Fitbit Recalls Force Activity-Tracking Wristband Due to Risk of Skin Irritation

Fitbit Force activity-tracking wristband

Wireless activity-tracking wristband

Recall Date: March 12th, 2014
Type: Exercise
Units: About 1,000,000 in the U.S. and about 28,000 in Canada
Hazards: Users can develop allergic reactions to the stainless steel casing, materials used in the strap, or adhesives used to assemble the product, resulting in redness, rashes or blistering where the skin has been in contact with the tracker.
Remedies: Refund
Consumers should contact Fitbit for a full refund.

Description

This recall involves Fitbit Force™ wireless activity-tracking wristbands with model numbers FB402BK, FB402BKS, FB402SL and FB402SLS. The wristband operates as a pedometer, sleep monitor and watch. It is made of plastic with a stainless steel casing and clasp and a small LED display screen. The display screen is flush with the top side of the band and a control button is on one side of the band. The wristband is about 3/4 inch wide and comes in large and small sizes and in the colors black or slate. The model number is on the back of the recalled wristband below the charging port.

Consumer Contact:

Fitbit, toll-free at (888) 656-6381 from M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or online at www.fitbit.com and click on Recall/Safety Info on the right side of the page next to Terms of Use for more information.

Injuries:

The firm has received about 9,900 reports of the wristband causing skin irritation and about 250 reports of blistering.

Manufacturers:

Flextronics Sales & Marketing AP Ltd., of Port Louis, Mauritius

Retailers:

AT&T, Best Buy, Brookstone, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Radio Shack, REI, Sports Authority, Target and other stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com and Fitbit.com from October 2013 to February 2014 for about $130.