[Recalls Page]

December 2009 Recalls and Product Safety News

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dorel Juvenile Group Inc., of Columbus, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 213,000 Safety 1st Disney Care Center™ Play Yards and Eddie Bauer Complete Care Play Yards. The one piece metal bars supporting the floorboard of the bassinet attachment can come out of the fabric sleeves and create an uneven sleeping surface, posing a risk of suffocation or positional asphyxiation.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LG Electronics Tianjin Appliance Co., of China, is voluntarily recalling about 98,000 Portable Dehumidifiers. The power connector for the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kendamaspot LLC, of Redmond, Wash., is voluntarily recalling about 300 Wooden Skill Ball Toys. The surface paint coating on the ball contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

As part of its commitment to protecting the safety of children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill. has agreed to pay a $1.25 million civil penalty for allegedly violating the federal lead paint ban. The penalty settlement, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, resolves CPSC staff allegations that RC2 Corp. and one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries Learning Curve Brands Inc., knowingly (as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Act) imported and sold various Thomas & Friends™ Wooden Railway toys with paints or other surface coatings that contained lead levels above legal limits.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 16, 2009 unanimously approved (5-0) a new rule requiring manufacturers of durable infant or toddler products to establish and maintain a registration card program.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cressi-sub USA, of Westwood, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 200 Cressi Ellipse Black MC5 Regulators. Partial obstruction of the High Pressure (HP) port can produce an inaccurate reading on the pressure gauge, resulting in a slow descent of the needle in the pressure gauge. The inaccurate reading on the gauge poses a drowning hazard to divers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 204,000 Tool Bench Utility Knives. The utility knife’s blade can slide past the blade support during use, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), W.S. Badcock Corp., of Mulberry, Fla, is voluntarily recalling about 1,250 Vintage Verandah Patio Fireplaces. A paint used to finish the exterior shell may catch fire, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

