Amazon has issued urgent recalls for two household products—the iHEAT Heated Jacket for Women and the Murcher Bedside Table Lamp—after both were found to pose serious fire risks and violate U.K. safety regulations.
At a Glance
- iHEAT Heated Jacket recalled due to faulty lithium battery posing fire hazard
- Murcher Bedside Lamp recalled for unsafe internal wiring and overheating risks
- Both products breach U.K. Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
- Consumers advised to stop using products and contact sellers
- Safety regulators criticize lack of oversight in imported goods
Battery Failures Prompt Jacket Recall
Amazon pulled the iHEAT Heated Jacket for Women from its site after regulators found the product’s lithium-ion battery was dangerously unstable. According to the U.K. Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the battery pack offers “insufficient protection to prevent thermal runaway,” which can cause fires or explosions. The power plug was also flagged for noncompliance, with pins dangerously close to the edge—an electrocution risk.
The product does not meet the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 or the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Regulators warn that users may be exposed to live electrical parts and urge immediate discontinuation.
Table Lamp Recall Adds to Fire Fears
Amazon also recalled the Murcher Bedside Table Lamp, citing poor cord anchorage and internal wiring vulnerabilities. According to the OPSS, the design flaw could allow wires to loosen and overheat, increasing the risk of short circuits and fire.
“The product presents a high risk of fire due to the lack of cord anchorage,” officials stated, urging users to stop using the product and seek redress from the distributor.
Watch a report: Amazon Product Recalls: Fire Hazards Explained – YouTube
Accountability and Consumer Response
Consumers who purchased either product should stop using them immediately and contact the distributor for a refund or replacement. The OPSS also reminds users not to dispose of lithium batteries in regular household trash due to explosion risk.
“Owners should not dispose of lithium-ion batteries in normal household waste,” the agency cautioned, emphasizing the need for proper handling.
These recalls shine a spotlight on Amazon’s oversight challenges, especially with third-party sellers shipping unvetted goods from overseas. Experts argue that responsibility lies not only with manufacturers but also with platforms profiting from distribution.
Growing Recall Trend Raises Concerns
The iHEAT and Murcher recalls follow similar alerts affecting major retailers such as WHSmith and Card Factory. As import volumes rise, so do concerns about regulatory enforcement and the effectiveness of current safety checks.
To avoid risk, consumers should routinely register products, monitor recall databases, and report unsafe goods. As this wave of recalls shows, failure to act could leave buyers unknowingly exposed to dangerous defects.
Ultimately, while Amazon’s platform enables convenience, the burden of safety now falls on consumers—unless stronger regulations force sellers to meet the standards their customers expect.
