March 2008 Recalls and Product Safety News

• Boys’ Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by High Energy; Children Can Strangle on Drawstrings

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kidz World Inc., d/b/a High Energy USA, of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 Boys’ Hooded Sweatshirts. The sweatshirts have a drawstring through hood which poses a strangulation hazard to children.

•  Plush Rocker Toys Recalled By Tek Nek Toys Due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tek Nek Toys Int’l L.P., of Southlake, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 122,000 Rock ‘N Ride Plush Rocker Toys. The base of the rocker can become unstable and allow the rocker to tip forward or backward, posing a fall hazard to children.

•  Avon Products Recalls Plush Warming Polar Bears Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Avon Products Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 113,000 Cozy Warming Polar Bears. The warming pouch inside the bear can overheat and ignite when heated in a microwave oven, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

•  Surviving the Aftermath of the Storm; Midwest Residents Are Warned of Deadly Hazards that Arise After the Flood Waters Recede

As flood waters begin to recede and residents return home, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues a warning to those affected by the floods in the Midwest. When there’s a power outage, NEVER use portable generators inside the home, in an attached garage or in any other partially enclosed space. Generator exhaust contains high levels of colorless, odorless carbon monoxide (CO) which can kill in minutes.

•  Educational Insights Recalls Ring Toss Games Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Educational Insights, of Vernon Hills, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 130 Ring Toss Games. The paint on the yellow peg of the toy contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

•  Downeast Concepts Inc. Recalls Water Bottles Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Downeast Concepts Inc., of Yarmouth, Maine, is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 Backyard and Beyond Metal Water Bottles. Surface paint on the metal water bottles contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

•  Plan Toys Inc. Recalls Toy Penguins Due to Laceration Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Plan Toy Inc., of Mountain View, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 Toy Penguin Figures. The head of the penguin toy can detach, exposing connectors with sharp points, presenting a laceration hazard to consumers.

• Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. Recalls Rhino Side-by-Side Vehicles Due to Risk of Brake Failure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 7,800 Model Year 2008 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 Side-by-Side Vehicles. The brake caliper on the left front wheel could have been made incorrectly, resulting in brake fluid leaking. This can cause a loss of braking and control of the vehicle, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and passenger.

• Hobby Lobby Stores Recalls Easter Egg Containers and Spinning Egg Tops Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla., is voluntarily recalling about 13,000 Camouflage Eggs and Spinning Egg Top Toys. The paint on the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

•  Toy Puzzle Vehicle Sets Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold Exclusively by QVC

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Merchant Media Corp., of Framingham, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 198,000 Toy Puzzle Vehicle Sets. Surface paints on the puzzle pieces and components contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

•  Progress Lighting Recalls Ceiling-Mounted Outdoor Light Fixtures; Lights Can Fall Off Mounting and Injure Consumers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Progress Lighting, of Greenville, S.C., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 Progress Lighting Outdoor Ceiling Light Fixtures. A weld that affixes a mounting bracket to the ceiling pan can fail, which can cause the fixture to fall and injure nearby persons.

•  Salton Inc. Recalls Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Salton Inc., of Lake Forest, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 12,000 Electric Toasters. The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard.

•  WarmlyYours Recalls Rug Warmers Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), WarmlyYours, of Long Grove, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 200 Comfortplus Under Area Rug Warmers. The rug warmer’s cord can come loose from the plug and cause sparks or flames, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

• Galison/Mudpuppy Recalls Wire Bound Journals and Calendars Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Galison/Mudpuppy, of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 90,000 Wire-O Bound Journals and Calendars. The paint on the metal spiral bindings of the journals contains excessive levels of lead, which violated the federal lead paint standard.

• Reebok to Pay Record $1,000,000 Civil Penalty for Violation of Federal Hazardous Substances Act

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that a manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel has agreed to pay the government a $1,000,000 civil penalty. This penalty is the largest for a Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) violation and follows a recall announced by CPSC and Reebok of 300,000 bracelets.

