Occurrences of chemical residues in products from IC Companys

25 Jul '11

5 min read

IC Companys has recently reported a number of cases to the Danish Ministry of the Environment concerning occurrences of chemical residues in garments sold through several Group brands.

Detected findings of chemical residues:
In November 2009 we detected a small amount of the Azo dye (the value is 36mg/kg – which is 0.06mg/kg above the permitted value) in a small badge of one long sleeve T-shirt from the brand Cottonfield. The name of the style is ”RAY”. The badge is placed on the outside of the style in question and is not in direct contact with the skin. After having detected the chemical residues, the style in question was immediately recalled. 999 pieces of this style were sold of which we have received 25 pieces back.

In June 2010 we detected too high amounts of the allergy-provoking dye ”Disperse red 11” in two dresses from the brand InWear. The names of the two styles are ”SAJAMI” and ”YAMMIE”. After having detected the chemical residues, both styles in questions were immediately recalled. ”Disperse red 11” – cas no.2872-48-2 – is pursuant to GHS classified as code H317; stating that it ”may cause allergic skin reaction.” However, it should be noted that we have not received any complaints from customers or partners concerning any allergic skin reactions from these products. 2388 pieces of these styles were sold of which we have received 992 pieces back.

In July 2010 we detected a too high amount of nickel content in the metal parts of a leather bracelet from the brand Part Two. The name of the accessory is ”PT96”. After having detected this, the bracelet was immediately recalled. Nickel may cause allergic reactions when in direct contact with the skin. No allergic reactions have been reported in connection with this occurrence. 1429 pieces of this accessory were sold of which we have received 712 pieces back.

In January 2011 we detected a too high concentration of Cr6+ (Chromium 6) in a leather shirt from the brand Part Two. The name of the style is ”QINNA”. After having detected this, the style in question was immediately recalled. Pursuant to GHS, Chromium 6 is classified as code H317; stating that it ”may cause allergic skin reaction”. However, it should be noted that we have not received any negative reactions from customers or partners. 229 pieces of this style were sold of which we have received 175 pieces back.

IC Companys takes such findings very serious and we reacted promptly after having detected too high permissible values by immediately recalling the products from the stores and informing our entire sales chain. Furthermore, we then contacted the producers of the affected products and asked them to guarantee that future products would comply with IC Companys' high standards of comfort and safety.

At that point in time we considered our actions to be correct, but after having looked into the procedures, we must admit that we unfortunately have made a procedural mistake by not informing the authorities and customers as we are required to by law. This does not live up to our own standards of ensuring the best possible consumer safety and complying with the rules in force. We are of course truly sorry that we did not fully comply with the statutory regulations on this specific issue and consequently did not inform the Danish Safety Technology Authority and the Danish Ministry of the Environment. The Company has internally reviewed this case thoroughly and we are firm on stressing that the rules must be complied with, in particular, in cases such as these concerning consumer safety.

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