Safe Consumer News

STOK Gas Grills recalled for fire and burn hazards

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:34:00 +0000

STOK Gas Grill Regulator

There has been a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: Gas Grills

Units: About 87,600 in the U.S., 1,400 in Canada

Importer: One World Technologies Inc. of Anderson, S.C.

Hazard: The regulator on the grill can leak propane gas, which can ignite, posing fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of 569 reports of regulators leaking propane gas. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves STOK Island and STOK Quattro gas grills. The STOK Island has a round grill base and two burners. “STOK” is written on the grill cover and a label on the bottom of the grill stand. The STOK Quattro gas grill is a rectangular, four-burner grill. “STOK” is printed on the grill’s lid. To identify whether a specific Island or Quattro grill is included in this recall, you will need to look at the grill’s regulator. The recalled grills have regulators on them with the model number “AZF” on the front and a date code between 1046 and 1143 on the back of the regulator.

Sold at: Home Depot stores nationwide and in Canada and Direct Tools Factory Outlet stores nationwide from March 2011 through February 2012 for between $79 and $350.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills and contact One World Technologies for a free replacement gas regulator for the grill.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact One World Technologies toll-free at (800) 867-9624 between 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.stokgrills.com.

Husqvarna Recalls Grass and Hedge Trimmers For Fire Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: Grass and Hedge Trimmers

Units: About 19,500 grass trimmers and 6,500 hedge trimmers

Importer: Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: Fuel can leak from the rubber spacer holding the fuel lines in the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Husqvarna has received seven reports of fuel leaking. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves the Husqvarna Grass Trimmer Model 122C with serial numbers that range from 2011 17 00001 to 2011 52 99999. “Husqvarna” and the model number are written on top of the tool. The serial number is located on a black plate on the bottom of the muffler side of the tool. The recalled Husqvarna Hedge Trimmers are Models 122HD60 and 122HD45 with serial numbers that range from 2011 17 00001 to 2011 52 99999. “Husqvarna” and the model number are written on top of the tool. The serial number is located on a black plate on the gear box, which is on the lower portion of the tool.

Sold at: Lowes, Sears and Husqvarna dealers and distributors nationwide for between $150 and $320 from May 2011 to January 2012.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Husqvarna toll-free at (877) 257-6921 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s website at www.husqvarna.com, or e-mail recalls@husqvarna.com

Office Depot Recalls Desk Chairs For Fall Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Office Depot®, announced the firm named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product on April 5, 2012.

Name of Product: Office Depot® Brand Biella Leather Desk Chairs

Units: 307,000 in the U.S. and 12,000 in Canada

Importer: Swinton Avenue Trading, of Boca Raton, Fla.

Manufacturer: Wonderful Year Inc., of China

Hazard: The weld connecting the seat plate to the gas lift can fail, causing the chair to separate from the base. This poses a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Office Depot has received 11 reports of the chairs breaking and consumers falling while seated, resulting in reports of injuries, including minor contusions and abrasions.

Description: This recall involves Office Depot® brand leather desk chairs. The mid-back height leather chairs were sold in black and have SKU number 130548. “REG. No. PA-25498 (CN)” and “Made in China” are printed on a label located on the underside of the seat.

Sold exclusively at: Office Depot retail stores nationwide and online at www.OfficeDepot.com from January 2002 through December 2008 for about $55.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and contact Office Depot’s recall hotline to receive a $55 store card that may be used for a replacement chair or other store merchandise.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Office Depot’s recall hotline toll-free at (866) 403-3763 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.officedepot.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1551

Public Bikes recalls bicycles

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Public Bikes Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: 2010 through 2012 Model Year Bicycles

Units: About 4,100

Importer: Public Bikes Inc. of San Francisco

Manufacturer: Wellgo Pedals Corp. Taiwan (pedals)

Hazard: The pedals can crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

Incidents/Injuries: Public Bikes has received 24 reports of pedals cracking. No injuries have been reported. Description: This recall involves 18 models of women's and men's Public Bikes. The bicycles are various colors and sizes. "Public" or "Publicbikes.com" is printed on either the bicycle chain guard or the rear fender. The bicycles have a metal "badge" at the top of the down tube with a number stamped on it. Recalled badge numbers are 1-5843, 5845, 12560, 20743 and 20757.

