Recall Roundup

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

1. Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards Recalls Cribs Due to Fall Hazard.

Product: Cribs.

Units: About 1,300.

Manufacturer: Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards, Toronto, Canada.

Hazard: The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards. The distance between the mattress support bracket in the lowest position and the top of the side rail in the highest position is less than the required 26 inches, posing a fall hazard to children who climb over the railing.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes the following wooden full-size cribs: “Enchantment” (model #210), “Hush a Bye” (model #215), “Once upon a time” (model #320) and “Rock a bye” (model #1900-350). Only date codes from 0306 through 0308 are included in this recall. “Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards”, the model number and date code are printed on a label located on the bottom inside of the right side.

Sold at: Juvenile product stores from March 2006 through March 2008 for between $500 and $650.

Manufactured in: Canada.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the cribs immediately and contact Mother Hubbard’s Cupboards to receive instructions on how to re-install the support brackets to eliminate the hazard.

2. Baby Appleseed Recalls Cribs Due to Fall Hazard.

Product: Davenport Cribs.

Units: About 500.

Importer: Baby Appleseed, of City of Industry, Calif.

Hazard: The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards for cribs. The cribs have a two-mattress support system. The secondary mattress support, used for the lowest position, does not meet the full 26 inch minimum height in its lowest position, allowing children inside to crawl over the railing, posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes Davenport crib models that begin with the model numbers 273-xxxx-xxxx and have manufacture dates on or before August 2007 printed on a label located on the right side of the lower inner panel of the crib. The recalled cribs have two mattress support systems-a metal one and a wooden one. Newer Davenport cribs with model numbers beginning with 244-xxxx-xxxx that have one mattress support are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Specialty juvenile product stores nationwide from December 2006 through September 2007 for between $600 and $800.

Manufactured in: Vietnam.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled cribs in the third lowest position, which uses the wooden mattress support, and contact Baby Appleseed to receive a repair kit. Consumers who are currently using the crib with the metal mattress support in the top or middle positions can continue to use the crib in those positions while awaiting a repair kit. (NOTE: Repair Kits will be available from the firm in mid-August 2008)

3. DEWALT Recalls Cordless Brad Nailers Due to Injury Hazard.

Product: DEWALT DC608 Cordless Brad Nailers.

Units: About 14,000.

Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.

Hazard: The nailer can operate when the lock-off (safety) is in the locked position. Also, the nailer can operate when the trigger is not pulled and the contact trip is depressed. The unexpected ejection of a nail poses a serious injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: DeWALT has received two reports of nailers operating when the lock-off (safety) was in the locked position. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the DEWALT DC608 18 Volt Cordless 2″ 18 Gauge Straight Brad Nailer with date codes 200728 through 200821. “DC608” is located on the right side of the magazine. The date code can be found on the underside of the handle, once the battery pack is removed. Units stamped with an “M” following the date code are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Wholesale distributors and retailers from October 2007 through May 2008 for about $280.

Manufactured in: Mexico.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the nailers and contact DEWALT for the location of the nearest service center to receive a free repair.

4. Halogen Work Lights Recalled by Harbor Freight Tools Due to Fire and Shock Hazards.

Product: Chicago Electric Halogen Work Lights.

Units: About 58,000.

Distributor: Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif.

Hazard: The halogen work lights can overheat and melt, and pose a risk of fire and electrical shock to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been three reports of incidents in which the recalled halogen work lights overheated and melted. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The halogen work lights are 500 watts. Model number 30858 is included in this recall. The lamp measures 7 inches wide x 5 ½ inches high and is mounted on a yellow frame. “UL Listed E163392” and “Work Light 8F95” is printed on a sticker on the back. The model number is printed on the light’s packaging.

Sold at: Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide, Harbor Freight Tools’ catalogs, and at www.harborfreight.com from February 2006 through March 2008 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the halogen work lights and contact Harbor Freight Tools for a full refund.

5. Bicycle Pedals Recalled by Look Cycle; Pedals Can Break Causing Cyclists to Fall.

Product: KéO Bicycle Pedals.

Units: About 80,000 (40,000 pairs).

Distributor: Look Cycle USA, of San Jose, Calif.

Hazard: The steel axle inside the pedal can break, posing a fall hazard to cyclists.

Incidents/Injuries: Look Cycle has received 14 reports of incidents with broken pedals, including 7 injuries which resulted in scrapes, cuts, contusions, elbow pain, and a knee injury.

Description: The recalled bicycle pedals are black and were sold separately from bicycles. Pedal models include KéO Classic, KéO Sprint, KéO HM and KéO Carbon. The model name is printed in white on the side of the pedal. Date codes between January 2004 and December 2005 are included in this recall. The date code for the KéO Classic, Sprint and Carbon pedals is on a dial stamped onto the pedal. The date code for the KéO HM is on the bottom of the pedal, with the letters A through L corresponding to the month, and the numbers 4 and 5 indicating 2004 or 2005.

Sold at: Specialty bicycle retailers nationwide from January 2004 through July 2007 for between $100 and $500.

