Retail Giant Kmart Taken to Court Over Safety Concerns

A major retail chain is facing legal action from the consumer watchdog over allegations it sold products that caused serious injuries, including burns requiring medical treatment.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken the company to court in Victoria, alleging breaches of Australian Consumer Law.

Nail Glue Burns

The ACCC claims that millions of bottles of cosmetic nail glue were sold without warning consumers of the risk of serious injury from burns associated with it. According to court documents, at least 51 consumers complained of skin burns caused by contact with the nail glues between August 2017 and December 2024.

At least 33 of these complaints referred to contact with fabric, while a further seven complaints reported the nail glues causing steaming, smoking, burning, or melting when in contact with fabric. Some consumers reported suffering serious injuries, including burns requiring medical treatment, hospitalization, and skin grafts.

Photos of burned clothes and skin were sent to the company's customer service team, and some described the nail glues causing an exothermic or chemical reaction, heat, and smoke. These incidents were escalated internally to senior management, including the CEO.