Popular Australian children’s furniture supplier Mocka has responded to concerns from parents who discovered mould growing on their cot bases and mattresses.

The company says it’s completed a full investigation into the reason why mould may be growing on Mocka cot bases.

“It was very concerning to hear of our customers’ experience and we took the issue very seriously, with product quality and safety of the utmost importance,” Mocka explained in a statement. The company says it notified the relevant consumer regulatory bodies and immediately launched its own investigation

“This investigation and testing was managed by a NATA (National Association for Testing Authorities) accredited external partner, Safety & Environmental Services Australia Pty Ltd (SESA) to conduct a range of tests on our cots and for transparency we are sharing the findings with you.

“The results of the laboratory research found that it was not Mocka cot product materials and design responsible for encouraging mould growth, but rather environmental factors, like changes in ventilation and air moisture. The SESA testing report recorded that it did not detect mould contamination on the cots.

Mocka Statement

“It is important to note that all Mocka products, including cots, adhere to the current mandatory and voluntary safety requirements in Australia and New Zealand. All MDF used in Mocka furniture, including cot bases, come with the appropriate Carb Certificates to ensure our materials have been tested for moisture resistance and emissions grading in compliance with strict Australian and New Zealand regulations for household use.

“Whilst environmental conditions are not in any company’s control, Mocka understands the importance of remaining informed and innovating product design to withstand these changing conditions. Many of us are experiencing these conditions first-hand, with mould appearing more often on furniture, walls, clothing and throughout the home.

“As part of Mocka’s values and commitment to our customers we will continue to innovate across our ranges to address changing conditions and this will include cot bases.”

The initial concern came after parents shared images of their babies’ mouldy cots and mattresses, which had been purchased from Mocka. Sydney mum and baby sleep consultant Katie Williams shared her concerns on Instagram, revealing the extent of mould that had appeared on her daughter’s and son’s cots and mattresses.

“I changed my five-month-old baby girl’s sheets last night and was absolutely horrified at the black mould and spores I discovered on the base of her cot,” she wrote.

“I changed the sheets just eight days ago and (to the naked eye) didn’t see anything. I am completely rattled by the fact that my baby has been breathing in the severe effects of the toxins caused by black mould. There is no mould anywhere else in the room aside from the cot. The mattress is a completely breathable @growbright so definitely wasn’t harbouring any humidity in that.

“I then checked my son’s cot as his is also from Mocka and saw that it had started growing on his too. Since talking about it, I have spoken to hundreds of parents that either has had this happen to their Mocka cot or know someone it has happened to.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Katie Williams (@lifeofkatiewilliams)

After the initial concerns were raised, Mocka released a statement, saying its products are designed and manufactured to meet all safety requirements and regulations.

The consumer watchdog the ACCC said at the time it was also investigating the mould claims, with parents urged to stop using the cots immediately if mould is discovered.