The "Apple" model, which has no badge, is also included. The word "Wellgo" is embossed on both the top and bottom of the pedals. All bicycles with Wellgo pedals are included in this recall.

Sold at: Public Bikes & Gear in San Francisco and other Public Bikes dealers in 16 states nationwide and publicbikes.com from April 2010 through January 2012 for between $500 and $1,250.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding the recalled bicycles and contact Public Bikes or an authorized Public Bikes dealer for free replacement pedals. The recalled pedals have a black spindle, the replacement pedal spindles are chrome.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Public Bikes toll-free at (855) 840-1400 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.publicbikes.com

Source: U.S. CPSC

West Elm Recalls Folding Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

West Elm, a division of Williams-Sonoma Inc., has announced a voluntary recall.

Name of Product: Folding Chairs

Units: About 10,000 in the United States and 100 in Canada Importer: of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The chairs can collapse during normal use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Description: This recall involves West Elm solid wood and fully assembled folding chairs sold in white, red or chocolate. The chairs were sold individually and in sets of two and four. An unfolded chair measures 17-inches wide by 19-inches deep by 31-inches high. A sticker on the underside of the seat reads "West Elm."

Sold exclusively at: West Elm stores nationwide, the West Elm catalog and website from September 2011 to January 2012 for between $20 and $40.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and contact West Elm for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact West Elm toll-free at (855) 262-9744 between 7 a.m. and midnight ET daily, or visit the firm's website at www.westelm.com

Todson Recalls Bicycle Child Carrier Seats

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: Topeak Babyseat™ II Bicycle Carrier Seats Units: About 40,000

Importer: Todson Inc., of North Attleboro, Mass.

Hazard: A child can place his or her fingers in the opening at the grab bar's hinge mechanism. When the consumer lifts the grab bar to remove the child from the seat, the child's fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, posing a laceration and fingertip amputation hazard to the child.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of incidents including near amputations that resulted in stitches and a crushed finger.

Description: This recall involves Topeak Babyseat II bicycle carrier seats with model numbers TCS2100, TCS2101 and TCS2102. Model numbers are printed on the product's packaging. The gray, plastic Babyseats were sold in three styles: Babyseat, Babyseat with disc brake compatible rack and Babyseat with non-disc brake compatible rack. The racks are used to mount the seat to the bicycle. "Topeak" is embossed on the back of the seat and is also printed on a black foam protector that covers the grab bar. A red locking lever on the side of the blue grab bar locks the bar into place.

Sold at: J&B Imports, REI, Action and Hawley, independent bicycle dealers, distributors and other retail stores nationwide and online at REI.com from January 2009 through April 2012 for between $140 and $180.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled carrier seats and contact Todson to receive a free hinge cover retrofit kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Todson at (800) 250-3068 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.todson.com

Lakeshore Learning Materials recalls baby dolls for choking hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Feels Real Baby Dolls

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by Lakeshore Learning Materials in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Name of Product: Feels Real Baby Dolls

Units: About 3,900 in the U.S., 400 in Canada

Importer: Lakeshore Learning Materials of Carson, Calif.

Hazard: The fingers and toes of the dolls can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Description: Feels Real Baby Dolls are 14-inch high plastic dolls with movable arms, legs, and head. The dolls are Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian and Black and are dressed in diapers with a colored hearts, stars and swirl print. Two labels are sewn inside the back of the diaper. "Lakeshore" is written on the larger label. The number "550200" is written on the smaller label.

