Recalls in October 2011

Volvo is recalling about 20,000 C70 and S60 models to fix a problem with the optional spare tire kit. The affected models are:

The company said the spare tire kit that was sold as an option fails to meet federal safety regulations.  Labels may be misprinted, which could lead to improper tire inflation.

Volvo will notify owners and dealers will replace the label if necessary.

Owners may contact Volvo at 1-201-76807300.

Harper Trucks Inc. is recalling about 292,000 hand trucks sold at The Home Depot. When the tires are overinflated, they can explode causing the wheel hub to separate or break, ejecting pieces of the hub. This poses an injury hazard to bystanders.

Harper Trucks has received 19 reports of overinflated tires exploding that resulted in 19 injuries, including broken bones, loss of sight in one eye, contusions and lacerations.

This recall involves Harper Trucks hand trucks with model numbers and type of wheels listed below. "Harper Truck" and the model number can be found on an adhesive sticker on the hand truck frame's cross member. Hand trucks with two-piece, grey metal wheels are not included in this recall.

The Home Depot from September 2008 through March 2009 and Sam's Club sold the trucks from January 1993 through January 2002 for between $28 and $42. They were made in China, the United States, and Taiwan.

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Harper Trucks for a free repair kit that includes either lock washers to secure the four bolts on the 3-piece, metal/chrome plated wheels or new design replacement tires for the 1-piece composite tires.

For additional information, contact Harper Trucks toll-free at (800) 835-4099 between 8:30a.m.and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail wheels@harpertrucks.com or visit the company's website at www.harpertrucks.com

General Motors is recalling about 34,000 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models to fix a problem with the tire-pressure monitoring system.

The company said that the tire-pressure warning light on the recalled vehicles does not illuminate until the cold pressure is more than 25% below the recommended pressure.  Under federal regulations, it's supposed to illuminate at the 25% mark, not below it.

Underinflated tires can cause tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to an accident, as well as premature wear, poor handling and poor economy.

GM dealers will update the control module free of charge.

Customers can call GM at  1-800-630-2438 and GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

General Electric is recalling about 470 GE Monogram Pro Rangetops with grills.

Burners on rangetops operating on liquefied petroleum ("LP" or propane) may fail to ignite or light if the gas control knob is left in a position between OFF and LITE, posing a risk of delayed ignition or explosion.

GE has received six reports involving explosions in units operating on LP gas, including reports of damage to kitchen cabinets beneath the Rangetop. No fires or injuries have been reported.

Grill units operate on liquefied petroleum ("LP" or propane) or natural gas. The Rangetop units are either 36 or 48 inches wide with a stainless steel finish and the GE Monogram® badge located on the front center of the unit. The burner control knobs are located on the front panel that overhangs the cabinet. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label located behind the far left burner knob, or on the bottom of the unit.

The following models and serials are included in this recall:

All LP models and only natural gas models that have been converted for use with LP gas are included in the recall. GE will notify known owners of natural gas units and provide a free repair for any consumers who converted their Rangetop with Grill to LP gas.

General Electric authorized representatives and distributors sold the rangetop units nationwide from May 2008 through August 2011 for between $3,400 and $4,700, as determined by retailers.  They were made in Mexico.

Consumers who are operating the product on LP (propane) gas should stop using the product immediately, turn off the gas supply to the product, and contact GE to schedule a free repair.

For additional information, contact General Electric toll-free at (866) 645-3956 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.geappliances.com/products/recall

BB Buggies is recalling about 3,200 Bad Boy Baggies off-road utility vehicles.

The steering assembly arm can break and cause the driver to lose control, posing a crash hazard.

The firm has received 15 reports of the steering assembly arm breaking. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Bad Boy LT, Classic, XT, XTO and XT Safari model electric off-road utility vehicles. The utility vehicles have four wheels, bench seats for the operator and passengers and were sold in camouflage patterns, hunter green, red and black. “Bad Boy” is printed on the side or front of the vehicles.

Bad Boy Buggy dealers sold the buggies nationwide from August 2009 through June 2011 for between $7,000 and $15,000.  They were made in the U.S.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility vehicles and contact an authorized dealer or BB Buggies for a free replacement of the steering assembly.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact BB Buggies toll-free at (855) 738-3711 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s website at www.badboybuggies.com

Big Lots is recalling about 375,000 Microfiber Glider Recliners with Ottomans and Leather Glider Recliners with Ottomans.

