Kmart New Zealand is recalling some festive bedding sets after two Australian women were hospitalised with skin irritation after bringing them home.
The duvet sets in question are the 'Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set' and the 'Anko Mr & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set'.
A Kmart spokesperson confirmed to us the department store hadn't been notified of any medical issues in NZ, however a recall would be issued here regardless.
“We take the quality of all our products seriously and are committed to addressing customer product satisfaction issues," they said in a statement.
“Regardless of whether they have experienced any issue, customers who have purchased the Mr & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set may return the product to store for a refund.”
“If customers have any questions, we ask them to contact Kmart Customer Service on 0800 945 995. We have taken the proactive step of providing notification via the formal recall in New Zealand of a voluntary product recall. The public recall notice will follow in the coming days.”
Product Safety New Zealand has yet to issue a formal recall, but Kmart NZ has removed both of the quilts from its website.
The issue was first flagged by members of an unofficial Kmart NZ Facebook group, where buyers shared concerns about a “strong” smell of gas and chemicals coming from the bedding.
“Have just washed my Christmas duvet covers and they absolutely STINK of gas!! (Purchased before seeing the comments online) Straight in the bin,” said one concerned mum.
“SAME!!! I washed them 3x and thought there was an issue with my washing machine. Absolutely no way I was putting them near my kids,” another commented.
“Mine smelt the same! I washed it like 5 times 🤦♀️,” added a third.
Others have shared that while their bedding didn’t smell initially, after washing they absolutely “wreak”.
Your safest bet, as advised by Kmart NZ, is to get in touch and return the product for a full refund.
