Recalls in January 1970

May 25, 2004
Paramount Farmsis voluntarily expanding its recall of natural raw almonds, initially announced last week when the company recalled whole natural raw almonds sold under the Kirkland Signature, Trader Joes and Sunkist brands.

Paramount said that from now on it "pasteurize" all almonds before shipping, which goes above and beyond current industry common practices.

The recall is being expanded in three ways:

• by extending the "best buy" dates for its retail brands;
• by including raw natural diced almonds; and,
• by including all of its industrial distributors and ultimate retailers.

The company chose to expand the recall after one additional case of salmonellosis was confirmed in Michigan that occurred more than three months ago.

Neither the original, nor expanded retail or industrial recall, includes roasted, blanched, sliced, or slivered almonds. Such almonds undergo processing which eliminates any potential bacteria such as Salmonella Enteriditis.

On the retail side, the recall extends the "best before" ending dates. The "best before" dates for Trader Joe's and Sunkist brands whole natural raw almonds extend from 8/21/04 through 3/15/05 to 8/21/04 through 5/20/05. The "best before" dates for Kirkland Signature brand whole natural raw almonds extend from "best before" dates of 8/21/04 through 2/8/05 to 8/21/04 through 3/16/05.

Furthermore, the recall adds raw almonds marked "natural diced" sold under the Sunkist brand in 10-ounce lay-flat plastic bags with "best before" dates of 8/21/04 through 5/20/05.

Paramount Farms is also in the process of contacting all of its distributors and ultimate retailers who further process and resell to ensure all whole natural raw and all raw natural diced almonds with "bulk ship" dates of 8/21/03 through 5/20/04 have been traced and removed from the marketplace.

t is believed that most of the product already has been consumed or has been processed, roasted or otherwise altered, which typically eliminates Salmonella , believed to be linked with illnesses that resulted in the original recall. Countries where the almonds may have been distributed and in which customers are being contacted include Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, France, England and Italy.

"While extensive lab testing has revealed no Salmonella in Paramount products, we are contacting all of our customers who may have received shipment of natural raw unpasteurized almonds to retrieve any that may still be in circulation and have not been roasted," said David Szeflin, vice president, Operations, Paramount Farms.

The original recall of May 18, 2004 involved approximately 5 million pounds of whole natural raw almonds. An additional 8 million pounds were shipped to other companies, as well as overseas.

The whole natural raw almonds sold under the Trader Joe's brand were in a one-pound lay-flat plastic bag marked "nonpareil variety raw almonds;" those sold under the Sunkist brand were in a 10-ounce lay-flat plastic bag marked "raw natural whole almonds;" and, those sold under the Kirkland Signature brand, available exclusively at Costco Wholesale Inc., were packaged in three-pound, lay-flat plastic bags.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

April 3, 2007
Dollar General is recalling about 396,000 metal key chains because they contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

This recall involves three styles of metal key chains including a flip flop design, dangling charms and a letter. The flip flop charms were sold in purple, yellow and aqua blue and have a flower at the top. Charms on the dangling-style key chain include a cross, flower, shamrock, and a heart that hangs from a short silver chain. The letter-style key chain is a silver metal letter in the English alphabet. The words 'KeyChain' and 'Dollar General $1.25' are printed on the front of the packaging for each style.

The chains were sold at Dollar General stores nationwide from December 2005 through January 2007 for $1.25.

Consumers should immediately take these key chains away from young children and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dollar General Corp. at (800) 678-9258 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.dollargeneral.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

February 21, 2007
Tap Machine Inc. is recalling about 2,000 sake warmers because they can unexpectedly spray hot sake on consumers during use, posing a risk of serious burns.

Tap Machine has received one report of a consumer sustaining first- and second-degree burns when using the sake warmer.

The recalled product is used to warm sake at restaurants, bars or for home use. The counter-sized unit is about 11-inches wide by 11-inches deep by 19-inches high. The unit warms sake to between 115 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a front-mounted spicket to control the flow of sake and uses an external 18 liter bag in the box reservoir or an external three liter refillable plastic reservoir, both of which contain sake and are placed on top of the unit.

The recalled units have model number SM05 followed by serial numbers: 1001 through 3074, which is written on the left side of the units.

The units were sold at Tap Machine's Web site, by telephone order, and at various wine and spirit distributors from November 2005 through January 2007 for about $150.

Consumers should immediately stop using these sake warmers and return them to Tap Machine for a full refund.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

June 28, 2006
The Chrysler Pacifica is the focus of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation because the engines might stall in some models.

The probe covers approximately 147,000 vehicles and began in February after federal regulators received 60 complaints.

