled the items this week.
Target pulled its men’s Piping Hot ‘wave thongs’ and popular Slimline Activity and Sleep Tracker from shelves and urged customers to return the goods, which both pose potentially serious health risks.
The official recall notices were shared to the ACCC’s Product Safety Australia website on Friday.
Target said an issue with the insulation in the activity and sleep tracker could cause skin irritation or burns to wearers.
“A potential lack of insulation from charging contacts may result in electrolytic action on the wearer’s skin surface,” the retailer said. “Consumers should stop using the product and return it to any Target store for a full refund.”
The trackers were sold nationally between July 1, 2018 and September 18, 2018, and come in pink, blue and black colours.
They carry distinctive identification numbers that can be found on the box: Black 60398611, Blue 60398635, Pink 60398628.
Activity and sleep trackers have gained in popularity in recent years thanks to advances in wearable technology. The smart devices record your daily physical activity to help with fitness goals and track your sleep patterns through the night.
However, getting the tech right has proven difficult in some cases and earlier this year US company Provata was also forced to recall its version of the activity fitness tracker after customers received burns to their wrists while wearing it.
Target has also recalled a popular line of men’s thongs, citing issues with the thong sole surface that may present a slip hazard. It’s of particular concern leading up to the summer months when many Australians spend their days in the comfortable footwear.
The thongs were sold nation-wide between November 13, 2017 – September 18, 2018. They come in two styles, navy/orange and black/blue, and range between sizes 6-13.
Target did not elaborate on how the thongs made it through their standards tests.