Monthly Archives: May 2011

Walmart Recalls GE Food Processors

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Walmart Recalls GE Food Processors Due to Laceration and Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: General Electric(r) Food Processors

Units: About 255,000

Importer: Walmart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark.

Hazard: The safety interlock system on the recalled food processor can fail; allowing operation without the lid secured which poses a laceration hazard. In addition, the product can emit smoke, or catch fire, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Walmart has received a total of 58 incident reports: 24 reports of the food processor operating without the lid in place, of which 21 resulted in injuries to fingertips; and 34 reports of the unit smoking, including 3 reports of fires.

Description: This recall involves GE-branded digital, 14-cup food processors. The food processors are black with stainless steel trim, and model number 169203 is imprinted on the underside of the unit.

Sold exclusively at: Walmart stores nationwide and Walmart.com from September 2009 through February 2011 for a retail price of about $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled food processor and return the product to any Walmart for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Walmart Customer Service toll free at (877) 207-0923 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.walmartstores.com/recalls

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11227.html

Fire It Up Safely: CPSC Recommends Safety Check Before Grilling This Summer

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Summer officially kicks off this weekend and millions of Americans will celebrate with a cookout. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to check their grills and “fire it up safely” to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Before lighting the grill, do a safety check.

*Has your grill been recalled? Check SaferProducts.gov. If the grill has been recalled, contact the manufacturer and stop using it until you get a repair or replacement.

*Visually inspect the hoses on a gas grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing and that all connections are secure. Replace if necessary.

*Check for propane gas leaks. Open the gas supply valve fully and apply a soapy solution with a brush at the connection point. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. Try tightening the tank connection. If that does not stop the leak, close the gas valve and have the grill repaired by a qualified professional.

*Is the grill clean? Regularly cleaning the grill, as described in the owner’s manual, and also cleaning the grease trap, will reduce the risk of flare-ups and grease fires.

Once the safety check is complete, make sure to operate the grill as safely as possible.

*Use grills outside only in a well-ventilated area. Never use a grill indoors or in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that will burn. Gas and charcoal grills present a risk of fire and/or carbon monoxide poisoning that could result in injury or death. An estimated 3,800 gas or charcoal grill-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments in 2010. While almost all of the injuries were burns, a few of the charcoal grill injuries were related to carbon monoxide. There were an estimated average of eight CO-related deaths per year between 2005 and 2007 associated with charcoal grills that were used indoors or in enclosed spaces.

*Never leave a grill unattended. If a flare-up occurs, adjust the controls on the gas grill or spread out the coals on a charcoal grill to lower the temperature. If a grease fire occurs, turn off the gas grill and use baking soda and or a kitchen fire extinguisher to put out the fire.

*Keep the grill hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.

*Keep children away from the grill area. The outside surface of a grill can get hot and burn when touched.

See CPSC’s Gas Grill Fact Sheet for additional safety tips for gas grills and Charcoal Grill Safety Tips for more information on charcoal grill safety.

To see this release on CPSC’s web site, including links to recalls, fact sheets and tips, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11228.html

STIHL Recalls Yard Power Products

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STIHL Recalls Yard Power Products Due to Burn and Fire Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Gas powered STIHL trimmers, brushcutters, KombiMotors, hedge trimmers, edgers, clearing saws, pole pruners, and backpack blowers that utilize a toolless fuel cap

Units: About 2.3 million

Manufacturer: STIHL Inc., of Virginia Beach, Va.

Hazard: The level of ethanol and other fuel additives can distort the toolless fuel cap, allowing fuel to spill, posing a fire and burn hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: STIHL has received 81 reports of difficulty installing and/or removing the fuel caps and fuel spillage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The following yard power tools and model numbers are included in this recall:

Product Name & Description
Model Number | Serial Numbers Affected

Blower, backpack
BR 500 | Up to 284053456
BR 550 | Up to 284053456
BR 600 | Up to 284053456
BR 600 | Magnum Up to 284053456

Hedge Trimmer, extended reach
HL 90K | Up to 284101483
HL 100 | Up to 284101483
HL 100 | K Up to 284101483

