Over 1 Million Igloo Rolling Coolers Recalled Due to Amputation and Laceration Risk
Introduction
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall on over 1 million Igloo rolling coolers due to a severe risk of fingertip amputations, bone fractures, and lacerations caused by defective lids. The recall affects Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers sold between January 2019 and January 2025.
Scope of the Recall
Approximately 23,000 coolers in Mexico and 47,000 coolers in Canada are included in the recall. No injuries have been reported in Canada related to this issue. The recall encompasses all 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured before January 2024.
Cause of the Defect
The faulty lids on the Igloo coolers can detach unexpectedly, causing a hazardous situation for users. This issue is believed to be caused by a design flaw that weakens the attachment point between the lid and the cooler body.
Types of Injuries Reported
The CPSC has received reports of at least 12 injuries associated with the recalled coolers, including:
- Fingertip amputations
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
Identifying Recalled Coolers
The date of manufacture is printed on the bottom of the cooler in a circular pattern. An arrow points to the month of production, and the last two digits of the year are inside the circle.
Affected Model Numbers
The CPSC website provides a comprehensive list of affected model numbers. These model numbers can also be found on a label located underneath the cooler.
Distribution Channels
The Igloo coolers were sold in physical retail stores nationwide, including Costco, Target, Academy, and Dick’s. Online retailers such as Amazon.com and Igloocoolers.com also carried the affected coolers.
CPSC Safety Instructions and Replacement Program
The CPSC strongly advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled coolers and contact Igloo for a free replacement handle. The replacement program ensures that affected cooler lids are repaired or replaced to eliminate the safety hazard.
Impact of Deregulation on Product Safety
The recent recall of Igloo coolers highlights the importance of regulatory agencies like the CPSC in ensuring consumer safety. President Trump and Elon Musk have expressed intentions to reduce government regulations, including those related to product safety. This could potentially weaken consumer protections and increase the risk of dangerous products reaching the market.
Conclusion
The Igloo cooler recall serves as a reminder of the critical role played by regulatory agencies in protecting public health. It is crucial to maintain strong product safety standards and ensure that agencies like the CPSC have the resources necessary to effectively carry out their mission.