Both computer software and defective fuel pumps are thought to be the likely cause of the stalling. Software is suspected to be the cause of stalling in 131,000 2005 and 2006 models,

Defective fuel pumps are thought to be the cause in 17,000 2005 models, according to NHTSA.

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2002 -- Royal Outdoor Products of Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 1,250 colonial vinyl post kits. Cracks can develop near the base of the posts. This can allow the railing to collapse, potentially injuring people on the deck.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).f

CPSC and Royal Outdoor Products have received seven reports of the posts cracking and one report in which the post failed. Royal Outdoor Products is not aware of any injuries associated with the posts cracking or failing.

The recalled Royal Colonial Vinyl Deck Post Kit is intended for use with the Royal pre-built vinyl deck rail system. The 4-inch square post has a "lathe turned" design in the middle. A label with the words "Royal Outdoor Products" and "R008-45-136" is affixed to the bottom of each post. Each kit contains one post. The posts were made in Canada.

Home Depot stores in the mid-Atlantic region sold these deck post kits from February 2002 through April 2002 for about $30.

Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Royal Outdoor Products to receive a free reinforcement kit. For more information, consumers can reach Royal Outdoor Products at (877) 467- 6925 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday ET or visit the firm's web site at www.royaloutdoor.com.

July 6, 2005
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded previous recalls of certain implantable defibrillators manufactured by Guidant Corporation, and recalled June 17, 2005 and June 24, 2005.

FDA has designated as Class I the recalls of the Ventak Prizm, 2 DR (manufactured on or before April 16, 2002) and Contak Renewal1 and 2 devices (manufactured on or before August 26, 2004)

A Class I recall is the highest priority recall. It consisted of a letter to physicians and patients, and was sent out on June 17. This recall is one in which there is a reasonable probability that, if a particular device is malfunctioning, the malfunctioning device will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Malfunctions in these devices can lead to serious consequences and its important for patients to call their doctor for additional information and personalized advice, said Daniel Schultz, MD, Director of FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health. However, its also important to understand that in most cases these defibrillators work well and save lives.

FDA has designated as Class II the previously announced physician communications concerning Ventak Prizm AVT, Vitality AVT, Renewal AVT devices, Renewal 3 and 4, Renewal 3 and 4 AVT, and Renewal RF devices

A Class II recall is one in which the malfunctioning product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, however the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

These recall classifications do not affect Guidants current recommendation to physicians and patients. Guidant recommends that physicians continue with normal follow-up patient visits at three-month intervals.

Neither Guidant nor FDA is making a recommendation as to whether individual patients should have their devices removed. Rather, both believe that decision is best made by consultation between patients and their physicians, based on the specific case history of each patient.

In certain cases, the risks associated with the surgery to explant the device will outweigh the extremely small risk of device malfunction.

July 21, 2004
Kmart is recalling about 38,000 Pool Pump water guns sold in its stores from January 2004 through June 2004 for about $2. The cone-shaped nozzle can unexpectedly come off the water gun and be propelled, possibly causing injury.

There have been four reports of injuries to children including cuts and bruises to the face and head.

The 15-inch-long water guns are shaped like giant syringes. When placed in a pool, they fill with water when the handle at the top of the device is pulled, and shoot water when pushed. They have either an orange tube with green handle and nozzle or a yellow tube with blue handle and nozzle. There is no writing on the water guns themselves.

Consumers should stop using the water guns and return them to a Kmart store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Kmart at (866) KMART4U anytime.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

June 19, 2007
Far East Imports is recalling its 300-shot "Saturn Missiles Battery" fireworks. These fireworks devices can travel in an unexpected and dangerous direction, which could pose eye and other injury hazards to bystanders.

The recalled fireworks are a 200 gram multi shot device that consists of 300 individual missiles with a single fuse for ignition. The device measures 2 1/2 by 23 7/8 by 3 1/4 and its packaging has a red and yellow label and the words Saturn Missiles-Battery-300 Shots Finale printed on it.

They were sold by Boomer Distributors nationwide from April 2006 through July 2006 for $10.

Consumers should immediately stop using this fireworks and contact Far East Imports for a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Far East Imports at (800) 766-1277 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the companys Web site at www.fareastimporting.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

October 16, 2007       Spanish
Huffy is rcalling about 22,000 bicycles because the cranks can fall off.

Huffy has received two reports of the crank coming off, resulting in one injury.

The recall involves 2007 model year, multi-speed bicycles with 26-inch, 24-inch or 20-inch wheels. The Howler was sold in black (model K3587, boys model), blue (model K4587, mens model), and red (model K6587, mens model). The Highland was sold in white (model K4597, womens model) and blue (model K6597, womens model).

