Fitbit to Display New Allergen Warnings to Sidestep Recall

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Fitbit to Display New Allergen Warnings to Sidestep Recall

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Fitbit set to warn buyers of allergens in the Fitbit Flex.
Image: Mashable

Fitbit has avoided another recall of its products by agreeing to inform buyers that the new Fitbit Flex may contain nickel, an allergen.

The warning, as first reported by the New York Times, prompted the Consumer Product Safety Commission to not recall the Fitbit Flex.

It also comes after the maker of fitness wearables recalled millions of its Fitbit Force product earlier this year. In February, Fitbit announced a refund program for that wireless activity-tracking wristband. The stainless steel casing, strap materials and other parts caused rashes, blistering and redness among some users, the safety commission announced in March.

The nickel in the Fitbit Flex can cause similar reactions. Nickel, which can also be found in jewelry, zippers and eyeglasses, is one of the most common causes of itchy rashes, according to the Mayo Clinic, a medical care and research organization.

The clasp on the Flex “contains traces of nickel,” according to an answer to a frequently asked question about the product causing rashes on Fitbit’s website. Those experiencing rashes should contact customer support, the post adds.

Fitbit CEO James Park said in a statement sent to the New York Times that the company stands by its product.

“The Fitbit Flex activity and sleep tracker remains safe and effective, and one of the most popular products in the Fitbit lineup to help people achieve their health and fitness goals,” Park said.

Fitbit plans to make changes following the rash flaps.

“We have learned many lessons from this experience and are incorporating these lessons into future products to ensure that the entire Fitbit community can continue to enjoy our fitness trackers,” Park stated In a letter that Fitbit plans to include on its website Monday, the Times reports. “We are working diligently on our next-generation trackers and will announce news about them as soon as we can.”

Earlier this week, Fitbit announced that in addition to containing nickel, the Fitbit Force also has methacrylates, which are chemicals found in paints and can cause skin allergies, the Times writes.

Fitbit users have taken to Twitter to complain about their Fitbit-caused rashes.

Succumbed to the dreaded #fitbit rash, with a Flex, even. They’re handling it well but I feel bad for the company to have to deal w/this.

— Pamela Parker Caird (@pamelaparker) May 30, 2014

Well this is a pretty nasty, itchy rash thanks to my @fitbit Flex! Love my Fitbit but don’t love this side effect… pic.twitter.com/XLaLVI7PGt

— Leah Axelrod Carder (@LCarderDesign) March 25, 2014

Fitbit has new ‘Charge’ fitness trackers on the way. (Hopefully without the rash or itching!) http://t.co/B7ZpFufg87 from @womanofthehouse

— Leslie Fisher (@lesliefisher) October 16, 2014

@fitbit Where can I find a metal or non-plastic band for the flex? The plastic causes a rash.

— mk (@icygash) October 17, 2014

@fitbit my second flex strap is giving me a rash. The first one caused no reaction and was fine till it cracked. Plz help

— rosalita fashionista (@rosalitafashion) October 12, 2014

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