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    Christmas Lights Recalled

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jingle Bell Enterprises Inc., of Philadelphia, Pa., is recalling approximately 100,000 sets of miniature Christmas lights and icicle-style lights.

    The lights have undersized wires that can easily pull out of the plugs and individual light sockets, posing fire and shock hazards.

    CPSC and Jingle Bell Enterprises have not received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these light sets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

    The recall involves sets of 100 clear lights in both traditional and icicle styles. The icicle lights have white wires and sockets, and no labeling on the light set. They are packaged in red boxes labeled in part, "100 Icicle Lights," "Manufactured to Previous Approved Specification" and "JINGLE BELL." Printed on the back of the package is, in part, "Made in China for Jingle Bell Enterprise Inc. Philadelphia Pa."

    The traditional string light sets have either white or green wiring and sockets, and no labeling on the light sets. They are packaged in red boxes labeled, in part, "100 Christmas Lights," "STRING-A-LIGHT," and "Manufactured to Previous Approved Specifications." "Made in China for Jingle Bell Enterprise Inc., Philadelphia Pa" is printed on the back of the packaging.

    Also on the back of the packaging is one of the following item numbers: 00450 through 00455, 00491, 11491 and 11451.

    Hardware and garden stores sold the light sets mainly in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York from November 1999 through December 1999 for between $5 and $8.

    Consumers should immediately stop using these lights, and return them to the store where purchased for either a refund or a replacement set of lights.

    For more information, call Jingle Bell Enterprises at (800) 334-9627 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Jingle Bell brand light sets that have a Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) label are not part of this recall

    Christmas Lights Recalled...

    Britax Recalls Super Elite Youth Restraints

    October 25, 2003

    Britax Child Safety, Inc., will conduct a safety recall of Super Elite youth restraints (Model E9031) manufactured from April 25, 2001, through Feb. 15, 2002, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced.

    Crash tests conducted by NHTSA have demonstrated that forces on certain Super Elite restraints during a crash could cause the child's head to move forward further than allowed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." Head movement like this in a real crash could result in injury to a child.

    Britax will mail a free repair kit along with easy-to-follow installation instructions to owners who have returned their registration cards. Owners who have not registered their product should contact Britax's toll-free number, 1-888-4BRITAX (1-888-427-4829) or visit Britax's web site (www.BritaxUSA.com) to receive the free kit or to obtain more information. (Editor's note: When we checked the Britax site on Oct. 26, we could not find any such information).

    NHTSA encourages parents to obtain and install the repair kit as soon as possible, so that the child seat provides adequate protection. If they have no substitute child safety seat, parents should continue to use the seat while waiting to receive and install the repair kit because this unrepaired Britax seat will provide better protection than an adult seat belt or no restraint. Also, owners are encouraged to mail in the registration card if they have not already done so.

    Consumers with questions about this or any other safety recall campaign should call NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline, 1-(888) 327-4236, or check NHTSA's web site, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

    Britax Recalls Super Elite Youth Restraints...

    Walt Disney Co. Recalls Woody Dolls

    March 20, 2003

    Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 Woody dolls sold at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Disney's Vero Beach Resort, Magic of Disney and Flight Fantastic shops located at the Orlando International Airport and Disney's Worldport shop located at Pointe Orlando. The Woody doll's clothing has buttons that can detach, posing a choking hazard for young children.

    Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has received one report of a child removing a button from the Woody doll. No injuries have been reported.

    The recalled doll is a cowboy named Woody, a character in the animated films Toy Story and Toy Story II. The Woody doll is a soft- bodied doll with soft plastic head, hands, boots and hat; wearing blue jeans a red/yellow-checked shirt, a black/white-spotted vest with a sheriff's badge; a red-patterned bandana and is 13 inches tall. A label sewn into the left side seam of the doll reads, "WALT DISNEY WORLD" on one side and "DISNEY, ALL NEW MATERIALS, POLYESTER FIBERS," several State license numbers, and "WALT DISNEY ATTRACTIONS, LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL, PRODUCT OF CHINA" on the other side. Only the Woody dolls described above are included in the recall.

    These recalled soft dolls were sold from January 2000 through January 2003 for about $12.

    Consumers should immediately take the doll away from children and contact Walt Disney Parks and Resorts at (866) 228-3664 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a full refund. For more information, please visit our web site www.waltdisneyworld.com. This recall does not involve items sold at the DISNEYLAND Resort, through the Disney Store, the Disney Catalog, DisneyStore.com or at other retail outlets. Additionally, the talking versions of the Woody doll are not part of this recall.