An exposed gap between the moving parts of the chair and the base framework can allow access to toddlers and infants, posing an entrapment hazard. In addition, other exposed moving parts on the chair and the ottoman can pose finger pinching and crushing hazards to older children and adults.

CPSC received two reports of children under age two who were found trapped at the neck between horizontal components of the frame at the back of the chair. In both incidents, adults were able to release the children who suffered no permanent injuries.

The Microfiber Glider Recliner and Leather Glider Recliner are reclining glider/rocking chairs on a swivel base. Both the chair and ottoman sit on circular metal bases made from 1.25 inch metal tubing and have cushions covered in either light brown or green microfiber fabric or dark brown simulated leather fabric. A label under the seat of the chair identifies the manufacturer as Dongguan Shindin Metal & Plastic Products Ltd. There is a small label on the front metal rod under the seat that states "Maximum wt load 250 lbs."

Big Lots stores sold the gliders nationwide from January 2005 through December 2009 for about $170.  They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit that covers the base framework and the moving parts of the chair and ottoman.

For additional information, contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.biglots.com

Target is recalling about 3,400 frog masks.  The plush frog masks lack proper ventilation. When secured in place across a child’s face, it presents a suffocation hazard.

This recall involves child-sized frog-themed animal masks. The plush mask is green with yellow and red highlights. There are two eye cutouts and a green elastic band with a fastener used to secure the mask at the back of the child’s head. UPC code 06626491474 is printed on a label attached to the mask.

Target stores sold the masks nationwide from August 2011 through September 2011 for about $1.  They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the masks from young children and return them to any Target store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website atwww.target.com

Lifemarque is recalling about 50 LittleLife Baby Carriers. The carriers were sold without bolts that attach the carrier’s main frame to the metal stand. Missing bolts cause the carrier to disconnect from the stand and fall backwards, posing a fall hazard to a child in the carrier.

This recall involves LittleLife Discoverer child carriers. “LittleLife” is printed on the back of the carriers. Number LS55060 is printed on a tab sewn underneath the care label. The carriers are green and gray with a black metal frame at the back with a folding leg bracket to enable the carriers to stand.

The carriers were sold by outdoor stores nationwide, Champaign Surplus in Champaign, Ill., Skinny Skis in Jackson, Wy., Base Camp stores in Montana, and online at www.amazon.com, www.skinnyskis.com, www.thebasecamp.com, and www.MadAthlete.com from January 2011 through July 2011 for about $200. They were made in Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately stop using the carriers and check to make sure there are two bolts on each side where the carrier’s main frame attaches to the metal stand. If the bolts are missing, contact LittleLife for a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (877) 922-5462 between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email the firm atcustomer.services@littlelife.co.uk or visit the firm’s website at www.littlelife.com

Guidecraft is recalling about 760 Twist ‘n Sort Toys. The small pegs on three of the four posts can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

This recall involves Twist ‘n Sort wooden toys. The toy has a square base, four posts and twelve primary-colored game pieces that can be arranged to fit over the posts. Product number “712” is printed on underside of base.

The toys were sold by specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide, catalogs and online from September 2009 through November 2010 for about $20. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys from children and contact Guidecraft to receive a replacement or another product of equal value.

For additional information, contact Guidecraft toll-free at (888) 824-1308 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.guidecraft.com

B.O.B. Traillers is recalling about 412,000 jogging strollers.  The stroller canopy's embroidered logo's backing patch can detach, posing a choking hazard to babies and young children.

The firm has received six reports of children mouthing the detached patch. Gagging and choking were reported in two incidents. The backing was removed from the children's mouth without injury. In each of the reported incidents, the children were seated in an infant car seat attached to the stroller.

This recall involves all B.O.B. strollers manufactured between November 1998 and November 2010. Strollers manufactured after October 2006 have a white label affixed to the back of the stroller's leg with the manufacturing date. Strollers with no manufacturing date listed were produced prior to October 2006 and are included in this recall. The strollers were sold in single seat and double-seat models. The BOB®, Ironman® or Stroller Strides® brand name is embroidered on the canopy of the strollers.

The strollers were sold at REI, Babies R' Us and other children's product and sporting goods stores nationwide and Amazon.com between November 1998 and October 2011 for between $280 and $600.  They were made in Taiwan and China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers until they remove the embroidery backing patch from the interior of the canopy's logo. Consumers should contact B.O.B. Trailers for instructions on removing the backing.

