Recall Round Up

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

1. Wal-Mart Recalls General Electric Toasters Due to Fire and Shock Hazards.

Product: General Electric Toasters.

Units: About 210,000.

Importer: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark.

Hazard: An electrical short circuit can occur between the heating element and the bread cage, posing a fire and electrical shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Wal-Mart has received 140 reports of fires or sparks coming from the toasters or the toasters tripping the circuit breaker in consumers’ homes. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled toasters have a chrome steel body, a black plastic base and controls with either two or four openings in the top. The GE logo is located on the front of the toasters just above the controls. Model numbers 169115 and 169116 are included in this recall. The model number is printed on the bottom of the toasters.

4-Slice: 169115
2-Slice: 169116

Sold at: Wal-Mart Stores nationwide from September 2007 through July 2008 for between $17 and $28.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toasters and return them to any Wal-Mart for a full refund or replacement toaster.

2. IKEA Recalls to Repair Chest of Drawers Due to Laceration Hazard.

Product: “KVIBY” Chests.

Units: About 5,000. (an additional 26,000 were sold outside of the U.S.)

Manufacturer: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.

Hazard: The glass drawer knobs on the chest can break either during assembly or in use, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: IKEA has received three reports of laceration injuries requiring medical attention. An additional 11 injuries occurred outside of the U.S.

Description: The recalled KVIBY Chest is white with 4 drawers and 6 glass knobs. The recall includes chests with article number 201-080-90 and a date stamp of 0817 (first two digits indicate the year; the second two digits indicate the week) or earlier. The article number and date stamp are located on a label attached to the underside of the chest. KVIBY chests with a date stamp of 0818 and later have improved replacement knobs and screws and are not included in the recall.

Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from August 2007 through July 2008 for about $300.

Manufactured in: Denmark.

Remedy: Consumers should protect their hands and carefully remove the glass knobs. Contact IKEA to receive free replacement knobs and screws by mail.

3. Toy Boats Recalled by Buzz’s Boatyard Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard.

Product: Toy Boats.

Units: About 200.

Importer: Buzz’s Boatyard, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Hazard: The paint on the recalled toy boats contains an excess level of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves two models of tin Pop Pop toy boats. Models included in the recall are the 13-inch “Titanic” and the “Hut” Pop Pop boats.

Sold at: Buzz’s Boatyard’s Web site from April 2007 to November 2007 for between $3 and $12.

Manufactured in: India.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Buzz’s Boatyard for a refund or an exchange.

Source: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.