Safety fears spark a massive recall of popular LG batteries and IGA butter
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It’s easy to take for granted the things we use in our everyday lives–whether it's the batteries we use or the food we eat. Unfortunately, there are times when these things develop issues that could jeopardise our safety, and it’s important to be informed of them to avoid any problems.
Today, members, we have two safety recalls for you. For our first one: If your household uses LG Home Energy Storage System Batteries, you don’t want to skip this article.
In a world increasingly turning to renewable energy sources, the safety of energy storage systems is paramount. However, a recent recall of LG Home Energy Storage System Batteries has raised concerns about the potential fire risks associated with these devices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported nine incidents involving these batteries, including one that resulted in a home being ‘completely destroyed by fire’.
The recall was prompted by reports of the batteries overheating and catching fire, leading to property damage and personal injury.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones issued a safety warning notice, highlighting the serious risk of injury, death, and property damage if a fire occurs.
'Fires arising from lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish and may spontaneously reignite and the consequences and severity of fires can be exacerbated during the spring and summer seasons with higher temperatures,' Mr Jones said.
‘These batteries were manufactured by LG and supplied to Australian consumers in solar storage systems under the following brands: LG, SolaX, Opal, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA; [and] in unbranded systems. Affected batteries were supplied nationally through multiple retailers from 21 January 2016 onwards,’ he continued.
A recall notice was issued for these batteries last month, however, ACCC stated that about ‘8,000 affected LG batteries remain at risk in homes across Australia’.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe urged consumers to check if their solar storage battery is affected by this recall.
‘This includes non-LG-branded solar storage systems, which may also contain a recalled LG battery. If a battery is subject to recall, it should be switched off immediately,’ she stated.
‘The solar battery recalls have expanded recently to include new models. Even if you have already checked whether your battery is affected by the recalls, check it again via the LG website, and turn off your LG battery straight away if it has been recalled,’ Ms Lowe added.
Affected consumers may arrange a refund, replacement or a software update. The ACCC has provided detailed instructions on their website here.
If you require assistance, please contact LG Energy Solution Australia immediately via phone 1300 677 273 or email [email protected].
For assistance with LG batteries in SolaX or Opal battery systems, please contact SolaX Power at 1300 476 529 or email [email protected].
For our second recall, a popular organic butter brand sold at IGA stores nationwide has been pulled off the shelves due to potential contamination.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has issued a recall for Paris Creek Farms' bio-dynamic fresh butter unsalted (200g) due to possible contamination of Yersinia enterocolitica.
Any food product contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica ‘may cause illness if consumed’. According to their website, this bacteria can ‘cause a type of gastro called yersiniosis’.
‘Common symptoms are fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, sometimes like appendicitis. Some people get joint pain and rashes,’ the Food Standards’ website said.
Consumers were warned not to eat the affected product with a use-by date of January 13, 2024.
‘Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund,’ the recall notice instructed.
The product was available for sale at Foodies and Harris Farms in New South Wales, Foodland in South Australia, and independent food retailers including IGA nationwide.
For further information, customers may call B.-d. Farm Paris Creek at 08 8388 3339 or visit their website www.pariscreekfarms.com.au.
What are your thoughts on these recalls, members? Have you experienced any issues with these products? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Today, members, we have two safety recalls for you. For our first one: If your household uses LG Home Energy Storage System Batteries, you don’t want to skip this article.
In a world increasingly turning to renewable energy sources, the safety of energy storage systems is paramount. However, a recent recall of LG Home Energy Storage System Batteries has raised concerns about the potential fire risks associated with these devices.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported nine incidents involving these batteries, including one that resulted in a home being ‘completely destroyed by fire’.
The ACCC has reported nine fire incidents involving LG batteries. Credit: ACCC
The recall was prompted by reports of the batteries overheating and catching fire, leading to property damage and personal injury.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones issued a safety warning notice, highlighting the serious risk of injury, death, and property damage if a fire occurs.
'Fires arising from lithium-ion batteries are difficult to extinguish and may spontaneously reignite and the consequences and severity of fires can be exacerbated during the spring and summer seasons with higher temperatures,' Mr Jones said.
‘These batteries were manufactured by LG and supplied to Australian consumers in solar storage systems under the following brands: LG, SolaX, Opal, Redback, Red Earth, Eguana or VARTA; [and] in unbranded systems. Affected batteries were supplied nationally through multiple retailers from 21 January 2016 onwards,’ he continued.
A recall notice was issued for these batteries last month, however, ACCC stated that about ‘8,000 affected LG batteries remain at risk in homes across Australia’.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe urged consumers to check if their solar storage battery is affected by this recall.
‘This includes non-LG-branded solar storage systems, which may also contain a recalled LG battery. If a battery is subject to recall, it should be switched off immediately,’ she stated.
‘The solar battery recalls have expanded recently to include new models. Even if you have already checked whether your battery is affected by the recalls, check it again via the LG website, and turn off your LG battery straight away if it has been recalled,’ Ms Lowe added.
Affected consumers may arrange a refund, replacement or a software update. The ACCC has provided detailed instructions on their website here.
If you require assistance, please contact LG Energy Solution Australia immediately via phone 1300 677 273 or email [email protected].
For assistance with LG batteries in SolaX or Opal battery systems, please contact SolaX Power at 1300 476 529 or email [email protected].
The ACCC provided photos of the affected models on their website. Credit: ACCC
For our second recall, a popular organic butter brand sold at IGA stores nationwide has been pulled off the shelves due to potential contamination.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has issued a recall for Paris Creek Farms' bio-dynamic fresh butter unsalted (200g) due to possible contamination of Yersinia enterocolitica.
Any food product contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica ‘may cause illness if consumed’. According to their website, this bacteria can ‘cause a type of gastro called yersiniosis’.
‘Common symptoms are fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, sometimes like appendicitis. Some people get joint pain and rashes,’ the Food Standards’ website said.
Food Standards has issued a recall for Paris Creek Farms' bio-dynamic fresh butter unsalted (200g). Credit: Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Consumers were warned not to eat the affected product with a use-by date of January 13, 2024.
‘Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund,’ the recall notice instructed.
The product was available for sale at Foodies and Harris Farms in New South Wales, Foodland in South Australia, and independent food retailers including IGA nationwide.
For further information, customers may call B.-d. Farm Paris Creek at 08 8388 3339 or visit their website www.pariscreekfarms.com.au.
What are your thoughts on these recalls, members? Have you experienced any issues with these products? Share your experiences in the comments below.