Sold at: Lakeshore Learning Materials catalogs and online at www.lakeshorelearning.com from May 2011 through January 2012 for about $20.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these dolls away from children and contact the company for a free replacement doll.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Lakeshore Learning Materials at (800) 428-4414 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the company's website at www.lakeshorelearning.com. Lakeshore Learning Materials is contacting its customers directly.

Easton Sports recalls Lacrosse Helmets due to injury hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmet

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Easton Sports, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of product: Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmets

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Easton Sports, of Scotts Valley, Calif.

Hazard: The chin bar can break, causing the wearer to suffer a jaw or facial injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Easton Sports has received six reports of the chin bar cracking or breaking on impact with a ball or lacrosse stick, including one laceration injury.

Description: This recall involves all Easton Raptor Lacrosse Helmets. “Easton” is printed on either side of the back of the helmet and on the jaw strap. “RAPTOR” is printed low on the back of the helmet in the center. The helmets were sold in sizes XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL and were available in the following colors: white; matte black; silver; navy blue and white; royal blue and white; and red and white.

Sold at: Sporting goods stores and online from November 2011 through March 2012 for about $250.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and contact Easton Sports for a full refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Easton Sports toll-free at (877) 279-8545 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, email eastonlacrossecustserv@eastonbellsports.com, or visit their website www.eastonlacrosse.com.

Toy Truck Gifts with Purchase Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:33:00 +0000

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Happy Shirts, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.

Name of Product: Toy truck gifts with boy's t-shirts

Importer/Distributor: Happy Shirts, of Honolulu, Hawaii

Hazard: Connections in the toy trucks battery compartment can smolder or catch the trucks on fire, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Incidents/Injuries: Happy Shirts has received one report of a toy truck catching fire and three reports of toy trucks smoldering when batteries were inserted. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Big Movers Super Car toy trucks that were gifts with the purchase of Big Movers t-shirts. The 4-inch long blue trucks have oversized tires and a flashing light on top and were sold with a yellow, red and blue logo on the hood. The navy t-shirts were sold in boys' sizes S, M and L.

Sold exclusively at: Kohl's stores nationwide and www.Kohls.com between February 2012 and March 2012 for about $20.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the toy trucks from children and remove the battery. Consumers can contact Happy Shirts for instructions on returning the truck for a refund. Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Happy Shirts toll-free at (855) 354-2779 between noon and 8 p.m. PT (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. HT) Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.happyshirts.com.

Jalapeno Peppers recalled for health risk

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:15:00 +0000

South Florida Produce Jalapeno Peppers

On March 27, 2012, South Florida Produce, LLC recalled Jalapeno Peppers, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

The recalled Jalapeno Peppers were distributed to Distributors in Oxford, NC, Lake Worth, FL, Washington, DC, Pompano Beach, FL, Fair Lawn, NJ, Toronto, Ontario, Canada via customer truck between March 5 through March 7, 2012.

The product comes in bulk 1 1/9 bushel cartons marked with the lot #’s J000010995, J000010996, J000010997, J000010998, J000010999, J000011000, J000020135, J000020136, J000020137, J000020138, J000020139 and J000030053. These lots #’s appear on the pallet labels located on the front and back of each pallet. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Customers that have inventory with the above lot numbers are urged to destroy the product and contact Leslie DiStefano, Director of Sales & Food Safety at 954-459-0106 to verify receipt of this recall and destruction of the product. Please refer customer or consumer questions or concerns that you might have in regard to this recall to Leslie DiStefano at (954) 459-0106 during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge and guidance of the FDA.

Honda recalls 550,000 Pilots and CR-Vs for Headlight Failure

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Honda announced today that it will recall approximately 554,000 model-year 2002-2004 CR-V and 2003 Pilot vehicles in the United States to inspect and replace components of the headlight wiring system.

There is a potential failure with the wiring of the headlight switch which may cause the low beam headlights to become inoperative. The loss of the low beam headlights may increase the risk of a crash.

Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-April 2012.

