Health Canada Issues Nationwide Recall of Anker Power Banks Due to Fire Hazard

Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall for specific models of power banks manufactured by Anker, a leading Chinese electronics company, due to potential fire hazards associated with their lithium-ion batteries. The recall, announced on June 28, 2025, affects the Anker Power Bank (Model Number A1647) with a capacity of 20,000mAh and built-in USB-C cable, as well as two models of Zolo Power Banks: Model Number A1681 (20K, 30W, with built-in USB-C and Lightning cable) and Model Number A1689 (20K, 30W, with built-in USB-C cable).

According to Health Canada, approximately 11,985 units of the affected products were sold in Canada between December 2023 and June 2025. The agency warns that the lithium-ion batteries in these power banks may overheat, posing a significant fire hazard. As of June 18, 2025, Health Canada has reported no incidents or injuries associated with these products in Canada. Consumers are advised to immediately cease usage of the recalled power banks and contact Anker for a replacement or a website voucher at no cost. Furthermore, the health agency recommends that consumers dispose of the recalled power banks safely, following local municipal guidelines for hazardous waste disposal, as lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials.

This recall follows a similar action taken by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on June 12, which involved the recall of over one million Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks due to fire and burn hazards. The CPSC indicated that Anker had received 19 reports of fires and explosions linked to this model, along with two minor burn injuries and 11 instances of property damage, collectively amounting to over $60,700 in damages.

Dr. Emily Chen, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of consumer awareness regarding the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. "While lithium-ion technology is prevalent in consumer electronics due to its efficiency and energy density, manufacturers must ensure rigorous safety standards to prevent hazards like overheating and fire," Dr. Chen stated.

Anker has established customer support channels for affected consumers. They can reach the company by phone at 1-800-988-7973 from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PDT), or by email at support@anker.com. For comprehensive details regarding the recall and the steps consumers should take, individuals are encouraged to visit Anker's official website.

In light of these developments, consumer safety advocates urge buyers to remain vigilant when using electronic devices, particularly those that utilize lithium-ion batteries. The recent recalls highlight ongoing concerns regarding product safety in the tech industry, where rapid innovation must be balanced with stringent safety protocols. As Anker addresses the situation, experts suggest that other manufacturers should also review their safety practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.