Pole Pruner
HT 56 C-E | Up to 284398635
HT 100 | Up to 284097165
HT 101 | Up to 284097165
HT 130 | Up to 284097165
HT 131 | Up to 284097165

Edger
FC 56 C-E | Up to 284180999
FC 70 C-E | Up to 284180999
FC 90 | Up to 284012099
FC 95 | Up to 284012099
FC 100 | Up to 284012099
FC 110 | Up to 284012099

Trimmer/Brushcutter
FS 40 C-E | Up to 284180999
FS 56 C-E | Up to 284180999
FS 56 RC-E | Up to 284180999
FS 70 RC-E | Up to 284180999
FS 90 | Up to 284012099
FS 90 R | Up to 284012099
FS 100 RX | Up to 284012099
FS 110 | Up to 284012099
FS 110 R | Up to 284012099
FS 110 RX | Up to 284012099
FS 130 | Up to 284012099
FS 130 R | Up to 284012099

Clearing Saw
FS 310 | Up to 284012099

KombiEngine
KM 56 RC-E | Up to 284180999
KM 90 R | Up to 284012099
KM 110 R | Up to 284012099
KM 130 R | Up to 284012099

Visit STIHL’s website, www.stihlusa.com for additional photos of the power tools involved and photos of the toolless fuel cap.

Sold at: Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from July 2002 through May 2011 for between $190 and $650.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these products and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair. Consumers can contact STIHL for instructions on identifying these toolless fuel caps.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact STIHL toll-free at (800) 233-4729 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.stihlusa.com or e-mail to stihlrecall@stihl.us

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11226.html

Dream on Me Recalls Drop-Side Cribs

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Dream on Me Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation, Laceration, and Fall Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Full-Size and Portable Drop-Side Cribs

Units: About 22,000

Importer: Dream on Me, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J.

Hazard:
* Full-Size Cribs: The drop-side rail hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib.
* Portable Cribs: The drop-side rail hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib or fall unexpectedly. In addition, the portable crib mattress support hardware and the drop-side release latch can break easily, and the slats can loosen or break and detach from the crib. Children can also cut themselves on exposed hardware inside the cribs.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the firm know of 69 reports of incidents involving these cribs. A 1-year-old boy sustained a scratch to the nose when he became trapped between the mattress support and side rail of his portable crib. An 8-month-old girl sustained a minor injury on her head from exposed plastic hardware inside the portable crib.

Description: The cribs are drop-side wooden cribs, painted or stained in black, cherry, dark brown, natural, white, and pink.
* Full-Size Cribs: Models 613, 615, 616, 617, 619, 628, and 639 are included in this recall. The model number and “Dream on Me Inc.” are printed on a label located on the inside of one of the end panels. The label lists a manufacture date between January 2006 and December 2009.
* Portable Cribs: The cribs are smaller than full-size cribs and the ends fold in to facilitate portability. Model numbers 621, 625 and 627 are included in this recall. The model number and “Dream on Me Inc.” are printed on a label located on the mattress board. The label lists a manufacture date between August 2007 and February 2009.

Sold at: Toys R Us, Walmart and Target stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com. The full-size cribs were sold from January 2006 to December 2009 for about $200. The portable cribs were sold from September 2007 to December 2009 for about $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these cribs and contact the company.
* Full-Size Cribs: Consumers will be given a free kit that will immobilize the drop side. Kits will be available beginning June 30, 2011.
* Portable Cribs: Consumers can receive a free replacement portable crib with fixed sides. Replacement cribs will be available in mid-July 2011.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (877) 201-4317 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.dreamonme.com

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating that can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Crib age is a factor in safety. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you do not use a crib that is older than 10 years old. New, mandatory federal crib rules take effect on June 28, 2011. All cribs manufactured and sold after that date must meet new and improved safety requirements. Older cribs do not meet the new standard and can have a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11224.html

Katie Brown Tea Light Candle Sets recalled by Meijer Inc.