As families look for ways to save money in tough economic times, there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings and fire deaths associated with the use of alternative heating and power sources. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to check all home heating systems from fireplaces to furnaces, including any back-up power systems.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 600 LEOPARD Highchairs. The snap locks used to secure the seat to the frame can break and allow the seat and child to drop through the frame, posing a fall hazard to young children. Detached snap locks can pose a choking hazard to young children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 19,000 promotional folding knives (imported by 5.11 Tactical®, of Modesto, Calif., and manufactured by Spanlink International Corp.). The knife can fail to lock into its open position, posing a cutting hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Watts Regulator Co., of North Andover, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 900 One-inch 140X-9 Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves. The relief valve can fail to reduce pressure and avert failure or rupture of the water heater tank and associated valves, posing rupture and burn hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lamartek Inc., dba Dive Rite of, Lake City, Fla., is voluntarily recalling about 16,000 Dive Rite Wings. The over pressure valve springs in the diving equipment could rust and fail allowing the buoyancy compensator devices to leak, posing a drowning hazard to divers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 8,500 2009-2010 Polaris All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). The front suspension ball joint stem can separate from the steering knuckle and cause the rider to lose steering control, posing a risk of injury or death to riders.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Procter & Gamble Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 700,000 packages of Vicks Dayquil Cold & Flu 24-Count Bonus Pack Liquicaps. The cold and flu medicine contains acetaminophen and is not in child-resistant packaging and lacks the statement, “This Package for Households Without Young Children,” as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. This medicine could cause serious health problems or death to a child if several of the capsules are swallowed.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Dorel Juvenile Group Inc., of Columbus, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 447,000 Dorel Infant Car Seat/Carriers. When used as an infant carrier, the child restraint handle to the seat can loosen and come off, posing a fall hazard to infants.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (5-0) to extend a stay of enforcement on testing and certification of many regulated children’s products. While enforcement of specific CPSC testing requirements has been stayed, the products must still comply with all applicable rules and bans.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Home Depot, of Atlanta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 Hampton Bay Dehumidifiers. An internal component can fail causing the dehumidifier to overheat, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Todson Inc., of North Attleboro, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 24,000 CO2 bicycle tire inflators. The pressurized cartridge containing carbon dioxide (CO2) can forcefully separate from the pump head, posing a risk of injury to the consumer.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jason Evans Associates, LLC, of Hewlett, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 18,300 Boys Fleece & Flannel Zip Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings. The hooded zip sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OKK Trading Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 “Action Team” Toy Dart Gun Sets. If a child places the soft, pliable plastic dart in his/her mouth, he/she is likely to choke/aspirate the dart into her/her throat impairing the child’s ability to breathe. If the dart is not immediately removed, brain damage or death can occur.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Precious Moments Inc. of Carthage, Mo., is voluntarily recalling about 4,300 Precious Moments Angel Tree Toppers. Undersized wiring can cause the tree topper’s switch assembly to overheat and melt posing a fire hazard.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, of Corte Madera, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 4,600 Roman Shades with Black-out Lining. Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Vintage Group LLC, of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 1,100 Faux Wood Blinds. Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the cords of the pull cord above the breakaway device and the device fails to breakaway.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing that multiple firms are recalling millions of units of Window coverings, including Roman shades and roll-up blinds. These window coverings present a serious risk of strangulation to young children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Timberland Company, of Stratham, N.H., is voluntarily recalling about 21,000 pairs of Classic Scuffproof Boots. The logo stamped onto the children’s boot’s insoles contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Louis Hornick & Co. Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 6,300 (364,000 previously recalled in October 2009) Newport Energy Solution Roman Shades. Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Draper Inc., of Spiceland, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 1,800 Roman Shades. These shades have an exposed operating cord and exposed inner cords on the back of the shade. Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. In addition, these shades have a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the shade, posing a strangulation hazard to children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) are announcing today a voluntary recall to repair all Roman shades and roll-up blinds to prevent the risk of strangulation to young children. This recall involves millions of Roman and roll-up blinds. About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), West Elm of San Francisco, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 42,000 Jute/Poly Roman Shades. Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and PBteen division of Williams-Sonoma Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 305,000 Roman shades and 45,000 roller shades (about 85,000 Roman shades were recalled on August 26, 2009). Roman Shades: Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Roller Shades: Strangulation can occur if the shade’s looped cord is not attached to the wall with the tension device provided and a child’s neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), International Merchandise of Columbus, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 355,000 Deluxe Matchstick Roll-up Shades. Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material. Also, children can become entangled in the looped pull cord.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lotus & Windoware Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 250,000 ¼” Oval Roll-up Blinds. Strangulations can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), All Strong Industry (USA) Inc., of Ontario, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 290,000 Roman Shades. Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Walmart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark., is voluntarily recalling about 1.1 million (600,000 roll-up blinds and 500,000 Roman shades) Roll-up Blinds and Roman Shades. Roll-Up Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material. Roman Shades: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), J. C. Penney Purchasing Corp. of Plano, Texas, is voluntarily recalling more than 2.2 million Roman shades and about 340 roll-up blinds. Roman Shades: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Roll-Up Blinds: Strangulations can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Airtex Design Group Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 Roman Shades “Weren’t Built in a Day”. Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to make safety a factor in holiday decorating. Whether it is careful candle placement or checking the warning label on the holiday lights, simple safety steps can go a long way in preventing fires and injuries this year.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JCPenney Purchasing Corp., of Plano, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 5,600 Cooks Outdoor® BBQ Grills. The drip pan on the grill does not allow for adequate drainage, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Little Miss Matched Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 7,000 Little Miss Matched Girls Pajama Sets (in the United States and about 288 in Canada). The sleepwear fails to meet the federal children’s sleepwear flammability standard posing a risk of burn injury to children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), MTD Products Inc, of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 26,000 Log Splitters (in the United States and 2,100 in Canada). The control handle of the log splitter could fail to automatically return to the neutral position as it should and could fail to stop the splitting wedge from moving forward, posing a risk of amputation to consumers’ hands and fingers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Variety Wholesalers Inc., of Henderson, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 700 Super Rigs Play Sets. The toy truck’s surface coating contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OSRAM SYLVANIA Products Inc., of Danvers, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 26,000 LED Rocketship PalPODzzz™ Portable Nightlights. The bottom plastic cover on the recharging base of the portable nightlight can break, exposing internal electrical components. This poses an electric shock hazard to consumers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Simon & Schuster Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 142,000 Monday the Bullfrog Plush Books. The plastic eye on the frog can detach, which may pose a choking hazard to young children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Goodman Company, LP, of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 (also previously recalled in August 2008) Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pump (PTACs) Units. The power cords on the PTACs can overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC), Evenflo Co. Inc., of Miamisburg, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 66,000 (in the United States) and 13,660 (in Canada) Evenflo ExerSaucer® 1-2-3 Tea for Me™ Activity Learning Centers. The candle flame attached to the top of the cake toy can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Amby Baby USA, of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 24,000 Amby Baby Motion Beds. The side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause the infant to roll and become entrapped or wedged against the hammock’s fabric and/or mattress pad, resulting in a suffocation hazard.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Edushape Ltd., of Deer Park, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 40 Snap Bead units. The tip of the snap bead peg may break off under repetitive pressure, posing a choking hazard to small children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Excelligence Learning Corp, of Monterey, Calif. DBA Discount School Supply has agreed to pay a $25,000 civil penalty for allegedly violating the federal lead paint ban. The penalty settlement has been provisionally accepted by the Commission.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NTD Apparel, of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling 1,200 “Hello Kitty” Zip Up Hoodie Sweatshirts. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sunsations Inc, of Virginia Beach, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 12,000 Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Haier America Trading, L.L.C., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 53,800 Blenders. The blade assemblies of the blenders may come apart or break, posing a laceration risk.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LaJobi Inc., of Cranbury, N.J., is reannouncing the voluntary recall of about 400 “Molly” and “Betsy” Cribs. The cribs have cut-outs in the end panels that can allow young children to get their heads entrapped, which can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BRP U.S. Inc., of Sturtevant, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 2,400 Model Year 2010 Can-Am® ATVs. The dynamic power steering can fail, resulting in the sudden loss of steering control. This poses a risk of injury or death to riders.