The name "Howler" or "Highland" is printed on the frame of the bicycle, and the name "Huffy" is on the front of the frame. Model numbers are located on a label on the bottom of the frame where the crank is attached to the bicycle.

The bicycles were sold at Kmart stores nationwide from May 2007 through July 2007 for between $80 and $100. They were manufactured in China.

Consumers should stop using the recalled bicycles immediately and contact Huffy Corp. to receive instructions on tightening the crank.

For more information, contact Huffy Corp. toll-free at (888) 366-3828 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.huffybikes.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

August 10, 2006
Dollar Tree Stores is recalling about 600,000 counterfeit extension cords because of a shock hazard. The counterfeit extension cords could have undersized wire and substandard insulation, which can cause overheating, resulting in a possible shock hazard.

The recalled cords are green, measure 6 feet long, are intended for indoors and have a three-outlet extension. Attached to the cord is a silver counterfeit UL holographic label marked "09/01 E157848 UL LISTED CORD SET BW-3045 13A 125V 1625W".

The cords were sold at Dollar Tree Stores, Dollar Bill$, and Dollar Express nationwide from November 2005 through May 2006 for $1.

Consumers should stop using the recalled extension cords immediately and return them to any Dollar Tree store for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dollar Tree Stores Inc., at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm;s Web site at www.dollartree.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2002 -- Graco Children's Products is providing a new instruction sheet for installing the suction cups on about 8,900 Snack and Activity Trays. The Snack and Activity Trays are sold with detached suction cups that the consumer installs. If the suction cups are not properly attached, they can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The action is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Graco has not received any reports of injury from the suction cups detaching. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The Snack and Activity Tray can attach to high chairs, strollers, swings and other flat surfaces. There are four toys on each tray, including a toucan with a rainbow colored beak, a clear ball with colored beads inside, a yellow star with a mirror on one side and a green dog. "Mix 'N Move" is molded on the toucan, ball and dog. The toys are removable and interchangeable with other Mix 'N Move toys, which are purchased separately.

Discount, department and juvenile product stores, including Sears, nationwide sold these activity trays from August 2001 through February 2002 for about $15.

Consumers should stop using these products immediately. To receive a new instruction sheet, consumers should contact Graco at (800) 345- 4109 anytime. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.gracobaby.com , where a new instruction sheet can be printed immediately.

April 6, 2001
General Motors has issued an urgent recall for 6,000 of its new 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazers, GMC Envoys and Oldsmobile Bravadas. A lower control arm in the steering system may break because of defective parts, possibly causing loss of control, GM said.

Owners are being advised to park their trucks immediately. Dealers were asked to tow, not drive, the SUVs in for service and to provide a loaner car while the problem is fixed.

Dealers were notified of the problem yesterday. They were asked to contact new owners immediately and not to sell any new vehicles until they are repaired. Prospective buyers should not even be allowed to take a test drive, the company announcement said.

The defective part was provided by an outside supplier, GM said. The Moraine, Ohio, plant where the new trucks are made is being shut down until April 16 while the problem is resolved. The company said 30,000 of the new SUVs have been manufactured but only 6,000 have been sold in North America.

Ironically, the new GM models are designed to be much safer than earlier SUVs. They are built with a lower center of gravity, a longer wheelbase and an engine that is positioned lower in the frame. Those changes are intended to reduce the chance of a roll-over, the problem that has plagued other SUV models.

May 3, 2005
Simplicity is recalling about 575 White Lancaster Cribs. The white paint on the cribs can chip, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Simplicity Inc. has received four reports of consumers who noticed paint peeling off their crib. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled cribs are made of wood and painted white. Model numbers 8554W-PT and 8554WW are printed inside the headboard and on the envelope attached to the mattress support. The Simplicity name, address, manufacturing date and model number are written on a label found on the inside bottom of the headboard.

The cribs were sold at department stores, childrens product stores and Target.com from June 2004 through April 2006 for about $200.

Consumers should contact Simplicity Inc. to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Simplicity Inc. at (800) 858-8323 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the Web site at www.simplcityforchildren.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2000 -- Frieder Inc., of Bedford Heights, Ohio, is recalling about 35,000 Champion Brand Tools 6-outlet power strips. It is a 125-volt power strip made in China, and bears no UL listing.

The back of the strip has a date code indicating it was manufactured on 4/97. Writing on the cord includes "Chang RVV 300/500V." "Champion Quality Tools" and model number "10741" are written on the packaging. Discount outlets nationwide sold the power strips from January 1997 through July 1998 for about $3.