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Katie Brown Tea Light Candle Sets recalled by Meijer Inc. Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Meijer Stores

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Katie Brown 12-piece tea light candle sets

Units: About 7,600

Importer: Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Hazard: The clear plastic candle holder can ignite, posing a serious burn and fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Meijer has received one report of the resin cup catching fire and melting. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Description: The recalled wax tea light candles in clear plastic holders were sold in five different colors/scents: vanilla, spruce, snappy spice, sunny tuscany and sweet love. Model numbers are 50181MKB, 50182MKB, 50183MKB, 50184MKB and 50185MKB printed on the bottom of the tea light holder. The wax tea light candles measure approximately 2 inches in diameter. The Katie Brown logo is printed on the clear packaging cover of the tea lights. Printed on a label on the bottom of each 12-piece pack of tea light candles is “Distributed by Wholesale Merchandisers, Inc. 2929 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544. Made in India. www.katiebrown.meijer.com”

Sold Exclusively: Meijer Stores in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana from October 2010 through March 2011 for about $8.

Manufactured in: India

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the tea light candles immediately and return all tea light candles sets to any Meijer Store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Meijer at (800) 927-8699 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.meijer.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11223.html

Additional Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations Prompt Reannouncement of November 2009 Recall of Strollers by Maclaren USA

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Additional Fingertip Amputations and Lacerations Prompt Reannouncement of November 2009 Recall of Strollers by Maclaren USA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today reannounced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers who have not yet obtained the repair should do so immediately. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Maclaren strollers (sold prior to November 2009)

Units: About one million (this product was recalled in November 2009)

Distributor: Maclaren USA, Inc., of South Norwalk, Conn.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Incidents/Injuries: Maclaren has received a total of 149 reported incidents with the strollers, including 37 reported injuries that occurred after the stroller was recalled in November 2009. These reported injuries include five additional fingertip amputations, 16 additional lacerations and 16 additional fingertip entrapments/bruising. At the time of the original recall, there were 15 incidents, including 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

Description: This reannouncement involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers sold prior to November 2009. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. Maclaren strollers sold after May 2010 have a different hinge design and are not affected by this announcement.

Sold at: Juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers who have not installed the hinge covers should immediately contact Maclaren USA to receive the free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: Consumers who have not received or installed the hinge covers should contact Maclaren USA at hingecovers@maclaren-usa.com to obtain the free repair kit. Consumers also can call Maclaren toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11222.html

Telstar Recalls Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

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Telstar Recalls Energy-Saving Light Bulbs Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Light Bulbs

Units: About 317,000

Manufacturer: Telstar Products d/b/a Sprint International Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Hazard: The light bulbs can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Telstar Products has received two reports of fires. In one incident, the fire was contained to the light fixture. The other reported incident resulted in a residential fire.

Description: This recall involves energy-saving light bulbs sold under the Telstar and Electra brand names. The bulbs were sold in two styles: spiral and the “3-Us” shape. The Telstar bulbs were sold in 20 and 23 watts with model number LB-1020 and LB-1023 printed on the packaging. The Electra bulbs were sold in 18, 20, 23, 26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38 and 40 watts with model numbers LB-18, LB-20, LB-23, LB-26, LB-28, LB-30, LB-1018, LB-1020, LB-1023, LB-1026, LB-1134, LB-1136, LB-1138 and LB-1140 printed on the packaging. “CE 110V,” “China” and the wattage number are printed on the bulb.

Sold at: Discount stores throughout New York and New Jersey from August 2010 through March 2011 for between $1 and $1.50

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the light bulbs and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Telstar Products toll-free at (888) 828-1680 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.telstarpro.com

phil&teds USA Clip-on Chairs

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CPSC Alert: Consumers Urged To Stop Using phil&teds USA Clip-on Chairs Due To Serious Dangers Posed To Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers that some “metoo” clip-on table top chairs, imported by phil&teds USA Inc., of Fort Collins, Colo. put young children at risk of serious injury due to multiple safety hazards. CPSC is urging consumers to stop using some metoo clip-on chairs immediately.

