Fitbit is voluntarily recalling its latest Force wristbands due to the number of users complaining that the activity tracker gave them a skin rash.
According to a statement released by Fitbit CEO James Park, only 1.7% of Force users complained about skin irritations. Still, the company apologized for the issue, and said it launched an investigation into the matter.
The statement says:
From the beginning, we have taken this matter very seriously. We hired independent labs and medical experts to conduct a thorough investigation. Here’s what we know:
-
Independent test results have not found any issues with the battery or electrical systems.
-
Test results show that users are likely experiencing allergic contact dermatitis.
-
All Force materials are commonly used in consumer products. However, some users may be reacting to the nickel present in the surgical grade stainless steel used in the device. Other users are likely experiencing an allergic reaction to the materials used in the strap or the adhesives used to assemble the product.
The company says it has halted sales of the fitness tracking device and are offering consumers a refund. TechCrunch reports that Fitbit is in the process of developing a new activity tracker.
You return your FitBit Force and get a refund, here.