Camilla Jessen
Popular hot water bottle pulled from sale.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall for Southern Arbor Electric Rechargeable Hot Water Bottles, warning consumers to stop using the product immediately.
The bottles were sold via the TikTok Shop before being removed from the platform.
According to the OPSS, the product presents a serious fire risk and does not meet key UK safety regulations.
What went wrong
In a recall notice, the OPSS said the hot water bottle lacks essential thermal protection, meaning it can overheat if misused.
“The product presents a serious risk of fire because there is a lack of thermal protection to prevent overheating when it is subject to misuse,” the regulator said.
Officials also highlighted that no instructions were supplied with the product, increasing the risk that it could be plugged in without water inside.
“As there are no supplied instructions, it is possible that no water will be added to the product, and whilst it is plugged in and charging, it may ignite whilst the user is not present, causing harm to consumer and home,” the OPSS added.
Further safety failures
The watchdog also raised concerns about the electrical adaptor included with the hot water bottle.
“Additionally, the adaptor supplied with the product has incorrectly sized pins and does not meet the requirements of the relevant standard,” the OPSS said.
As a result, the product was found not to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 or the Plugs & Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994.
Product details
The recall applies to the Southern Arbor Electric Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, model QM-01.
The barcode is 69615846554 and the serial number is 54513127286.
Consumers who own the product are being urged to take action without delay.
“Owners are advised to stop using the product immediately and contact the distributor they purchased from to request redress,” the OPSS said.
Online marketplace action
The regulator confirmed that “the listing has been removed by the online marketplace (TikTok Shop).” TikTok Shop allows third-party sellers to market products through videos, livestreams and a dedicated shopping section.
The recall comes just days after the OPSS also issued a warning over baby soother clips sold by Primark due to a choking risk.
Sources: Office for Product Safety and Standards, The Express
