CPSC – Strollers Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Projectile Hazard

Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Recall date: June 19, 2013

Recall number: 13-221

Recall Summary

Name of product:Jeep Liberty Strollers

Hazard:

The inner tube of the tire on the stroller can rupture causing the wheel rim to fracture and fly off as a projectile, posing a risk of bodily injury and property damage.

Consumer Contact:Kolcraft at (800) 453-7673 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.Kolcraft.com then click Safety Notifications for more information.

Report an Incident Involving this Product

Recall Details

Units

About 96,000 in U.S. and about 510 in Canada

Description

The recall includes Jeep Liberty branded strollers with model numbers starting with JL031, JL032, JL034, JL035 or JL036 manufactured between June 2010 and September 2011.  The model number and date of manufacture are printed on a white tag on the rear upper center of each seatback pad. The three-wheeled strollers were sold in different color fabric combinations with a metal black and silver frame including: green seat and canopy; gray seat and canopy with a teal blue stripe across the center of the canopy; orange seat and canopy with a tan stripe; tan seat and canopy with yellow stripe across the center top of the canopy; and tan seat and canopy with an orange canopy rim. “Jeep” is printed on the side of the stroller and on the front of the stroller tray. There is a plastic red toy steering wheel, ignition key and orange shift lever mounted on a yellow base attached to the stroller tray. If your stroller wheels have a gray triangle located on the rim at the valve stem then your stroller wheels are not included in this recall.

Incidents/Injuries

Kolcraft and the CPSC have received 39 reports of inner tube ruptures causing the wheel rim to fracture and fly off as a projectile. Of these, 18 included reports of injury, with 14 occurring while filling the tire with air by adult caregivers. Two children received lacerations to their chin or leg while standing near the stroller and 16 adults received abrasions, contusions and/or lacerations to their arms, legs, stomach or head/face. Two of the reports included property damage.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact the company to receive free replacement wheels. Consumers should use a manual bicycle pump to inflate stroller tires to a maximum of 30 p.s.i.  Do not use gas station air pumps to inflate stroller tires.

Sold at

Burlington Coat Factory, Sears and Toys R Us nationwide, online and at other mass market and independent juvenile specialty stores from June 2010 through June 2013 for between $150 and $180.

Importer

Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill.

Manufactured in

China

 

Fisher-Price recall due to risk of mold exposure

Fisher-Price Recalls to Inspect Rock ‘N Play Infant Sleepers Due to Risk of Exposure to Mold.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should immediately inspect this product and stop using it if mold is found. Units currently in retail stores are not included in this recall to inspect.

Name of Product: Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper™

Units: About 800,000 units

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

Hazard: Mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper when it remains wet/moist or is infrequently cleaned, posing a risk of exposure to mold to infants sleeping in the product. The CPSC advises that mold has been associated with respiratory illnesses and other infections. Although mold is not present at the time of purchase, mold growth can occur after use of the product.

Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received 600 reports of mold on the product. Sixteen consumers have reported that their infants have been treated for respiratory issues, coughs and hives after sleeping in the product.

Description: This recall to inspect includes all Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play infant recliner seats called sleepers. The sleeper is designed for babies up to 25 pounds and is composed of a soft plastic seat held by a metal rocking frame. The product has a removable, fabric cover that is sold in 14 patterns and color palettes.

Sold at: Mass merchandise stores nationwide and online since September 2009 for between $50 and $85. Units currently in retail stores are not affected by this recall to inspect. Only products that show signs of mold after use by consumers are included in this announcement.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately check for mold under the removable seat cushion. Dark brown, gray or black spots can indicate the presence of mold. If mold is found, consumers should immediately stop using the product. Consumers can contact Fisher-Price for cleaning instructions or further assistance. Cleaning and care instructions can also be found at http://www.service.mattel.com or by contacting the firm.

Consumer Contact: Fisher-Price; at (800) 432-5437, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.service.mattel.com for more information.

GE Recalls Front Load Washers Due to Injury Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: GE Profile™ Front Load Washers

Units: About 62,000

Importer: GE Appliances, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: The washer’s basket can separate during use and break the washer’s top panel, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: GE has received 19 reports of washer baskets separating, including 10 reports of top panel breakage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves GE Profile™ frontload washing machines with model numbers beginning with WPDH8800, WPDH8900 and WPDH8910. All serial numbers with these models are included in this recall. The washers were sold in gold, red and white colors. The model number is located on the washer’s right side near the bottom and behind the door near the door frame visible when the door is opened.

