TikTok and Temu Recall Risky Electric Heaters Following Which? Investigation

• Which? reveals some electric heaters sold on TikTok and Temu could cause explosions or fires.
• Most tested heaters fail UK safety standards, posing a significant risk to consumers.
• Both platforms have removed the dangerous listings, yet similar products have reappeared.
• Experts urge influencers and online marketplaces to ensure product safety amid regulatory gaps.

Amid the chilling winter, an alarming revelation has surfaced: TikTok and Temu have axed listings of budget-friendly electric heaters from their virtual shelves, following a Which? investigation that unveiled a potential threat of explosions or house fires. The consumer watchdog's scrutiny of eight heaters, starting at a mere £7.20, uncovered that the majority fell short of meeting the UK's stringent safety norms, raising alarm over their use.

These findings spotlight the hazards lurking behind some of the deals promoted by TikTok influencers, casting a shadow over the allure of bargain buys on these burgeoning e-commerce platforms. With the safety of their customers declared as a paramount concern, both TikTok and Temu acted swiftly by discontinuing the sale of the implicated heaters. Yet, Which? has observed a resurgence of comparable products on these sites, hinting at a persisting risk.

As TikTok and Temu jostle for market space alongside giants like Amazon and eBay, this development calls into question the adequacy of current regulatory measures for online marketplaces. Sue Davies of Which? didn't mince words, labeling the heaters as a peril that consumers should steer clear of "at all costs" and advocating for urgent legislative reforms to safeguard online shoppers from hazardous goods.

The spotlight also turned to the influencers, with Lesley Rudd of Electrical Safety First emphasizing their "moral duty" to vet the safety of products before endorsing them. This incident underscores the pressing need for a legal overhaul, as existing frameworks struggle to keep pace with the evolving digital shopping landscape.

Liv McMahon at BBC Technology reported on the serious safety concerns flagged by Which?, revealing the gap between enticing online deals and consumer safety assurances. With only one of the tested heaters passing safety and legality checks for UK use, the message is clear: vigilance is paramount in online shopping.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, "This report is a stark reminder of the crucial balance between seeking out deals and ensuring product safety. It underscores the importance of consumers doing their homework and platforms rigorously vetting their listings to protect their users."