IKEA Recalls 29 Million Chests and Dressers, Including MALM, Over Tip-Over Risk
IKEA has announced a major recall affecting 29 million chests and dressers, including the widely used MALM series, because of a serious tip-over hazard that has led to injuries and fatalities among children. The recall covers multiple models, finishes, and sizes sold for many years and applies to both children’s and adult furniture that fails to meet U.S. voluntary industry stability standards.
Which Products Are Recalled
The recall includes children’s chests and dressers that are taller than 23.5 inches and adult chests and dressers taller than 29.5 inches if they do not meet the performance requirements of the U.S. voluntary industry standard. The MALM line included in the recall consists of 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer and 6-drawer models. Other IKEA chest and dresser models sold at various times through June 2016 are also covered.
How to Identify Recalled Items
Most of the recalled units are constructed from particleboard or fiberboard and were available in a wide variety of finishes, including white, birch veneer, medium brown, black-brown, white-stained oak veneer, oak veneer, pink, turquoise, grey, grey-turquoise, lilac, green, brown-stained ash veneer, and black. To identify whether a piece is part of the recall, inspect the underside of the top panel or the inside of a side panel for the following markings:
- A 5-digit supplier number
- A 4-digit date stamp
- The IKEA logo
- Country of origin
- The name “MALM” (for MALM models)
When and Where They Were Sold
MALM chests and dressers included in the recall were manufactured and sold from 2002 through June 2016. Price points at the time of sale typically ranged from about $70 to $200 depending on model and finish.
Remedy and Safety Measures
IKEA is offering remedies to address the hazard. Affected customers can choose between a full refund or a free wall-anchoring kit to secure the dresser and reduce the risk of tip-over. IKEA and safety regulators strongly advise anchoring tall furniture to the wall regardless of age or perceived stability, keeping heavy items out of upper drawers, and supervising children around furniture that could tip.
Official Sources
This recall was announced by IKEA and reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For specific guidance on identifying affected units and requesting a refund or wall-anchoring kit, refer to the recall information published by the manufacturer and the Commission.
If you own a chest or dresser that matches the descriptions above, inspect the identifying marks and follow the recall instructions to obtain a remedy. Securing furniture can prevent tip-over incidents and reduce the risk of serious injury, particularly for households with young children.