Original; see modified release: Baby Monitors Recalled by Gerry Baby Products

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 1998
Release # 98-090

Company Phone Number: (800) 273-3521
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052

CPSC, Gerry Baby Products Announce Recall to Repair Baby Monitors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gerry Baby Products of Denver, Colo., is recalling about 86,000 rechargeable baby monitors sold under the Clear Choice brand name. When an electrical short occurs, the rechargeable battery can cause the monitor's "parent" unit to smoke and flame.

Gerry has received one report of flames and four reports of smoke coming from the monitor's parent unit. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The Gerry Clear Choice rechargeable baby monitor being recalled is Model 618. The model number is found on a silver plate on the front of the monitor's AC adapter. The monitor consists of a "baby" unit, a parent unit, a recharging base for the parent unit and AC adapters. All of the units are white with a light blue accent color. Because it houses the battery, only the parent unit presents the hazard.

Mass merchandise and baby stores throughout the United States sold the baby monitors from April 1996 to March 1998 for about $40.

Consumers should disconnect and throw away the blue battery pack from the parent unit immediately. Consumers should contact Gerry Baby Products, anytime 24 hours a day, at (800) 273-3521 to receive a free replacement black battery pack with a safety fuse. Until the replacement battery arrives, the parent unit can be used safely with its AC adapter. Consumers also can receive the replacement black battery pack by writing to Gerry Baby Products at 1801 Commerce Drive, Piqua, Ohio 45356.

This recall is not related to the October 1996 recall of 990,000 Gerry model 602 baby monitors. Consumers with questions about the model 602 monitor can call Gerry at (800) 672-6289.