Samsonite International has recalled over 250,000 suitcases after testing revealed a toxin linked to cancer in a component of the luggage.
The 250,000 ‘Tokyo Chic’ suitcases, which have been recalled world-wide will have their handles replaced. A Hong-Kong based consumer group discovered high levels of compounds linked to cancer. The company have disagreed saying that its own independent tests have revealed that the luggage does not pose a health hazard and that it was only implementing the re-call to calm consumers.
Samsonite pulled the ‘Tokyo Chic’ line from Hong-Kong stores following a Consumer Council report that a sample it tested contained levels of polyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that were higher than what is recommended in voluntary guidelines. Hong-Kong Customs and Excise have advised shops to stop the sales of the concerned model and to replace the handles.
PAH compounds are typically seen in plastics, rubber and lubricating oil. The compounds are known to cause cancer and birth defects in animals.