• MEGA Brands Recalls Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School Magnetic Toys; Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MEGA Brands America Inc., of Livingston, N.J, is voluntarily recalling about 1.1 million Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-school Magnetic Toys. Magnets in the small flexible parts of the animals, vehicles and building sets can detach. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

• MEGA Brands Recalls MagnaMan Magnetic Action Figures; Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), MEGA Brands America Inc., of Livingston, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 1.3 MagnaMan Magnetic Toy Figures. Small magnets inside the figures can detach. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

• Battat Recalls Additional Magnetic Construction Sets; Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, N.Y. , is voluntarily recalling about 7,000 Battat Magnabild Magnetic Building Toys or Sets (125,000 other Battat Magnabild Building Systems were recalled on January 23, 2008). Small magnets inside the building pieces can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

• Toy Sundae Sets Sold at Target Recalled by Battat Inc. Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Battat Inc., of Plattsburgh, N.Y. , is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 Play Wonder Toy Sundae Sets. The wooden cherries on top of the toy sundae pose a choking hazard to young children.

• Toy Airplanes, Cars, and Motorcycles Recalled by S.U. Wholesale Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), S.U. Wholesale Inc., of Vernon, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 X Force Commander Toy Airplanes and Super Famous Toy Cars and Motorcycles. The recalled toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

• Ensto Control Oy Recalls Toggle and Rotary Switches Due to Electric Shock Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ensto Control Oy, of Finland, is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 Toggle Switches and Rotary Switches. When switched OFF, one electrical pole may remain energized, posing a risk of electrical shock hazard to consumers.

• Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Urgent Gear Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Nordstrom Stores

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Urgent Gear Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 700 Micros Boys’ Hooded Jackets. The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

• JCPenney Recalls Cooks Deep Fryers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JCPenney, of Plano, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 Cooks Deep Fryers. The deep fryer has a faulty heating element which can cause it to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

• Ellaroo Recalls Infant Sling Carriers Due to Fall Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ellaroo LLC, of McKinney, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 1,200 Ellaroo Ring Sling Baby Carrriers. The aluminum rings on the sling carriers can bend or break. This can cause the fabric to slip through the rings and infants to fall out of the carrier.

• Hamilton Beach Recalls Toasters Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hamilton Beach Brands Inc., of Glen Allen, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 482,000 Hamilton Beach® and Proctor-Silex® Toasters. The toasters can remain “on” (energized) after popping up, and can ignite flammable items covering or in contact with the toaster, posing a fire hazard.

• Portable Air Compressors Sold Exclusively at Advance Auto Parts Stores Recalled Due to Fire and Electrical Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Advance Stores Co., d.b.a. Advance Auto Parts, of Roanoke, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 64,000 Strike Force™ Portable Air Compressors. The compressor’s motor can overheat and ignite the protective cover, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Also, the cover might not prevent internal components from being touched, which poses an electrical shock hazard.

• Pier 1 Imports Recalls Tealight Candle Holders Due to Fire Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pier 1 Imports, of Fort Worth, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 Silver Square Tealight Candle Holders. The spacing of the holes in a concentrated pattern allows the holder to heat-up. This can cause the tealights to burn unexpectedly fast and with a higher flame height than normal, posing a fire hazard.

• QVC and Tristar Recall Electric Grills Due to Fire Hazard; Consumers to Receive New Instructions

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), QVC Inc., of West Chester, Pa., and Tristar Products Inc., of Fairfield, N.J., are voluntarily recalling about 13,500 Electric Contact Grills. Cooking oils or sprays applied to the grill’s cooking plates before preheating can cause the oil to ignite and/or flare up. Cooking sprays can ignite and/or flare up if used on the grill at any time.

• Infantino Recalls Infant Rattles Due to Choking Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Infantino LLC, of San Diego, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 Infantino Lamb Grabby Rattles™. The tail-piece on the rattles can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

• Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Rebelette International Due to Strangulation Hazard

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rebelette International Trading Corp., of South El Monte, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 4,800 Girls’ Hooded Sweatshirts. The sweatshirt jackets have a drawstring through the hood which poses a strangulation hazard to children.

• Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Frame Failure

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A., of Irvine, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 200 Kawasaki KLX140 Off-Road Motorcycles. One or more of the motorcycle’s frame welds could be missing or made incorrectly allowing the frame to crack or break, posing a risk of serious injury to riders.

• LDR Industries Recalls Gas Connectors Due to Fire and Explosion Hazards

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LDR Industries Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 LDR 1200 Series Gas Connectors. The gas connectors can leak propane or natural gas, posing a fire and explosion hazard to consumers.

• Polaris Industries Inc. Recalls ATVs Due to Risk of Injury to Riders

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 11,300 Select "Outlaw IRS" ATVs, Model Year 2006-2008. A retention bolt can come loose causing the rear wheels to lock up, which poses a risk of serious injury to the rider.