Brand	Model Number Begins With:	And Serial Number Begins With:
GE Profile™	WPDH8800 WPDH8900 WPDH8910	All serial numbers with these models are included.

Sold at: Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears, The Home Depot and other department and retail stores nationwide, from July 2008 to August 2011 for between $1,199 and $1,599.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled washers and contact GE for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE Appliances at (888) 641-9739 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.geappliances.com/products/recall

LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard

 

LG Electronics and Sears Recall Gas Dryers For Repair Due to Fire Hazard.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately until a repair is completed on affected dryers. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: LG Electronics and Kenmore Elite® Gas Dryers

Units: About 21,000

Manufacturer: LG Electronics, Inc., of South Korea

Hazard: The gas valve in the recalled dryers can fail to shut off properly, continuing to heat the dryer and its contents after the drying cycle is complete. High temperatures inside and on the exterior surface of the dryers can scorch the drum, as well as burn or damage the dryer contents, posing a risk of burn, fire and smoke inhalation.

Incidents/Injuries: LG Electronics and Sears have received 141 consumer complaints about dryers continuing to heat after the drying cycle is complete. There were three reports of minor burns to hands or arms. Burnt or scorched clothing was reported in more than 50 incidents.

Description: LG Electronics and Sears’ Kenmore Elite brand gas dryers come in the following colors: LG models in white; Kenmore Elite® in red, white and ginger (gold). Model and serial numbers can be found on a label fixed to the front of the dryer above the opened door, which can be viewed only when the dryer door is open. To confirm if your dryer is part of this recall, identify both model and serial numbers, since not all dryers with the listed models are recalled.

Sold by: LG Electronics brand gas dryers were sold by various appliance stores, including Sears, nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. Kenmore Elite® brand gas dryers were sold at Sears stores nationwide from November 2009 through August 2010. The approximate retail cost for the recalled dryers was between $650 and $1500 for these various models.

Manufactured in: South Korea

Remedy: Consumers should turn off the gas supply and stop using the dryers until repaired. LG brand owners who purchased their dryer at retailers other than Sears should contact LG customer service to arrange for a free gas valve replacement. Customers who purchased Kenmore or LG brand dryers from Sears should contact Sears’ customer service to schedule a free repair to replace the gas valve. Some consumers have already been notified and have received the repair service.

ATTENTION: Dryers that have a colored sticker on the back, top, or a colored sticker or a plus sign (“+”) on the back, bottom, near the gas valve assembly, have already been repaired. If accessible, consumers can check for these stickers or sign. If not accessible, contact LG or Sears as detailed below.

LG Consumer Contact: For additional information about the recall and to schedule a repair, contact LG toll free at (866) 223-5355 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT on Saturday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.lg.com/us and click on Public Notices.

Sears Consumer Contact: For additional information and to schedule a repair, contact Sears toll-free at (888) 375-9741 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Saturday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.sears.com and click on Product Recalls under Customer Service.

 

Baby Seats Recalled for Repair by Bumbo International Due to Fall Hazard

 

Click image to see earlier Consumer Forum column Feb 12th in the BDN

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bumbo Baby Seats

Units: About 4 million in the U.S. Note: In October 2007, 1 million Bumbo seats were voluntarily recalled to provide additional warnings against use on raised surfaces.

Manufacturer: Bumbo International Trust, of South Africa

Hazard: Babies can maneuver out of or fall from the Bumbo seat, posing a risk of serious injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and Bumbo International know of at least 50 incidents after the October 2007 voluntary recall in which babies fell from a Bumbo seat while it was being used on a raised surface. Nineteen of those incidents included reports of skull fractures. CPSC and Bumbo International are aware of an additional 34 post-recall reports of infants who fell out or maneuvered out of a Bumbo seat used on the floor or at an unknown elevation, resulting in injury. Two of these incidents involved reports of skull fractures, while others reported bumps, bruises and other minor injuries.

Description: The bottom of the Bumbo seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in various colors. The seat has leg holes and the seat back wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word “Bumbo” with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: “Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030.” The back of the seat has several warnings and seats manufactured since 2008 have an additional label on the front of the seat warning against use on raised surfaces.

Sold by: Sears, Target, Toys R Us (including Babies R Us), USA Babies, Walmart, and various other toy and children’s stores nationwide, and various online sellers, from August 2003 through August 2012 for between $30 and $50.

