Sales of Fitbit's newest fitness-tracking bracelet are put on hold due to months of complaints from consumers who claim that the bracelet has caused rashes on their wrists.
Fitbit Force's voluntary recall is causing major setbacks for marketing its products that are to "help people lead healthier, more active lives." It is also a serious public relations problem since the company is expected to showcase its products in Barcelona, Spain at the Mobile World Congress.
The company said that the recall of its newest product was done "out of an abundance of caution" and reiterated their offer to refund consumers who bought the $129 Force.
James Park, Fitbit Chief Executive, wrote in a blog post that 1.7 percent of Force users had reported an irritation. In a statement reported by the Wall Street Journal, he admitted that some users have reported "allergic reaction" to materials in the bracelet, probably the nickel or the adhesive.
A spokeswoman of Fitbit said that the company has teamed up with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission concerning the recall.
Fitbit's newest product (the Force) is designed to track people's activity like steps taken; calories burned, distance traveled and even sleep patterns. The data can be accessed on the wristband or a computer or smartphone.
Complaints from consumers experiencing blisters, rashes and itchy dry patches on their wrists were made soon after it was released. Some of the skin problems were serious and needed medical attention and prescription medication, according to the email complaints received by WSJ. At least one person claimed that Fitbit offered a financial settlement.
Fitbit emailed WSJ with a response: "We take all of our consumer complaints seriously, and if any user experiences skin irritation while wearing a Fitbit device, he or she should either discontinue wearing the device or wear it attached to an article of clothing."
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