Euky Bear Humidifier Recall Raises Questions Over Medical Device
· news
The Euky Bear Enigma: When Safety Recalls Become a Game of Cat and Mouse
The recent revelations about the Euky Bear humidifier have raised disturbing questions about the regulation of medical devices in Australia. A closer examination of this case highlights the inadequacies of our current system, where companies can exploit loopholes to continue selling potentially hazardous products.
At first glance, the Euky Bear’s story is a familiar one: a popular device marketed as a solution for parents struggling with their children’s colds and flu, but ultimately causing harm instead. The company behind it, Felton Grimwade & Bosisto’s Pty Ltd, received numerous complaints about the device overheating, producing smoke, and causing severe burns. Dozens of customers shared their terrifying experiences on social media, warning others to avoid the product.
Despite a partial recall in 2023, my own Euky Bear was not among those recalled, yet I had already experienced a painful burn from its hot plastic. When I contacted the manufacturer, they claimed it was “operating per normal” and that I should follow the operating manual to avoid any issues. It wasn’t until months later, when the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a full recall notice, that the company acknowledged the device’s defects.
The Euky Bear case is not an isolated incident. Even after the TGA published its full recall notice in May 2025, it was still possible to purchase an Euky Bear online – including one with a newer model number not caught up in the recalls. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of our regulatory framework. If companies can continue selling unregistered medical devices, then what’s the point of safety recalls at all?
The issue goes beyond the Euky Bear itself and speaks to a broader problem: the ease with which companies can manipulate the system to minimize their losses. By issuing partial recalls, manufacturers can create a false sense of security among consumers while still profiting from sales.
Dr Christopher Rudge, a health law expert at the University of Sydney, notes that it’s unlawful to supply unregistered medical devices in Australia – yet companies seem to be doing just that with impunity. The TGA has its work cut out for it, as online listings and advertisements remain an open invitation to enforcement action.
The Euky Bear case is a stark reminder of the need for stronger regulations and better oversight. It’s time for our lawmakers to take a closer look at how medical devices are approved, recalled, and sold in this country. Until then, consumers will continue to bear the brunt of corporate recklessness.
As consumers, we expect products to be safe and effective. But what happens when those expectations are let down? The answer lies in a robust regulatory system that’s not afraid to take on industry giants when they falter. Anything less would be unacceptable – and potentially deadly.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration must take decisive action against companies like Felton Grimwade & Bosisto’s, ensuring that our safety and well-being are paramount in the eyes of industry leaders – not just after a product has caused harm, but before it ever reaches store shelves.
Reader Views
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The Euky Bear debacle highlights the cat-and-mouse game between regulators and companies exploiting loopholes. But what about the middlemen – online retailers that continue to sell recalled products? By allowing unscrupulous sellers to operate with impunity, we're not only putting consumers at risk but also undermining trust in the entire regulatory system. A closer examination of these third-party sellers is long overdue, as they often fly under the radar when it comes to safety recalls and product compliance.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The Euky Bear recall is just one symptom of a systemic problem: our regulatory framework can't keep up with the complexity of modern product design. Manufacturers are constantly tweaking and rebranding products to stay ahead of recalls, making it a game of cat and mouse between companies and regulators. What's missing from this narrative is the role of consumers in driving change – if enough people demanded greater transparency and accountability from manufacturers, the pressure on regulatory bodies would be palpable. It's time for Australians to start demanding more from both their government and the corporations that serve them.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
"The Euky Bear debacle highlights a disturbing pattern of regulatory complacency in Australia's medical device sector. What's particularly egregious is the ease with which companies can exploit loopholes to continue selling potentially hazardous products even after safety recalls are issued. The TGA's efforts may be well-intentioned, but their limitations become apparent when unregistered devices continue to flood the market. Until we address the systemic issues allowing this cat-and-mouse game between regulators and manufacturers, consumers will remain at risk."