(MyFoxBoston.com) – The CEO of FitBit released a letter Friday recalling the companies' Force bracelets due to rashes that some customers were reporting after wearing them for an extended period of time.
FOX 25 first reported the problem with FitBit Force bracelets Thursday. Customers complained of getting a rash after wearing the Force bracelets on their wrists.
James Park, CEO and Co-Founder of FitBit, apologized in his letter addressing customers.
"From the beginning, we have taken this matter very seriously. We hired independent labs and medical experts to conduct a thorough investigation," he said.
The letter also stated that only 1.7 percent of customers have reported skin irritation after wearing the bracelets and independent test results "have not found any issues with the battery or electrical systems." Customers suffering from skin irritation may be reacting to the nickel in the stainless steel used in the bracelet, the letter stated. Another possibility is that customers are having an allergic reaction to the adhesives or material used to make the strap.
The company has stopped selling the bracelet and decided to announce a voluntary recall.
"We have now learned enough to take further action. We have stopped selling Force and have decided to conduct a voluntary recall. We are offering a refund directly to consumers for full retail price," Park said in the letter.
There is a page on their website specifically for the recall, or customers can call 888-656-6381.
"To our Force community, rest assured we're working on our next-generation tracker and will announce news about it soon," Park said.
Cox Media Group
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