Manufactured in: France.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle pedals and return them to the place of purchase, or contact Look Cycle USA to arrange for shipping and free repair.

6. Children’s Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled By Kids with Character Due to Strangulation Hazard.

Product: BongoCheetah Girls Jackets.

Units: About 1,200.

Distributor: Kids with Character LLC, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled garments are Bongo Cheetah Girls Jackets with style number 8N6003 and RN number 119132 printed on the care label. The jackets were sold in girls sizes 4 through 6X.

Sold at: Marshalls stores nationwide from November 2007 through August 2008 for about $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garment to either Marshall’s retail store or Kids with Character for a full refund.

7. Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Request Jeans Due to Strangulation Hazard.

Product: Drawstring Hoodies.

Units: About 1,200.

Manufacturer: Request Jeans, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The hoodies 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.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the short sleeve hoodie (Item number 11188SG) and the Long sleeve hoodie (Item number 11218LG). The short sleeve hoodie has “Request” printed all over and was sold in olive green and light blue. The long sleeve hoodie has a butterfly design on the back of the hoodie and on the chest and was sold in white and olive green.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers and other retail stores nationwide from January 2007 through March 2007 for about $36.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garment to either the place of purchase or to Request Jeans to receive a refund.

8. Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Raw Blue Due to Strangulation Hazard.

Product: Hooded Sweatshirts.

Units: About 5,740.

Distributor: Raw Blue Sportswear, of Moonachie, N.J.

Hazard: The sweatshirts have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to young children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The Raw Blue hooded sweatshirts were sold in three styles: smack print, kapow print and comic magazine print) and various colors. The sweatshirts have style numbers 7FT5655, 7FT5455, and 7FT5515. Style numbers are printed on the garment’s sales tag.

Sold at: TJ Maxx, Mega Trends, Moonstone Shirts and MP Trading stores nationwide from July 2007 through December 2007 for between $30 and $40.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard. Consumers can return the garment to the place of purchase or Raw Blue Sportswear for a refund.

9. Nine Firms Agree To Pay More Than $350,000 in Civil Penalties For Failing To Timely Report Drawstrings In Children’s Outerwear.

The U.S. CPSC announced that nine firms agreed to pay a total of $355,000 in civil penalties. The penalties settle allegations that the firms knowingly failed to report to the CPSC immediately, as required by federal law, that their children’s hooded sweatshirts, jackets, or sweaters were sold with drawstrings at the hood and neck. These products, which the firms eventually recalled, pose a strangulation hazard that can cause death to children. The settlements have been provisionally accepted.

The firms paying the penalties are:

AJ Blue LLC, of New York City, N.Y.
A&R Knitwear Inc., of New York City, N.Y.
Cobmex Inc., of Lakewood, Calif.
Liberty Apparel Co. Inc., of New York City, N.Y.
Rebelette International Trading Corp., of South El Monte, Calif.
Scope Imports Inc., of Houston, Texas
Sears Holdings Management Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Siegfried & Parzival Inc., of City of Industry, Calif.
Vacation Clothing Exchange Inc., d/b/a Basix USA, of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

In February 1996, CPSC issued drawstring guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts. In May 2006, CPSC’s Office of Compliance announced that children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings at the hood or neck would be regarded as defective and a substantial risk of injury to young children.

Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of injury to the public, presents an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or violates a federal safety standard.

In agreeing to settle the matters, the firms deny CPSC’s allegations that they knowingly violated the law.

10. Fire and Burn Hazards Prompt Recall of Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s.

Product: Perfect Flame Double Lid Four Burner Gas Grills.

Units: About 24,000.

Retailer: Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C. and Lowe’s HIW, Inc., of Tukwila, Wa.

Manufacturer: Lucas Innovation Inc., of China.

Hazard: The cooking chamber of the grill can melt and/or ignite, posing a risk of fires and burn injuries to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 175 reports of grill fires and 25 reports of grills melting, some of which resulted in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Perfect Flame brand grills, Model GAC3615 four burner LP gas grills. The grill has two lids. “Perfect Flame” is printed on the larger lid. The model number, serial number, and date code are printed on a label on the right side cart frame panel. The following serial numbers and date codes are included in this recall.

Model Number: GAC3615

Date Code: Serial Number

KU (July 07): 000001 – 001278, 001282 – 001423

KV (Aug. 07): 001424 – 001849, 001855 – 005404

KW (Sept. 07): 005405 – 006540, 006548 – 009671, 010299 – 010440

KX (Oct. 07): 010005 – 010297, 010441 – 014305, 014322 – 017164

KY (Nov. 07): 017165 – 020714, 020715 – 022856

KZ (Dec. 07): 022859 – 023284, 024301 – 025862

Sold exclusively at: Lowe’s stores nationwide from October 2007 through July 2008 for about $300.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled grills, disconnect the propane tanks, and return the grills without the propane tanks to any Lowe’s store to receive a full refund.

11. Progress Lighting Recalls Indoor Light Fixtures; Lights Can Unexpectedly Fall Posing an Impact Hazard.

Products: Pendant-Style Ceiling-Mounted Indoor Light Fixtures.

