Samsonite recalls Tokyo Chic suitcase in Hong Kong over carcinogens in handles

Samsonite International SA, the world's largest travel luggage company, today recalled its "Tokyo Chic" line of luggage in Hong Kong after high levels of carcinogen compounds linked to cancer was reportedly found in the handles.

Local consumer group, The Hong Kong Consumer Council last week said that it had found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than recommended in voluntary guidelines in the side handles on three Samsonite suitcases.

The Hong Kong-listed company refuted the finding and said that its products are safe. It said after conducting independent tests in German and Hong Kong laboratories, it found "significantly lower" levels of chemicals than that found by the Hong Kong Consumer Council.

Denver, Colorado-based Samsonite said that product quality and safety "have always been of primary importance," for the company.

Despite its own findings, Samsonite said that keeping in view of customer concerns, it will recall all its Tokyo Chic luggage in Hong Kong and replace all side handles with a "new-generation component.''

The compounds linked to the recall are commonly found in plastics, rubber and lubricating oil.  The Hong Kong Consumer Council said in its report that samples showed levels of PAH exceeding the German limit by around 1,800 times and there was a possibility that traces were left during manufacturing.