In addition to contacting customers by mail, in late-April, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

Source: www.honda.com

B.O.B. Trailers recalls Jogging Strollers Due to Choking Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:55:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product on October 11, 2011.

Name of Product: B.O.B.® single and double strollers

Units: About 411,700 in the United States and 27,000 in Canada (357,000 units were recalled in February 2011 due to strangulation hazard posed by canopy drawstring)

Importer: B.O.B. Trailers Inc., of Boise, Idaho

Hazard: The stroller canopy's embroidered logo's backing patch can detach, posing a choking hazard to babies and young children.

Description: This recall involves all B.O.B. strollers manufactured between November 1998 and November 2010. Strollers manufactured after October 2006 have a white label affixed to the back of the stroller's leg with the manufacturing date. Strollers with no manufacturing date listed were produced prior to October 2006 and are included in this recall. The strollers were sold in single seat and double-seat models. The BOB®, Ironman® or Stroller Strides® brand name is embroidered on the canopy of the strollers.

Sold at: REI, Babies R' Us and other children's product and sporting goods stores nationwide and Amazon.com between November 1998 and October 2011 for between $280 and $600.

Manufactured in: Taiwan and China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers until they remove the embroidery backing patch from the interior of the canopy's logo. Consumers should contact B.O.B. Trailers for instructions on removing the backing.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact B.O.B. Trailers toll-free at (855) 242-2245 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.bobnotices.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1411

Nidec Motor Corporation Recalls Pool Pump Motors

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:43:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced on October 11, 2011 a voluntary recall of the following consumer product:

Ecotech EZ® Variable Speed pool pump motors

Manufacturer: Nidec Motor Corporation, of St. Louis, Mo. and Emerson Motor Company, a division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo.

Hazard: The pump cover is not properly grounded posing an electrical shock hazard.

Description: The recalled motors are variable speed swimming pool pump motors with a 6.5 inch diameter steel frame painted black with a square or C-flange mounting. The rating plate is on the side of the pump and "EMERSON. CAT.NO.EVSS3" and " MODEL M63PWBLE-121.H.P. 3.0, S.F.1.15" is printed on the plate.

Sold at: Pool motor distributors, pool dealers and pump manufacturers nationwide from September 2010 through August 2011 for about $1,000.

Remedy: Customers should stop using the recalled pool pumps immediately and call Nidec Motor Corporation to arrange a free repair. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Nidec Motor Corporation toll-free at (866) 278-6920 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.nidec-motor.com

Chicken and Mushroom Pie Products recalled due to mislabeling and undeclared allergen

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Piccadilly Fine Foods, a Santa Clara, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 775 pounds of chicken and mushroom pie products because they may contain an undeclared allergen, egg, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Egg is a known allergen, which may have not been declared on the label.

The following products are subject to recall: 12-lb. cases of “Piccadilly Fine Foods Chicken and Mushroom Pastie,” with each case containing 24 individual packages.

The individual packages weigh 8 ounces each and say “Keep Frozen” on the label. The label also bears the establishment number “P-9216” inside the mark of inspection. Listed on the cases and individual packages are lot codes 213-10 through 365-10 and 001-11 through 056-11.

The chicken and mushroom pies were produced on various dates between Aug. 1, 2010, and Feb. 25, 2011. Note that some products subject to recall during this time frame are correctly labeled in that they do include “egg” in the ingredient statement. The “Chicken and Mushroom Pasties” that do not list “egg” are subject to recall. The products were shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Florida and Texas for further distribution to retail outlets.

Source: USDA

Paula Deen® Cast Iron Cookware Sold by QVC Recalled

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:54:00 +0000

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Paula Deen® Hammered Cast Iron Cookware
Units: About 51,000

Retailer: QVC Inc., of West Chester, Pa.

Distributor: Meyer Trading Co. Ltd., of Hong Kong

Hazard: The recalled cookware can crack or shatter, posing burn and laceration hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: QVC and Meyer Trading have received 79 reports of the cookware cracking or shattering while heated. One consumer reported a minor burn injury to an arm.