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

    Walt Disney Co. Recalls Woody Dolls...

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      Baseline Design Beanbag Chair Recall

      Jan. 28, 2003

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing the recall of about 30,000 beanbag chairs manufactured in 1999 by Baseline Design. Some of these beanbag chairs have zippers that can be opened, allowing access to the polystyrene beads inside the chairs. This poses a suffocation hazard to young children who can unzip the chair and inhale the small beads.

      Baseline Design is aware of three incidents in which the chairs were unzipped freely. Two of the incidents involved young children who were able to open the beanbag chair zippers and handle the small polystyrene beads, including one child who received medical attention after inhaling the beads.

      The recalled beanbag chairs are designed with 12-inch double zippers and have various designs, including a smiley face, a football shape, a baseball shape, a basketball shape and solid green, yellow, pink and blue neon colors. The beanbags have a tag that states, in part, "Made by Baseline Design."

      Wal-Mart stores located in the Northeast U.S. sold the beanbag chairs from September 1999 through December 1999 for about $30.

      Consumers should check if they can unzip their Baseline Design beanbag chairs. If the zippers can be unzipped freely, Baseline Design will provide owners with a free replacement beanbag chair with zippers that do not open. Consumers should be sure young children cannot use the chairs if the zipper can be opened freely and should be sure children are not exposed to the beads inside the chair. For more information and instructions, consumers should call Baseline Design at (800) 497-3626, Ext. 3046, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.foamex.com.

      Baseline Design is cooperating with the CPSC and providing replacement beanbag chairs to consumers if the zippers can be opened freely. The firm previously notified owners of the recalled products through newspaper advertisements in the Northeastern U.S. where the beanbags were sold.

      Baseline Design Beanbag Chair Recall...

      Wal-Mart Crawl 'n Stand Toys Recall

      April 15, 2003

      Playskool is voluntarily recalling about 300,000 Magic Start Crawl 'n Stand toys. The toy, which is designed to encourage crawling babies to pull themselves up and stand, can tip over during use and strike falling babies in the head, face or neck, resulting in injuries.

      Playskool has received 44 reports of the toys tipping over during use. There have been 26 reports of babies suffering injuries, including one minor concussion, and various bumps, bruises, black eyes and cut lips.

      The Playskool Magic Start Crawl 'n Stand is a multicolor plastic toy with a round base and three arched legs that support an electronic activity center. When crawling babies touch the frame of the toy, music, lights and spinning balls are activated. Babies can pull themselves up on the legs of the toy to play at the activity center. The Playskool logo is imprinted into the plastic base and on top of the activity center. Writing under the activity center includes "ITEM # 06952" and "Made in China."

      Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold these toys from November 2002 through April 2003 for about $14.

      Consumers should take this toy away from children immediately and contact Playskool to get information on how to return the product to receive a free replacement item of similar value. For more information go to Playskool's Web site at www.playskool.com or call toll-free at (800) 509-9554 anytime.

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

      Wal-Mart Crawl 'n Stand Toys Recall...

      Feds Ban Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks

      April 7, 2003

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously to ban the manufacture and sale of lead-cored wicks and candles with lead-cored wicks. CPSC determined that candles using lead-cored wicks could present a lead poisoning hazard to young children.


      Some container, pillar, votive, and tealight candles use metal wicks and CPSC found that some contained lead.

      Tapers, commonly used as dinner candles, use cotton wicks and do not contain lead.
      The federal ban, which applies to all domestic and imported candles, should deter manufacturers from making non-conforming wicks, allow the U.S. Customs Service to stop shipments of non-conforming wicks and candles, and allow for the CPSC to seek penalties for violations of the ban.

      "Over the past 30 years, CPSC has been at the forefront of protecting the nation's children from the hazards associated with lead," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. "The ban of lead-cored candlewicks should give parents with young children peace of mind that the burning of votive, pillar or container candles will not emit a dangerous toxin."

      A CPSC investigation found that despite a voluntary industry agreement in the 1970s to remove lead from candle wicks, a small percentage of candles sold in the past several years still contained lead-cored wicks. CPSC staff found that some lead-cored wicks could emit relatively large amounts of lead into the air during burning. Children may then inhale the vaporized lead, placing them at risk. Children may also be exposed to lead by mouthing objects on which lead has settled or by handling such objects and then putting their hands in their mouths.

