The market for workout technology has grown exponentially in the last year, led by the popularity of running watches and trackers. One wristwatch that had gained great recognition in the market as a standout product was the Fitbit Force. With its ability to sync easily with other electronics, as well as its user-friendly set up, the Force has led the market, selling twice as many wristbands as its competitors combined since the product’s release four months ago.

But the company that has caused such a stir among workout electronics enthusiasts is now being presented in a different light. This weekend, James Park, Fitbit’s founder and CEO, made an announcement that production of the Force has come to a halt, and a recall has been issued. The back-pedal is based on recent reports of skin irritation, rashes, and even burns that users have experienced while wearing the wristband.

Though Park assured consumers the probable cause of the irritation has to do with allergic reactions to nickel and other common products, in his statement on the company website he also expressed how seriously the Fitbit team is taking the complaints.

“While only 1.7 [percent] of Force users have reported any type of skin irritation, we care about every one of our customers,” Park wrote. “On behalf of the entire Fitbit team, I want to apologize to anyone affected.”

Parks also articulated his determination to continue to expand Fitbit, with the possibility of releasing a hypoallergenic wristband sometime next year. Until that time, however, Fitbit has set up a dedicated page for users who wish to return the product.

Image courtesy of Fitbit