Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for May 5, 2006.
In recall news this week, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is voluntarily recalling 730,000 metal charms included as a free giveaway in certain Shirley Temple movie DVDs. The recalled charms contain high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
No injuries or incidents have been reported.
The recalled silver-colored metal charms were included in specially marked pink boxes of such Shirley Temple movies as Curly Top, Heidi and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Some DVD boxes contain only charms. Others contain charm bracelets with charms. The charms come in various shapes including animals, hats, treble clefs, and lollipops. The DVD boxes are marked with “Bonus Charm Bracelet Inside,” or “Bonus Charm Inside.”
They were sold from August 2005 through April 2006 for about $15 for single DVDs and about $30 for gift box collections of three DVDs.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled charms away from children and contact the firm for information on how to return the charms only, and to receive a free DVD.
For more information, contact Fox Home Entertainment toll-free at (877) 541-2229 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dvdcharmrecall.com
Also this week,
BRK Brands Inc. is recalling more than 145,000 First Alert® Onelink Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Rapidly Draining Battery Power
These alarms could have premature low battery power. If the batteries on the smoke/CO alarm are not replaced before the battery power terminates, the alarm will not detect smoke in the event of a possible fire and the presence of carbon monoxide.
CPSC and the firm have received about 329 reports of premature low battery power in these alarms. There have been no reports of injuries, incidents or alarms failing to detect smoke or carbon monoxide.
“First Alert” and “ONELINK™” are printed on the front of these alarms. The model number and date code are printed on the back of the alarm. Model number SA500 or SCO500 with a date code prior to March 3, 2006 are included in this recall.
They were sold nationwide from June 2005 through March 2006 for between $45 and $75.
Consumers should contact First Alert Inc./BRK Brands Inc. immediately to receive a replacement alarm. Until a new alarm is received, consumers should test the batteries in the alarm weekly by pressing the “test” button. If the alarm signals a low battery alert, consumers should immediately replace the batteries. Consumers should not remove their alarms until they have received a replacement alarm.
For more information, contact BRK Brands Inc. at (800) 323-9005.
Finally this week, Daisy Manufacturing is recalling more than 104,000 slingshots Due to Risk of Serious Eye Injury
If the slingshot band slips out of its frame during use, the ball at the end of the tubing can strike the user, resulting in serious facial injuries.
Daisy has received at least three reports of injuries: a 12-year-old boy who was blinded in one eye; a 16-year-old boy who has decreased vision; and an 11-year old boy who has three broken teeth.
The recall involves two metal frame slingshots -- Models ERG-100 and ERG-300, both marketed under the name “The Natural.” The model number is written on the packaging. These slingshots have an offset fork design, a sling made of bright green tubing with a black leather ammunition pouch and small balls inside the tubing where it connects to the frame. They were sold nationwide from June 2004 through March 2006.
Consumers should immediately stop using the slingshots and contact Daisy for a full refund or replacement with a comparable slingshot model.
For additional information, contact Daisy Manufacturing Company at (800) 713-2479 or visit Daisy’s Web site at www.daisy.com
For additional information on all recalls announced by CPSC, visit our Web site at www.cpsc.gov. Until next time, stay safe.
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