Samsonite Tokyo Chic Luggage Recall

Samsonite Recalling Tokyo Chic Suitcases over Cancer Scare

Samsonite is carrying out a voluntary recall of its American Tourister Tokyo Chic suitcases, which are sold mostly in Asia. The Samsonite recall affects around 250,000 suitcases sold during the last three years.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council found intolerably high levels of carcinogenic material in the suitcase handles. Samsonite disputed this result, claiming that its own tests revealed much smaller levels of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

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American Tourister Tokyo Chic Luggage: Samsonite Recall

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Nevertheless, either Samsonite has acknowledged that a risk exists, or it is worried about public perception: the luggage company is replacing the handles of unsold suitcases, and those who already own Tokyo Chic luggage should contact Samsonite.

Ramesh Tainwala, Samsonite's President for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, said that the Tokyo Chic recall would not affect the company's profits. However, the recall is expected to cost half a million dollars, and Samsonite share price fell 16% on the news.