IKEA has issued the recall over fears that small metal fragments could break off into food
Furniture giant IKEA has launched an urgent recall for a gadget commonly found in kitchens. The Swedish retail chain has pulled a popular Ikea-branded garlic press from sale, amid fears that tiny metal fragments could break off into customers’ food and be inadvertently swallowed.
The recall affects particular batches of the IKEA 365+ VÄRDEFULL Garlic press in black following the discovery of a production defect during a company inspection. According to IKEA, there is a possibility that “small metal pieces” may detach from the culinary tool while in use and subsequently be ingested with meals, posing a potential health hazard to users.
The implicated garlic presses were sold globally, through both physical outlets and online, and carry the article number 601.636.02. The kitchen gadget can additionally be verified through date stamps featured on the item.
Date stamps range from 2411 up to 2522 (see below for how to decode IKEA date stamps). The faulty presses can be further distinguished by an IKEA logo marking on the upper handle.
Shoppers who own one of the withdrawn products have been instructed to stop using it straightaway and approach IKEA for a complete refund, the company confirmed, while emphasising that buyers will not be required to supply a receipt or evidence of transaction to claim their refund.
A statement on the Swedish furniture giant’s website also urged any customers who may have lent or gifted the item to share the warning. In an official statement, IKEA – widely known for its distinctive Allen keys and flat-pack furniture – offered its apologies for any disruption caused by the recall, reports Essex Live.
Other items recalled
The Scandinavian retailer has issued a significant number of further recalls in recent months, alongside the faulty garlic press. Other recalled products include:
- Spatula (365+ HJÄLTE): Date stamp 2445 (YYWW) or later is recalled.
- Power Bank (VARMFRONT): Date stamps 2313, 2316, 2318, or 2319 are recalled due to fire hazards.
- ÅSKSTORM 40W USB charger dark grey: Article number 60461197 is recalled
- Mirrors (LETTAN): Affected date stamps before and including 2105.
- ROSTAD LÖK: Fried onion, 100g, Article number: 302.371.76 Best Before Date: 02-06-2026 – 22-11-2026
- BLÅVINGAD fishing game, multicolour: All iterations of this children’s toy should be returned to IKEA following reports of small metal rivets coming loose from the painted wooden shapes, presenting a potential choking hazard.
Product date stamps
IKEA date stamps run off a Year-Week format. For example: 2411 would mean 2024, week 11.
- Garlic Press: Stamped on the black plastic handle.
- Furniture/Other: Usually a 4-digit number on a sticker, often found underneath or on the back of the item.
For those affected by any of the above recalls, further details can be found on the IKEA website.
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