Multiple Sales on Daiso and Open Market
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Harmful substances exceeding 600 times the standard level were detected in 'baby bathtubs' sold on multiple open markets such as Daiso, 11st, Gmarket, Auction, and Coupang. On online mom cafe communities, the possibility of a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturer and distributor has even been raised.
According to the industry on the 11th, the National Institute of Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 10th that phthalate-based plasticizers in the drain stopper of Daehyun Chemical Industry's 'Cosma Baby Bathtub' product exceeded the standard by 612.5 times. The allowable limit is a total of 0.1% or less, but in reality, 61.252% was detected.
Phthalate-based plasticizers are chemical additives used to soften plastics, and prolonged exposure to this substance can cause liver and kidney damage.
The National Institute of Technology and Standards ordered the distributor and manufacturer to recall the product. Daiso posted an apology on its official website, stating, "We apologize for causing concern to our customers due to product defects," and added, "If you bring the product to a nearby Daiso store, we will refund it regardless of the purchase date, usage status, receipt possession, or whether the packaging is opened."
Products purchased outside of Daiso stores can be refunded by contacting Daehyun Chemical Industry. Access to the product pages and purchases on 11st, Gmarket, Auction, and others have also been prohibited.
In online mom cafes, groups for class-action lawsuits related to damages have been formed. Attorney Lee Seung-ik of the law firm 'Daeryuk Aju' stated, "For the sake of the children, as a lawyer, I intend to take legal action directly against the manufacturer and others." Currently, the open KakaoTalk chat room 'Daiso Baby Bathtub Victims Group' is fully occupied with 1,500 members.
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