The product is an infant/toddler chair with a nylon fabric seat and a metal frame that clamps onto tables using two metal vise clamps. The upper part of each clamp rests on the table top and has either a rubber clamp pad on its underside or a rubber boot covering it. The chair is sold in three fabric colors – red, black and navy.

The clip-on chairs affected by this warning do not have plastic spacers between the table clamps and the front horizontal metal bar. The clip-on chairs that have plastic spacers between the table clamps and the front horizontal metal bar are under evaluation.

The company has refused to agree to a national recall of their hazardous product that is acceptable to CPSC. The company has offered a repair kit consisting of rubber boots to place on the upper clamp grips of the chairs. Consumers should be aware that CPSC has not approved a repair kit for this product, despite the firm’s prior statement that it was conducting a recall “in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.”

CPSC is urging consumers to stop using the affected metoo chairs at this time in order to prevent the risk of injury to children.

The affected metoo chairs pose serious fall and amputation hazards to children placed in them. Children can suffer impact and head injuries when the chair detaches from the table and falls with them in it. CPSC staff is aware of numerous incidents involving the affected metoo chairs.

CPSC staff has determined that the clamps can detach from a variety of different table surfaces. Additionally, the chairs can detach when children move around or use their feet to push against other objects. Staff also determined that the lack of adequate space between the horizontal metal bar at the front of the chair and the clamps can cause children’s fingers to be severely pinched, lacerated, crushed or amputated if caught between the bar and the clamp when the chair detaches.

In addition to hazards with the affected clip-on chairs, the product packaging and instructions provide conflicting information. The product’s packaging and marketing information show the product being used in ways that may lead to the chair detaching from the table. However, the product’s instructions do not adequately warn against this type of use.

Tens of thousands of the affected metoo chairs may have been distributed since May 2006 for about $50 through philandteds.com, Amazon.com, Buy Buy Baby, Target, Toys R Us, other online retailers and a variety of independent juvenile specialty stores.

To see this safety alert on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the products involved, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11218.html

G.A. Gertmenian and Sons Recalls Toy Story 3 Bowling Game

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G.A. Gertmenian and Sons Recalls Toy Story 3 Bowling Game Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Toy Story 3 Bowling Game

Units: About 600

Importer: G.A. Gertmenian and Sons, LLC, of Los Angeles

Hazard: The red paint used on some bowling pins has been measured to be in excess of the maximum allowable level of 90 ppm, a violation of the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: G.A. Gertmenian and Sons, LLC has received no reports of incidents or injuries.

Description: This recall affects Toy Story 3 Bowling Game Rugs with a batch marking of JA 148. The recalled item contains six white plastic bowling pins with two red stripes painted on the necks, one black plastic ball, and a 68 inch x 26 inch nylon game rug with a print of the character Buzz Lightyear on the front. The batch marking JA 148 appears on the bottom front of the packaging just above the bar code, and is also located on the tag attached to the rug.

Sold at: Walmart Stores in the U.S. between September 1, 2010 and September 25, 2010 for about $18.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the bowling pins immediately and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement set.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact G.A. Gertmenian and Sons LLC toll-free at (888) 224-4181 between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm PT Monday through Friday. Consumers may also email Gertmenian@Gertmenian.com for instructions on receiving replacement bowling pins.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11217.html

Sheet Sanders Recalled by One World Technologies

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Sheet Sanders Recalled by One World Technologies Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Ryobi ¼ Sheet Sanders

Units: About 300,000

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

Hazard: Pieces of the fan can break off from the fan assembly and be ejected from the product, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 31 reports of broken fan pieces being ejected from the sander, including two reports of minor lacerations.

Description: This recall involves Ryobi brand sheet sanders, model S651D. The sander is blue and black. The word “Ryobi” is on the left side. The model number can be found on the data plate located on the side of the sander just below the handle.

Sold at: Home Depot, Gardner, Inc., Tap Enterprises, Inc., Direct Tools Factory Outlets, Amazon.com, and ToolKing.com from June 2005 through August 2010 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled sander and contact One World Technologies to receive a free replacement sander.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact One World Technologies Customer Service at (800) 597-9624 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.ryobitools.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11216.html