Urgent Product Recall Issued by High Street Retailer
Fashion chain River Island has issued an emergency safety warning to customers who have shopped in their stores since June this year. The alert concerns a specific handbag that has been immediately withdrawn from sale due to potential health risks.
Affected Product and Safety Concerns
The recall affects the Pink Floral Heat Seal Droplet Bucket handbag, which was available for purchase from 18 June 2025. River Island initiated the recall after internal testing revealed that the metal chain handle contained higher than permitted levels of lead.
In an official statement, the company explained: "While these areas are limited in size, they are considered accessible during use and therefore do not meet our strict safety standards. We consider the risk of harm to be low, however lead is toxic and can cause adverse health issues only when mouthed for prolonged periods or ingested."
Immediate Action Required by Customers
River Island has instructed customers to stop using the handbag immediately and keep it away from children until it can be returned. The company is offering a full refund for all affected products, regardless of whether they were purchased online or in physical stores.
Customers should return the complete product to the designated returns address: River Island Customer Service Parcels Freepost River Island, Parcels MK17 8EW. Alternative contact methods include emailing customer.services@river-island.com or calling +44 (0) 3445766444.
Broader Context for the Fashion Retailer
This safety recall comes during a challenging period for the high street chain. Just weeks ago, River Island received court approval for a major restructuring plan that involved closing 33 shops and securing reduced rents on 71 other locations. The company had warned that without this overhaul, it faced potential collapse into administration.
The Birmingham Bullring location is among the stores affected by the wider restructuring, though the handbag recall applies to all River Island outlets nationwide that stocked the product since its June release date.
