Failed to Report Safety Defects

Infant Seat Maker Fined

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.2002 -- MTS Products Inc. of Northridge, Calif., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $75,000 to settle allegations that the company failed to report serious defects with its infant carriers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced.

Under the Consumer Product Safety Act, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers must immediately report product defects to the Commission.

In March 1996, MTS manufactured and distributed over 18,000 infant carriers under the brand names "J. Mason Infant Carriers" (Model number 12502), "Squiggles" (Model number 12505), and "Aurora Dreams" (Model number 12506).

Between June 6, 1996 and February 24, 1997, MTS received seven reports of the infant carrier's handle breaking during use, causing infants to fall to the ground or floor. Several children suffered injuries, including bruises, cuts and abrasions to their faces. MTS failed to report these injuries to the Commission.

CPSC and MTS Products announced the recall of the infant carriers in December 1997.

The white plastic infant carrier comes with a fabric seat pad and matching removable sun shade canopy. The fabric comes in the following designs: 1) multicolored fabric (pink, blue, white and green) with a geometric pattern, 2) light blue fabric with white squiggly lines, or 3) light blue fabric with pink and purple patterns. "J. MASON" is imprinted on the carrier's handle, which can be used to convert the carrier to a rocking or feeding position. "MADE IN U.S.A." is imprinted on the bottom of the carrier and there is a red sticker on the bottom of the carrier that reads, "Warning: Do Not Use As A Car Seat."

In agreeing to settle this matter, MTS denied that it violated the Commission's reporting requirements.

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