New Zealand customers of a cot brand have discovered mould outbreaks on the product after reports of mould growing on the cots in Australia. One woman who explained the discovery and was interviewed in the New Zealand press revealed that 28 people who had the same problem had contacted her.
She said the discovery of mould was shocking, even though it “wasn’t too bad”.
She said the house was warm, brand new, dry and clean, and there were no other signs of mould in the house.
New Zealand media outlet, Stuff, said it had been contacted by at least ten people who had found mould on the same brand cots.
A brand representative said they had received five complaints from New Zealand customers in the last week, and all had been resolved.
According to the Australian consumer watchdog, there have been 237 complaints about mould growing on the cots since March 9 this year.
One New Zealand woman who contacted the company said she was offered a refund, and the company had suggested that she was to blame, according to the woman.
Another woman who had a cot that was affected by mould said, “I honestly believe this is due to the design and material of the board that sits under the mattress, which instead of being a typical slat wood base, it’s a solid MDF base.”
The company said it had conducted an internal investigation and in terms of mould growth, it found environmental factors and not design or materials were responsible, according to a spokesperson.
“Whilst environmental conditions are not in any company’s control, [we] understand[s[ the importance of remaining informed, improving product design, process and quality and passing this information onto our customers and communities.
“Regardless of the test results, [we are] committed to incorporating these findings into our product design, materials, processes and education with consumers now and into the future. And in good faith, we will continue to offer a resolution to any customer with a valid concern.”
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, via a spokesperson, said it had not issued a recall notice on the product but did confirm it was investigating reports as they came to their attention.