Units: About 6,000.

Importer: Progress Lighting, of Greenville, S.C.

Hazard: The ceiling-mount assembly that supports the light fixture can fail, causing the fixture to unexpectedly fall and injure consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Progress Lighting has received three reports of incidents, including one report of a fixture falling from the ceiling. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves the following models of pendant-style ceiling-mounted light fixtures: P3601-09, P3602-09, P3603-09, P3603-09EXP, P3685-09, P365-09EXP, P4260-09, P4261-09, P4261-09EXP and P4262-09. The product number is located inside the canopy located flush with the ceiling. The fixtures have frosted white glass and a brushed aluminum finish.

Sold by: Electrical/lighting distributors and select Home Depot and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2005 through May 2008 for between $180 and $1,000

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should carefully remove the glass from the fixture and contact Progress Lighting to schedule a free inspection and replacement.

12. Atico International USA Recalls Personal Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard.

Product: Signature Gourmet and Crofton Personal Blenders.

Units: About 124,000.

Importers: Atico International USA Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (for the Crofton(r) model) and East West Distributing Co., of Deerfield Ill. (for the Signature Gourmet(tm) model)

Hazard: While placing the cup on or off the base of the blender, the blender can be inadvertently turned on, activating the blade. This can pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 14 reports of lacerations, including 11 that required medical treatment and stitches.

Description: This recall involves the Signature Gourmet(tm) (item number W14A3691) and the Crofton(r) (model number SB-19) personal blenders. The blenders are white and have 3 components parts – a base containing a power button, a blade assembly, and a blending cup. Signature Gourmet(tm) or Crofton(r) is printed on the front of the base of the unit. “SB-19” or “W14A3691” is located on a label at the bottom of the unit.

Sold at: The Signature Gourmet(tm) blenders were sold at Walgreens stores nationwide from July 2006 through March 2008 for about $16. The Crofton(r) blenders were sold at Aldi stores nationwide from May 2007 through March 2008 for about $13.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled blenders immediately and call Atico International USA for instructions on returning the product for a full refund.

13. Fisher-Price Recalls Learning Pots and Pans Toys Due to Choking Hazard.

Product: Learning Pots & Pans Toys.

Units: About 15,000.

Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: Missing screws in the blue toy pan can cause the clear plastic cover to come loose and release small balls, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received five reports of the plastic covers detaching and releasing the small balls. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Learning Pots and Pans(tm) toy sets with stackable pots and pans, a lid and shape-sorting blocks. The toys have light and sound features that operate on three AA batteries. Model number G6685 is located on the bottom of the blue pan.

Sold at: Discount department and toy stores nationwide from October 2007 to August 2008 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and examine the bottom of the blue pan. The pan should contain six screws. If all six screws are installed, no further action is necessary. If any screws are missing, the consumer should contact Fisher-Price to arrange for the return of the blue pan for a replacement.

14. Rossignol Recalls Snowboard Bindings Due to Strap Failure.

Product: 2007 Rossignol HC Snowboard Bindings.

Units: About 3,500 pairs.

Manufacturer: Rossignol Ski Co., of Park City, Utah.

Hazard: The t-nuts that attached the buckles to the straps on the snowboard’s bindings can detach, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves 2007 model year Rossignol snowboard bindings. Models included in the recall are: HC 750, HC 1000, HC 2000, HC 3000, HC Mini, HC Amber, HC Diva, HC Harmony, HC Sonar, HC Zena and Jones Brown.

Sold at: Snowboard, ski and sporting good stores nationwide from August 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 and $150.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bindings and take them to a Rossignol snowboard retailer for inspection and free replacement t-nuts. Consumers can also contact Rossignol to have a repair kit mailed to them. T-nuts marked in red-ink or with an embossed dot have been repaired.

15. Hobbico Inc. Recalls Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard.

Product: Batteries Used In Radio-Controlled Helicopter Kits.

Units: About 11,000.

Importer/Distributor: Hobbico Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read “HMX”, “AXE” and “Heli-Max” and training gear. “Electrifly” and “GPMP0401” are printed on the battery.

Sold at: Hobby Stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

16. Electra Bicycle Company Expands Recall of Amsterdam Bicycles; Chain Can Derail and Pose Injury Risk to Riders.

Product: Amsterdam Bicycles.

Units: About 1,500 (about 9,500 bicycles were recalled on July 22, 2008).

Importer: Electra Bicycle Company, LLC, of Vista, Calif.

Hazard: The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle’s chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Electra has received four reports of the chainguard derailing the chain, including one report of minor cuts and abrasion from a fall.

Description: This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. “Electra” and “Amsterdam” are printed on the bicycle’s frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with “EL” or bicycles with chainguards marked “06/08” are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

Sold by: Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850.

Manufactured in: Taiwan.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact Electra Bicycle to determine if his/her bike is included in this recall. Consumers with a recalled bike can bring it to an Electra Bicycle dealer for a free inspection and replacement chainguard part.