Urgent Matalan recall of popular items as women warned 'do not wear'
Women have been warned they are in danger of suffering cuts and other injuries if they wear one of seven types of bikini tops. The items, sold by Matalan, have been urgently recalled after the high-street retailer found serious manufacturing defects within them.
The underwiring from seven sets of bikini tops could come loose from their casing when worn, resulting in customers getting scratches and cuts to the skin. The findings were reported in a statement released by the Government's Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
The timing of the recent recall could not have come at an unfortunate time for Matalan as millions of women are enjoying their summer holidays. It is also the third time this summer the retailer has ordered a recall.
Just two days ago, Matalan and Next were forced to take back a range of Miss Summer dresses and outfit sets over fears the dress cords were too long and could pose a "strangulation" risk. In June, Matalan ordered customers to return three types of boys' swimwear – again, because of a strangulation hazard.
The latest recall primarily affects bikini tops from the Spring Mainstream and Mainstream Postcard ranges, all of which were sold between November 14, 2024 and June 26 this year. A full list of affected items, together with their barcodes, can be found at the end of this story.
Customers have been ordered to return them to their nearest Matalan branch for a full refund. In a further gesture of good will, the retailer confirmed that no receipt would be required to get your money back.
Matalan said in a statement: "It has come to our attention that the above bikini tops do not meet our usual high standards for quality and safety, as there is risk that the underwire can protrude from the casing and cause injury.
"As customer safety is our highest priority, we are immediately recalling these bikini tops. If you've bought any of the bikini tops shown above, please do not use the product and return it at your earliest convenience to your nearest Matalan store where our staff will be happy to give you a full refund. You will not need to produce a receipt to claim a refund."
The retailer has advised affected customers to call its customer care team on 0333 0044444 or email customercareceo@matalan.co.uk. It also urged those who gifted the items to others to let the affected parties know.
"If you have bought the above for someone else or know someone who has one then please let them know immediately about this notice," it added. "We pride ourselves on delivering great quality at great prices and we're really sorry for any inconvenience caused. Please note this recall does not affect any other Matalan product."
The OPSS report said: "The products present a risk of injuries as the underwiring can protrude from the casing during use, which may result in the user receiving scratches or cuts to the skin. The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005."
The Mirror has contacted Matalan for further comment.
Affected items
Spring Mainstream Underwire (UW); Line code: F422691
Barcodes: 3422691000058, 3422691000065, 3422691000072, 3422691000089, 3422691000102, 3422691000119, 3422691000126, 3422691000133, 3422691000140 and 3422691000157
Spring Mainstream DD; Line code: F422690
Barcodes: 3422690000035, 3422690000042, 3422690000059, 3422690000066, 3422690000080, 3422690000097, 3422690000103, 3422690000127 and 3422690000134
Navy Floral Cupped; Line code: F422601
Barcodes: 3422601000055, 3422601000062, 3422601000079, 3422601000086, 3422601000109, 3422601000116, 342260100012, 3422601000130, 3422601000147 and 3422601000154
MS DD Bikini Top Multi; Line code: F422607
Barcodes: 3422607000035, 3422607000042, 3422607000059, 3422607000066, 3422607000080, 3422607000097, 3422607000103, 3422607000110, 3422607000127 and 3422607000134
MS Underwire Bikini Top Multi; Line code: F422627
Barcodes: 3422627000053, 3422627000060, 3422627000077, 3422627000084, 3422627000107, 3422627000114, 3422627000121, 3422627000138, 3422627000145 and 3422627000152
Mainstream Postcard DD; Line code: F422724
Barcodes: 3422724000031, 3422724000048, 3422724000055, 3422724000062, 3422724000086, 3422724000093, 3422724000109, 3422724000116, 3422724000123 and 3422724000130
Mainstream Postcard UW; Line code: F422725
Barcodes: 3422725000054, 3422725000061, 3422725000078, 3422725000085, 3422725000108, 3422725000115, 3422725000122, 3422725000139, 3422725000146 and 3422725000153
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