Temu Issues Recall After Jumper Catches Fire, Leaves Girl With Severe Burns

A mobile phone displays the app of cross-border e-commerce platform Temu in Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, China, on Oct 28, 2022. CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Online Chinese retail giant Temu has issued a recall for a children’s jumper after an eight-year-old girl in Queensland suffered severe burns when the garment caught fire.

The incident occurred during a family gathering when wind blew sparks from a fire pit onto the jumper, which ignited quickly, and melted onto her skin, according to family members.

The girl, Daniella Jacobs-Herd, has autism and ADHD, sustained third-degree burns to her face, arm, and chest. She has undergone 14 surgical procedures, including skin grafts, at Queensland Children’s Hospital, with more surgeries expected.

Temu currently lists close to 50 recalled products on its website, mostly involving children’s toys and clothing.

In a statement, the retailer said: “In accordance with the requirements of Article 32 of the DSA, please see below the details of the recalled products for which we do not have the contact information of all the affected users. The information provided below may be subject to updates, and we will ensure to keep you informed accordingly in a timely manner.”

Family Running Donation Drive to Cover Costs

Daniella’s mother, who has set up a GoFundMe page to cover her daughter’s medical costs, described the family’s struggles: “We are struggling with our everyday bills, rent, and keeping up with our little one’s medical costs. She has been so brave through all of this.”

The fundraiser has collected $7,429 (US$4,630) so far but requires $10,000 to meet treatment expenses. The family has appealed for public support to help Daniella recover from her injuries.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that the recalled jumper failed to meet mandatory safety standards for children’s nightwear, which require fire hazard warning labels. Some garments are so flammable they cannot be sold in Australia.

“There is a risk of serious burn injuries if exposed to a heat or flame source. Consumers may not be aware of this risk,” the ACCC said on its website.

“An incident has occurred resulting in serious injuries to a child.”

In a similar case last year, the Canadian government recalled Helly Hansen sweaters and hoodies for posing a similar hazard. The company was required to provide replacement credits to consumers.

Sleepwear Flammability: A Decades-Old Concern

Flammable sleepwear has been under scrutiny for over 50 years?

In 1973, a study by the United States National Bureau of Standards highlighted the risks, revealing that sleepwear was often the first item to ignite in fire incidents involving children.

Cotton nightgowns and kitchen ranges were particularly hazardous.

The study found that among 316 cases of non-contaminated ignited sleepwear, children aged 6-12 were most affected, with females at higher risk due to the use of nightgowns.

Tragically, five children died, and 52 of 74 victims required hospitalisation. These findings led to recommendations for stricter flammability standards for garments.