Description: This recall involves the Paula Deen® 11-inch cast iron grill pans and griddles. They were sold as QVC item numbers K14984, K11970 and K135024. The cookware is black and has the Paula Deen® logo and the product size engraved on the bottom. No other Paula Deen® cookware is involved in this recall.

Sold through: QVC’s televised shopping programs, its Web site www.qvc.com, and QVC retail and employee stores from October 2007 through July 2009 for between $35 and $55.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cookware. Known purchasers were mailed instructions for obtaining a full refund. Consumers who purchased the cookware at a QVC store should return it to any QVC store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact QVC at (800) 367-9444 between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. ET any day, or visit the company’s Web site at www.qvc.com.

The US bans candy cigarettes

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:48:00 +0000

Once a normal part of American childhood, the candy cigarette bites the dust.

"Almost 90 percent of adult smokers start smoking as teenagers. These flavored cigarettes are a gateway for many children and young adults to become regular smokers," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. "The FDA will utilize regulatory authority to reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco products to enhance our Nation's public health."

Flavors make cigarettes and other tobacco products more appealing to youth. Studies have shown that 17 year old smokers are three times as likely to use flavored cigarettes as smokers over the age of 25.

"Flavored cigarettes attract and allure kids into lifetime addiction," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H. "FDA's ban on these cigarettes will break that cycle for the more than 3,600 young people who start smoking daily."

Read more here from the FDA's press release.

Intermatic recalls digital timers

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:22:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on February 5 a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Intermatic DT17 Heavy Duty Digital Timers

Units: About 200,000

Importer: Intermatic Inc., of Spring Grove, Ill.

Manufacturer: Computime Ltd., of China

Hazard: The recalled timers can have a faulty ground connection, posing a shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled Intermatic DT17 heavy-duty digital timers are lamp and appliance timers. They were packaged as the “DT17C Heavy Duty Digital Timer” and the “DT17C8 Heavy Duty Digital Timer.” The timer is white-colored and measures 3 3/8” tall x 2 5/8” wide x 1 5/8” deep. Only products with date codes of “40Z” through “52Z” or date codes ending in “A,” “B” or “C” are included in the recall. The brand name “Intermatic” is molded on the front of the timer, and the model number (“DT17”) and date code are printed on the back of the timer.

Sold at: Retailers and electrical distributors nationwide from September 2005 through December 2008 for between $15 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should unplug the timer immediately and contact Intermatic to obtain a free replacement including shipping.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Intermatic at (800) 704-3585 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.intermatic.com

The Land of Nod Recalls to Repair Cottage Bunk Beds Due to Fall Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:19:00 +0000

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the Land of Nod in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Cottage Bunk Beds

Units: About 750

Importer: The Land of Nod, of Northbrook, Ill.

Hazard: When screws are missing from the upper bunk’s guardrails, the vertical slats on the guardrails can detach and pose the risk of children falling when getting in or out of the upper bunk.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm received two reports of vertical slats detaching from the upper bunk guardrails. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The Cottage Bunk Beds can be configured as bunk beds or as twin beds. The assembled bunk bed dimensions are 81.5 inches (length) by 43.5 inches (width) by 74.5 inches (height). The beds were sold in both white (model #s 236-519 and 188-174) and pine/honey finishes (model #s 459-410 and 172-596) and included a long and a short upper bunk guardrail, each of which should be secured to the inside of the upper bunk bed’s side rail with screws. Stickers bearing the model numbers are located on the inside of the lower bunk headboard.

Sold by: The Land of Nod catalog, Web site www.landofnod.com and at The Land of Nod stores in Illinois and Washington state from January 2006 through January 2009 for about $1,100.