      Some of the candles tested by CPSC staff emitted lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour - about seven times the rate that could lead to elevated levels of lead in a child. CPSC estimates that an indoor air lead level of 430 micrograms per hour from burning candles could result in hazardous exposure to children.

      Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation. Although the primary source of lead poisoning in the United States is lead from paint in older homes, lead accumulates in the body, and even exposure to small amounts of lead can contribute to the overall level of lead in the blood.

      Safe alternatives to lead-cored wicks, including zinc, synthetic fibers, cotton and paper, are used by most candle and candle wick manufacturers. Currently, candles that use a metallic core in the wick most likely contain zinc. Because consumers cannot tell if a metal- cored wick contains lead or an alternative, consumers may wish to contact the retailer for information about the materials used in their candles.

      The CPSC was petitioned to ban candlewicks containing lead cores and candles with such wicks by Public Citizen, the National Apartment Association, and National Multi Housing Council on February 20, 2001. The ban against manufacturing, importing, or selling candles with lead wicks will become effective in October 2003.

      Feds Ban Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks...

      Blason Turbo Style Hair Dryer Recall

      September 25, 2003

      About 700 Blason Turbo Style hand-held hair dryers are being recalled. Some of the hair dryers do not have an immersion protection device on the power cord and could present a serious electrocution hazard if dropped in water.

      The recalled units are the Blason Turbo Style model 4030 electric hand-held hair dryers without an immersion protection device. These units have a pistol-style grip and a black plastic casing with a two-prong power cord labeled in part, "Blason Turbo Style Mod. 4030. 110V/60HZ/1500W."

      The units were sold at retail drug stores and hair accessories and salon retail operations from May 2002 through June 2003 for about $40.

      Consumers should return the hair dryer to Blason International Trading Corp. for a refund. Call Blason toll-free at (888) 625-2766 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

      Blason, Turbo Style, Hair Dryer Recall...

      Small World Toys Announce Recall of Children's Puzzle

      WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

      Name of product: Puzzibilities Recycling Truck Puzzle

      Units: About 3,000

      Distributor: Small World Toys, of Culver City, Calif.

      Hazard: One of the puzzle pieces (a stack of newspapers) poses a small parts choking hazard to young children.

      Incidents/Injuries: No incidents have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

      Description: The recalled Recycling Truck Puzzle has nine wooden pieces that form a green recycling truck, three workers, a container for plastics, a bundled set of newspapers, and a recycling bin. The top of the puzzle reads, "Recycling Truck," and "2574" and "2003 Small World Toys" are printed at the bottom.

      Sold at: Small toy stores nationwide sold the puzzles between February 2003 and August 2003 for about $10.

      Manufactured in: China

      Remedy: Consumers should stop young children from playing with these puzzles immediately and return the puzzle to the store where it was purchased for a refund.

      Consumer Contact: Contact Small World at (800) 421-4153 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.smallworldtoys.com.

      Small World Toys Announce Recall of Children's Puzzle...

      WestPoint Stevens Recalls Electric Blankets

      April 23, 2003

      Westpoint Stevens is recalling about 11,000 electgric blankets. When the blanket is folded, the heating element can overheat, causing the heating element and blanket to melt, posing the risk of thermal burns.

      WestPoint has received 10 reports of the blankets overheating, including four reports of minor skin burns.

      The "Vellux fahrenheit" blankets were sold in various colors and sizes to fit all mattress sizes. The temperature controller is white with the words, "WESTPOINT STEVENS" and "fahrenheit Heated Blanket" printed on the front. The recall includes blankets manufactured from July 2002 through January 2003. The manufacture date is printed on a label sewn into the seam.

      The blankets were sold at department stores, mail order catalogs and Web sites from July 2002 through April 2003 for between $80 and $130.

      WestPoint Stevens will provide consumers postage-free return packaging to return the product, a full refund and $25 to compensate consumers for the inconvenience. Consumers should call WestPoint Stevens Inc. toll-free at (888) 439- 4794 anytime, or go to the firm's Web site at www.westpointstevens.com.

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

      WestPoint Stevens Recalls Electric Blankets...

      Slight Strangulation Risk Found In Yo-Yo Water Ball Toys

      September 24, 2003

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says its investigation has found that there is a low but potential risk of strangulation from yo-yo water ball toys.

      The stretchy cord of the toy can wrap around a childs neck when the child swings the toy overhead like a lasso. Parents who are concerned about this risk could, in addition to closely supervising the use of this toy, cut the cord off the toy (leaving a squishy toy ball for children to play with) or throw the toy away.