The wiring in these power strips is undersized and poses shock, electrocution and fire hazards.

Consumers should immediately stop using these power strips and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or send them to Frieder for a refund plus postage. For more information, consumers should call Frieder at (800) 321-8192 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 1999 -- Montgomery Ward is recalling about 780 boys hooded jackets and sweatshirts sold under the brand name North West Blue. 

The jackets and sweatshirts have hood drawstrings. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. Since 1985, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) knows of 16 deaths from neck/hood drawstrings. 

To help prevent children from strangling by their clothing drawstrings, in 1996 CPSC issued guidelines for drawstrings on children's outerwear, which were subsequently incorporated into a voluntary standard. 

For jackets and sweatshirts, CPSC recommends that drawstrings be completely removed and that alternate closures, such as snaps, buttons, Velcro or elastic be used. Montgomery Ward had been adhering to the voluntary standard and has implemented procedures to prevent future errors.

The jackets and sweatshirts being recalled have the following identification numbers printed on the care label: "RN90866" or "RN81862".The garments are made in Nepal or Pakistan from 100 percent cotton in sizes small through large. 

The sweatshirt is style RN 90866, which comes in navy or olive. This is a pullover style sweatshirt with a zipper front pouch pocket and elbow pads. The jacket is style RN 81862, which comes in khaki, navy, olive or natural with stripes on the chest and sleeves. This is a zip front jacket made from cotton canvas with a fleece hood. "North West Blue" is on a sewn-in label at the neck of both garment styles. Montgomery Ward stores nationwide sold the garments from August 1999 to October 1999 for about $20.

Parents should see that their children stop wearing the jackets and sweatshirts. Either remove the drawstrings from the hood or return them to the nearest Montgomery Ward store for a full refund. For more information, call Montgomery Ward at (800) 695-3553 between 8 a.m and 6:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or access their web site at www.wards.com/HTML/Recall_oct99.html.

August 24, 2008
Venmar CES Inc. is recalling about 3,400 light commercial heat recovery ventilators. The motors in these units can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Venmar CES has received three reports of ventilator motors overheating, resulting in fires which caused property damage.

Light Commercial Heat Recovery Ventilators are designed to exchange air between the inside and outside of a building or home in order to provide fresh air. The recall includes the following brand names and model numbers:

The "X" in the model number can be either a letter or a number. The model number is written on a silver or black label on the outside panel.

Heating, plumbing and building supply distributors sold the ventilators nationwide from January 1991 through July 2007 for between $1,700 and $2,000. They were made in Canada.

Consumers should immediately turn off the ventilator, disconnect it from the power supply, and contact Venmar CES to schedule a technician to install a free repair.

For more information, contact Venmar CES toll-free at (866) 698-6283 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Sunday or visit the firm's Web site at www.venmarces.com

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

May 11, 2004
E & B Giftware LLC is recalling about 187,000 universal electric outlet adaptor plugs. Multiple metal plugs can be extended from the product at one time. Consumers touching an exposed plug while the adaptor is inserted into an electric outlet can receive a shock.

These universal electric outlet adaptor plugs were sold as either the Worldwide or Universal Adaptor Plug under four brand names: Samsonite, Royal Traveller, American Tourister and El Portal. MODEL: 1804 is written on the bottom of the plug.

They contain three adaptor plugs which are used by travelers worldwide to connect electrical plugs into electrical sockets. The adaptors include a hard plastic case which houses the three different plugs. A knob on the top of the product can be turned to extend the plugs for use.

The plugs were sold at travel stores, airport gift shops, gift stores, luggage stores and discount department stores nationwide from January 2001 through March 2004 for about $13.

Consumers should stop using the adaptor plugs immediately and call E & B Giftware LLC for a replacement item of comparable value or a refund.

Consumer Contact: Consumer Contact: Call E & B Giftware LLC toll-free at (800) 624-5671 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

November 8, 2007
Spin Master, based in Toronto, is recalling 4.2 million sets of Aqua Dots beads after at least two children lapsed into comas after swallowing the beads.

The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested, the company said. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures.

Federal safety officials have received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots.

A 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads. He became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a comatose state for a period of time, was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.

The recalled toy is a craft kit which allows children to create various multi-dimensional designs using small colored beads. The beads fuse together when sprayed with water.

The recall applies to all models of Aqua Dots. The product is available in various different kits with accessories such as a drying fan, applicator pen, design templates for the beads, and spray bottle. The product is labeled for ages 4+.

The toys were sold by mass merchandisers nationwide from April 2007 through November 2007 for between $17 and $30. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Spin Master to return for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Spin Master at (800) 622-8339 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.aquadotsrecall.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).