Manufactured in: South Africa

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product until they order and install a free repair kit, which includes: a restraint belt with a warning label, installation instructions, safe use instructions and a new warning sticker. The belt should always be used when a child is placed in the seat. Even with the belt, the seat should never be used on any raised surface. Consumers should also immediately stop using Bumbo seat covers that interfere with the installation and use of the belt. A video demonstrating proper installation of the restraint belt and proper use of the Bumbo seat are available at http://www.recall.BumboUSA.com

Consumer Contact: Order the free repair kit by visiting www.recall.BumboUSA.com or calling (866) 898-4999 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday. Do not return the Bumbo seat to retailers as they will not be able to provide the repair kit.

In response to the initial Consumer Forum column, Bumbo asked for clarification of information presented regarding safety straps.  On February 21 the following appeared:

In last week’s column, I made several points about the Bumbo baby seat with which its manufacturer, Bumbo International, took exception. Three clarifications should help to correct the record.

A Bumbo spokesperson wrote to say that a warning had been placed on the seat, as well as on the box and in printed instructions, before the 2007 voluntary recall; after the recall, a second warning was printed on the front of the seat. This was a reporting error.

I wrote that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was aware of 95 more injuries since the recall and that 50 of those happened while the seat was being used on the floor or when it was not clear where the seat was being used. Bumbo notes this statement confused incident reports with injuries. A CPSC news release says the Commission is aware of a total of 39 injuries. This was also a reporting error.

I also cited a story in USA Today about the possibility of adding a safety strap to the seat. The online version reads, “Asked why it doesn’t redesign the seat with a strap to keep kids from falling out, Bumbo International said Thursday that a safety strap would give parents a ‘false sense of security.’” Bumbo’s spokeswoman wrote to me that “the company has not said that a safety strap ‘would’ give a false sense of security but rather is concerned that any safety device could give the impress (sic) that the seat is safe for uses for which it is not designed,” namely, that it not be used above floor level.

The Bumbo spokeswoman also provided a copy of its statement to USA Today, which concluded, “The safety and health of all children who use the Bumbo seat is the company’s foremost priority.”

Magnetic Desk Toys Pose Real Risk for Children — WABI Morning News

Consumer Contact: Magnetic Desk Toys Pose Real Risk for Children

by WABI-TV5 News Desk - August 9th 2012 08:58am – View Segment

Russ Van Arsdale gave us information in our Consumer Contact segment this week, about the risk of magnetic desk toys and what harm they can pose to children when they are swallowed.

To get more information on these magnets you can visit the Consumer Product Safety website By Clicking Here

Sears Recalls Kenmore® Dehumidifiers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Kenmore Dehumidifiers

Units: About 795,000

Retailer: Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation, of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Manufacturer: LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China

Hazard: The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 107 reports of incidents, with more than $7 million in property damage and three reports of smoke inhalation injuries.

Description: This recall involves 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers with a Kenmore logo on the front top of the unit, manufactured between 2003 and 2005. The dehumidifiers are made of white plastic and are between 21 and 24 inches tall, about 15 inches wide and about 13.5 inches in depth. They have fan and humidity controls on their top front panels and some models include remote controls. They come with front-loading water buckets. The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed. Recalled units have the following model numbers:

35-pint (2004) - 580.54351400

50-pint (2003) - 580.53509300

70-pint (2003) - 580.53701300

70-pint (2004) - 580.54701400

70-pint (2005) - 580.54701500

Sold Exclusively at: Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the firm to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90 or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. The gift card amount will depend on the capacity and year of the dehumidifier. In lieu of a gift card, consumers may request a check for the refund amount. All consumers with recalled units will also receive a $25 coupon that may be used at Sears Department Stores or Sears.com toward the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Recall Fulfillment Center toll-free at (855) 400-4641 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com

 

The dangers of playing with magnets

CONSUMER FORUM

By Russ Van Arsdale, Executive director, Northeast CONTACT

Posted July 28, 2012, at 3:34 p.m.

 Jonathan and Meaghin Jordan of Kiln, Miss., bought a set of magnets and enjoyed moving them into various shapes. Their fun ended, however, when they discovered their 2-year-old son Braylon had swallowed eight of the magnets.

Some of the magnets joined partway through Braylon’s intestinal tract, and he suffered a perforated bowel. Last month, surgeons removed his small intestine; the youngster is likely to face more surgery.