For additional information, contact B.O.B. Trailers toll-free at (855) 242-2245 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.bobnotices.com

Yielding to pressure from parents, health advocates, and lawmakers, the chemical industry has conceded that the toxic plastics chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) should not be used to make baby bottles and sippy cups.

The American Chemistry Council announced today that it has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise its regulations to “clarify for consumers that BPA is no longer used to manufacture baby bottles and sippy cups and will not be used in these products in the future.”

The industry’s surprise move follows California’s enactment Tuesday of legislation backed by the Environmental Working Group to bar BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups.

“The chemical industry spent millions this year fighting efforts in California and other states to ban BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, and now it supports protecting babies and toddlers from this toxic chemical," said Ken Cook, president and co-founder of Environmental Working Group. “This is a stunning reversal.”

The American Chemistry Council put a slightly more positive spin on it, but conceded that the issue had become a "distraction."

"Although governments around the world continue to support the safety of BPA in food contact materials, confusion about these products has become an unnecessary distraction to consumers, legislators and state regulators," said Steven G. Hentges, Ph.D., of the Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group of ACC.  "FDA action on this request will provide certainty that BPA is not used to make the baby bottles and sippy cups on store shelves, either today or in the future."

Hormone disrupter

“If BPA doesn’t pose a risk to human health, then why ask for these restrictions?” Cook said. “The answer is that this chemical, a synthetic estrogen, disrupts the hormone system and has been linked to a long list of serious medical conditions. The FDA should now push to remove BPA from baby formula and canned food, which expose children to even greater concentrations of the toxic chemical.”

The chemistry council said California's action had "contributed to confusion about whether baby bottles and sippy cups sold in the United States contain BPA."

"In fact, manufacturers of baby bottles and sippy cups announced several years ago that due to consumer preference they had stopped using BPA in these products," the group said in a press release.

"FDA has the scientific expertise and specific responsibility to make regulatory decisions about BPA and food-contact materials. For this reason, ACC has consistently opposed efforts by federal and state officials to impose legislative restrictions that conflict with FDA's authority and create a patchwork of inconsistent laws or regulations," the statement continued.

Bisphenol-A, a petrochemical derivative used to harden plastics, is a key ingredient in epoxy coatings used to line virtually all aluminum food cans worldwide. A few organic food canners in the U.S. are using non-BPA linings. The chemical is also an integral ingredient in polycarbonate plastics, the hard clear materials used until recently for many baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles and other sturdy plastic foodware.

IKEA is recalling about 58,000 BUSA folding children's tents sold in the U.S. and Canada.

The steel wire frame of the tent can break, producing sharp wire ends that can protrude through the tent fabric, posing a laceration or puncture hazard.

This recall involves a cube-shaped children’s folding tent with model number 90192009. The brand name BUSA and IKEA and the model number are printed on a sewn-in label attached to an interior seam in the tent. The tent frame is made of flat steel wire and the tent material is pale green polyester fabric with turquoise, pink and white trim. The tent’s dimensions are: L 28 1/4, W 28 1/4, H 28 1/4.

IKEA stores sold the tents nationwide from August 2011 through September 2011 for about $8. They were made in Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately take it away from children and return it to their nearest IKEA store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.ikea-usa.com

J.C. Penney is recalling about 8,000 Yu Wei drop-side cribs sold on its Website and through its catalog. 

Hazard: The drop-side rails on the crib can malfunction, detach or unexpectedly fall down, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position. When this happens, a space is created into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and due to age-related wear and tear.

CPSC and the firms are aware of nine incidents involving drop side rails that malfunctioned or detached, including one report of a child who sustained minor abrasions to the arm.

This recall involves Yu Wei full-size cribs sold under the Scroll and Lauren model names. The cribs were sold in antique white, pecan and dark cherry, and have the following model numbers and date codes listed on the inside of the crib’s end panels.

The cribs were sold at jcpenney.com and in the jcpenney catalog from January 2006 through December 2010 for between $300 and $450. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Yu Wei to get a free immobilizer kit that will immobilize the drop side. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to find an alternate, safe sleep environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on your child’s age.

For additional information, contact Yu Wei at (877) 806-8190 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.yuweicribrecalls.com . Consumers can also email the firm at yuweiparts@aol.com to order a free immobilizer kit.