Manufactured in: Brazil

Remedy: Consumers should check that all screws that attach the guardrails to the upper bunk have been installed. If the screws have not been installed, stop using the beds as a bunk bed immediately and contact The Land of Nod to receive new screws free of charge. All known purchasers have been notified of the recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Land of Nod at (800) 933-9904, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

Playland International Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:12:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on February 4 a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Arch Swing Sets

Units: About 700

Manufacturer: Playland International, Carrollton, Ga.

Hazard: The metal around the weld at the top of the swing frame can fail, causing the top bar to fall, posing a fall and impact hazard to the user or by-standers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm received one report of a child who suffered a head injury as a result of being struck by the top of the bar on the swing.

Description: The recalled includes swings sets with a 3.5 inch arch swing frame and a 3.5 inch top metal bar. The recalled swing sets come in red, orange, yellow, blue, tan, white, black , brown, teal, green, fuchsia, burgundy and purple.

Sold by: Playland International dealers nationwide from September 2001 through May 2006 for between $800 and $2300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swing sets and contact Playland for instruction on receiving and installing a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Playland International at (800) 356-4727 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.playland-inc.com, or e-mail the firm at swingrecall@playland-inc.com

Safety 1st Stair Gates recalled due to fall hazard

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:07:00 +0000

On February 4, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gates

Units: 100,000

Importer: Dorel Juvenile Group USA, of Columbus, Ind.

Hazard: The hinges that hold the stair gate in place can break, posing a fall hazard to children if the gate is placed at the top of the stairs.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gate with model number 42111, which is printed on a sticker under the handle panel. The gates, which were manufactured before December 31, 2007, are white metal with a gray handle and a motion sensor nightlight that illuminates on approach. The manufacture date is located below the gate’s handle as a date wheel imprinted in the plastic; an arrow indicates the month, and the year is stamped inside the circle. The manufacture date is also printed on a sticker inside the battery door.

Sold at: Mass merchandise and juvenile product stores nationwide, including Babies R Us and Wal-Mart, from January 2005 through December 2007 for about $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled gate and contact the company to obtain a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: Consumers can call the toll-free number 1 (866) 690-2540 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m EDT; complete an online order form on the Dorel Juvenile Group Web site at www.djgusa.com/safety_notice/ to obtain their free repair kit; email the company at Smartlightgate@djgusa.com, or send a fax to (800) 207-8182. Consumers should not return product to retail stores.

Mavic USA recalls bicycles

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:01:00 +0000

On February 4, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bicycles with R-SYS Front Wheel Rims

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Mavic USA, of Haverhill, Mass.

Manufacturer: Salomon SAS, of France

Hazard: The spokes on the bicycle’s front wheel rim can break during use, posing a fall and crash hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Mavic USA has received one report of an injury involving broken teeth.

Description: This recall includes R-SYS and R-SYS Premium front wheel rims. They were sold as original equipment on various bicycle brands and were also sold separately. R-SYS wheel rims are designed for road bikes. “R-SYS” is printed on the front rim of the wheels. The rims are 22mm in diameter, with 16 tubular, unidirectional carbon spokes.

Sold at: Specialty bicycle retailers from May 2007 through December 2008 for between $700 and $750 for the front wheel of the two-wheel set when sold separately from the bicycle.

Manufactured in: France

Remedy: Consumers should stop using bicycles with the recalled front wheel rims and contact their bicycle retailer for a free replacement front rim.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mavic USA at (800) 664-9228 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.mavic.com

Lasko Products will pay $500,000 penalty for fialing to report defective fans

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:42:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on January 2, 2009 that Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa., has agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty (see PDF file here), which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, settles allegations that the company failed to immediately report incidents about its defective portable fans.

These box and floor fans were sold between 2000 and 2004. In February 2006, CPSC and Lasko announced the recall of about 5.6 million fans.

CPSC alleged that Lasko failed to report to the government in a timely manner that fans sold by the firm could overheat, smoke, or catch fire, and pose fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Between November 2002 and September 2005, Lasko received about 42 reports of fans overheating, smoking, melting, or catching fire, which resulted in nine personal injuries and property damage. Lasko did not fully report the incidents to CPSC until September 2005.