This story is one of hundreds involving magnets swallowed by curious children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, has issued warnings about magnet ingestion in the past. In April 2007, the agency cautioned that magnets could come loose from some products and pose a danger to children. Last November, CPSC and Maxfield & Oberton Holdings LLC worked cooperatively to inform the public of possible risks posed by high-powered magnet balls sold as adult desk toys.

Those sets are made of strong, rare earth magnets that can hold many times their own weight. Since they’re more powerful than regular magnets, they’re likely to combine once ingested. That can cause twisting and tearing of the stomach or intestines, blood poisoning and possibly death.

The CPSC received one ingestion report involving ball-bearing-type magnets in 2009, seven in 2010 and 14 through October 2011. The incidents involved children aged from 18 months to 15 years. Seventeen of the cases involved ingestion of magnets, and 11 required surgical removal.

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition found during a recent survey of its members that there were more than 60 magnet ingestions in two years, resulting in 23 bowel perforations and requiring 26 surgeries.

Maxfield, the maker of Buckyballs and Buckycubes, is up front about the danger. Products on the company’s website all display the caution, “Warning: Keep Away From All Children.” The firm says every package carries the warning in five different places, with more warnings on the instructions.

A company video puts it plainly: “If accidentally swallowed, they can cause damaging injuries and sometimes lead to emergency surgery or even death.” Why, you might ask, does the firm continue to market what it admits is a risky item?

The company says it’s all about consumer choice and responsibility. It markets the magnets as fun desk toys for consumers ages 14 and older. The company says its warnings are clear and sufficient, and it’s up to the adults who buy them to make sure they don’t get into children’s hands.

The company says that since the CPSC relies on warnings to prevent other consumer injuries, the agency should not ban sales of magnets. Of a half billion magnets in the marketplace, the firm says there have been “fewer than two dozen cases of misuse.” On its website, it tells CPSC, “Thank you for trying to drive a $50 million New York-based consumer products company out of business.”

Last week CPSC filed suit against the company calling Buckyballs and Buckycubes — the company’s only products — a “substantial product hazard.” CPSC asked major retailers to stop selling the products, and some have complied. Maxfield says the lawsuit gives the company a chance to defend its products, “but only after ruining its retailer base through intimidation tactics.”

Whatever a judge finally rules, CPSC’s suggestions on magnet safety are worth reading:

• Keep small magnets away from young children who might swallow them.

• Look out for loose magnet pieces and regularly inspect toys and children’s play areas for missing or dislodged magnets.

• If you suspect that magnets have been swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.

• Look for abdominal symptoms, such as abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Note that in X-rays, multiple magnetic pieces may appear as a single object.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for information, write Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, visit necontact.wordpress.com or email contacexdir@live.com.

Children’s Beach Chairs Recalled by Downeast Concepts Due to Laceration Hazard

 

Children’s Beach Chairs Recalled by Downeast Concepts Due to Laceration Hazard.

one of several styles

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Folding Beach Chairs

Units: About 15,400

Manufacturer: Downeast Concepts Inc., dba Backyard and Beyond, of Yarmouth, Maine

Hazard: The recalled children’s beach chairs have exposed, sharp metal rivets, posing a laceration hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of one injury to a 21-month-old girl who fell on the chair’s metal rivets and cut her forehead and had to have stitches.

Description: The recalled children’s folding beach chairs have white aluminum tube frames and pink, yellow, blue or purple fabric seats and chair backs with fish, palm trees or mermaid decorations.The chairs measure 13 inches wide by 18 inches high by 20 inches deep.

Sold at: Home Goods and other stores nationwide from June 2011 through June 2012 for between $13 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled beach chairs immediately and return them to Downeast Concepts for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Downeast Concepts at (800) 343-2424 between 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.downeastconcepts.com

 

Troxel Recalls Flexible Flyer Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard — CPSC

Troxel Recalls Flexible Flyer Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Flexible Flyer Swing Sets

Units: About 100,500 in the United States and 4,900 in Canada

Manufacturer: The Troxel Company, of Moscow, Tenn.

Hazard: The see saw seats can break away from the bolt fasteners during use, posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm received 1,232 reports of see saw seats breaking resulting in thirteen injuries to young children that included bumps, bruises and lacerations.

Description: The Flexible Flyer swing sets come in 11 different models each with a see saw attachment along with swings, bars or a slide

Sold by: Walmart, Toys R Us, Academy and at other specialty stores, and online retailers from December 2011 through May 2012 for between $130 and $280.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the see saws immediately and contact Troxel to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Troxel at (888) 770-7060 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company’s website at 
http://www.regcen.com/flexibleflyer