BMW is expanding a European recall of branded motorcycle jackets because of potential chromium VI contamination, the company announced Thursday. The first recall covered only medium-sized jackets; as of today, every size and designs are actually part of the campaign.
“In the interests of research and in order to eliminate the risk of increased chromium exposure for our customers, BMW Motorrad will quickly can remember the complete production of the affected jacket throughout Europe,” the company said in its latest announcement.
Chromium salts are utilized while tanning hides into consumer-grade leather, but because chromium VI can cause contact dermatitis (an allergic skin reaction), it's not utilized in modern leather production.
Chromium VI could be introduced during the process via contamination of the salt mixture or, under some circumstances, can be produced by reactions between various additives and/or organic compounds within the finished leather itself.
“The Administrative Authority describes a random test conducted around the above-mentioned articles of a supplier through the Veterin\”aruntersuchungsamt Rhein-Ruhr-Wupper (Rhine-Ruhr-Wupper Veterinary Inspection Office), which allegedly detected chromium VI over the legally standardized limit,” BMW said when the original recall program was announced.
The original campaign covered the Club Leather Men’s Jacket size M (part number 76129899222) and also the DownTown glove (part number 76218560843 to 76218560849) in Europe.
“We regret any inconvenience caused to our customers,” BMW said. “We frequently test the leather lifestyle products we sell for chrome VI and have not detected any abnormalities up to now.”
Customers can exchange their items (no matter age) for equivalent BMW Motorrad gear at any authorized retailer.