Consumers who have the recalled fans can still receive a free fan cord adaptor, designed to shut off the fan motor if overheating occurs. Contact Lasko at (800) 984-3311, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.laskoproducts.com/recall/recall_fans.html

Federal law requires firms to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates any consumer product safety rule, or any other rule, regulation, standard, or ban enforced by CPSC.

In agreeing to settle the matter, Lasko denies that it knowingly violated the law.

Shindaiwa recalls backpack blowers

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:44:00 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers Units: About 23,000

Importer: Shindaiwa Corp., of Tualatin, Ore

Manufacturer: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co. Ltd, of Hiroshima, Japan

Hazard: The blower’s impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of 13 incidents involving broken impellers. One incident involved a minor head injury and minor property damage to a nearby automobile.

Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial # 7014728 are included. The backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are black and blue with a red and black label that reads, “EB8510, Shindaiwa.”

Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shindaiwa.com

Aqua Dots in the news again; lawsuit alleges injury

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:31:00 +0000

Every parent's nightmare, in Texas:

A month after the public recall of Aqua Dots toy craft kits, Eddie and Summer Gerrald's 1- year- old ingested the product and required emergency medical treatment for vomiting and experiencing states of unconsciousness. The parents state that since ingestion, the toddler continues to suffer from sleeplessness, fevers and vomiting.

The Houston residents filed suit against the toy's distributors Spin Master Inc. and Target Corporation on April 4 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas.

Aqua Dots is a craft toy kit that contains small, colored liquid-filled beads that when sprayed with water become adhesive and fuse together in a plastic tray. In November 2007 and in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Spin Master recalled 4.2 million Aqua Dots sets.

The toys, manufactured in China, were supposed to be made with a nontoxic compound found in glue, but instead the Aqua Dots beads were coated with an industrial solvent, 1, 4 butanediol. If the solvent is ingested, the body converts it into GHB, also know as the "date rape" drug.

More here.

Hazardous Levels of Selenium in dietary supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Harvest Time) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:12:00 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on April 9 that it has found hazardous levels of selenium in samples of certain flavors of the dietary supplement products "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula." The FDA has received 43 reports of persons from nine states who experienced serious adverse reactions using these products.

On March 27, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use "Total Body Formula" in flavors Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor of these products after receiving reports of adverse reactions in users in Florida and Tennessee. The adverse reactions generally occurred after five to 10 days of daily ingestion of the product, and included significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, deformed fingernails, and fatigue.

Selenium, a naturally occurring mineral, is needed only in very small amounts for good health. Selenium can boost the immune system. Generally, normal consumption of food and water provides adequate selenium to support good health. Excessive intake of selenium is known to cause symptoms to include significant hair loss, muscle cramps, diarrhea, joint pain, fatigue, loss of finger nails and blistering skin.

Presently, FDA has 43 reports of adverse reactions including cases from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Analyses of samples of the products by FDA laboratories have now found most of the samples contain extremely high levels of selenium--up to 40,800 micrograms per recommended serving, or more than 200 times the amount of selenium per serving (i.e., 200 micrograms) indicated on the labels of the products.

The FDA continues to investigate the matter to determine how excessive amounts of selenium were added to the products.

FDA is advising consumers to stop using "Total Body Formula" in flavors Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar and "Total Body Mega Formula" in the Orange/Tangerine flavor and discard them by placing them in a trash receptacle outside of the home. "Total Body Formula" products are sold in eight-ounce and 32-ounce plastic bottles. "Total Body Mega Formula" is sold in 32-ounce plastic bottles. Both product lines are distributed by Total Body Essential Nutrition of Atlanta, which is listed on the products' labels.

Consumers who have been taking the products and have experienced adverse reactions should consult their health care professional. Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm.

The sole distributor of the "Total Body Formula" and "Total Body Mega Formula" products has voluntarily recalled the affected products. According to the company, the products were distributed nationwide.