MELINA Roman Blinds
CPSC Recall #09-325 — August 25, 2009
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 09-325 |
| Recall Date | August 25, 2009 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | About 120,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $20 and $40. |
Product
MELINA Roman Blinds
Description
This recall includes all sizes/colors of MELINA Roman blinds. These blinds have a sewn-in label at the top edge of the blind with the IKEA logotype, article name (MELINA), 5-digit supplier number 19395, four digit date stamp (YYWW) and the words "Made in Taiwan". On the bottom edge of the blind there is a sewn-in orange/white safety warning label. The blinds are made from 100% polyester.
Hazard
Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. The Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a strangulation hazard to children.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and IKEA received a report of a 2-year-old boy who suffered a near strangulation. His mother found him hanging from the looped bead chain.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.