      The Commission has received 186 reports of incidents in which the yo-yo ball toys cord wrapped around a childs neck. In all cases, a parent or child successfully removed the cord from the childs neck. Although there were no lasting injuries, seven cases reported broken blood vessels affecting eyes, eyelids, cheeks, neck, scalp or the area behind the ears.

      CPSC said it "realizes that the reported incidents are uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking" but said it has concluded that the toy poses a low risk of strangulation, especially for younger children.

      "Based on the pattern of incidents, the number of products involved, the low likelihood of strangulation, and the technical staffs assessment of the risk of injury presented by the product, the yo-yo water ball toy does not meet Congressionally mandated standards for product recall," the agency said in a statement.

      The Commission also investigated reports of potential toxicity from the liquid inside the toy and flammability from a flame test of the yo-yo ball toy. CPSC staff found no toxicity or flammability concerns.

      "We believe that parents should exercise caution in allowing children to play with this toy," said CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton. He said the commission will continue to monitor incidents involving the yo-yo waterball toy.

      Based on information from industry sources, CPSC believes that over the last year, there have been approximately 11-15 million yo-yo ball toys distributed in the U.S., selling for between $1 and $5. The toys are made of rubber-like material and consist of a liquid-filled ball with a stretchy cord that has a small finger loop at the end. The cord is highly elastic and can be stretched to more than three feet.

      CPSC said major retailers like Toys R Us, Walgreens and Saks have unilaterally stopped selling the yo-yo ball toys.

      Slight Strangulation Risk Found In Yo-Yo Water Ball Toys...

      "Busy Bug" Plush Toys Recalled

      Feb. 27, 2003

      The Betesh Group is voluntarily recalling about 11,200 "Busy Bug" plush toys. The antennae of the plush toy can be chewed or pulled off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and The Betesh Group have received two reports of children gagging on the fabric antennae ends that separated from the toy.

      The recalled toy is a small plush bug with two springy black antennae with orange round fabric ends. The bug has a blue stuffed round face with a red musical nose that blinks when pressed. The body of the bug is segmented in various colors and patterns. Striped elastic legs are attached to the body along with crinkly, iridescent wings. "Smart Scents," and "Made In China" are printed on a label on the side of the bug. The UPC code 778267862920 is on the packaging.

      Discount department stores sold these recalled toys from August 2002 through January 2003 for about $7.

      Consumers should take the plush toys away from young children and return to the place of purchase or mail the toy to The Betesh Group at One East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016, Att: Consumer Relations, to receive a refund including postage. For additional information, contact Betesh toll free at (866) 473-0118 anytime.

      Busy Bug Plush Toys Recalled...

      Water Yo-Yos Banned in New York

      April 15, 2003

      The New York Consumer Protection Board has asked stores throughout New York State to pull "water yo-yos" from their shelves. It also asked the federal government to ban their sale, calling the novelty item dangerous for children.

      The toy features a rubbery, liquid-filled ball of various shapes and colors on an elastic cord.

      "Because they stretch so far, the cord can easily wrap around a child's neck and cause serious injury and even death," said Teresa Santiago, chairwoman of the Consumer Protection Board. Officials are also concerned that the liquid inside could be toxic.

      She asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the toys and ban their sale nationwide. A spokesman said the commission was investigating.

      Water Yo-Yos Banned in New York...

      Industrial-Style Lighting Fixture Recalled

      December 18, 2003

      Guth Lighting is recalling about 1,850 Enviroguard 22-inch low-mount open lighting fixtures used in industrial and retail settings.

      The lamp can fall out of the lamp socket and strike somebody standing or walking beneath the light fixture, posing a laceration risk if the lamp breaks.

      Guth has received reports of about 50 lamps falling from the lamp socket. No injuries have been reported.

      The light fixtures measure 22 inches in diameter and are labeled GUTH LIGHTING, ENVIROGUARD LOW MOUNT with the catalog number printed on a label on the light fixture. Light fixtures included in the recall are Prismatic Acrylic (ELP), Open Damp (O), 22 inch (2), all reflectors (1-6), all ballast cover types (1-4), 8 lamp 42 watt tube (842T), 120 volt (1) models. The catalog numbers will be shown as ELP-O 2 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) (1, 2, 3 or 4) 842 T-1.

      The units were sold at lighting and electrical supply distributors nationwide from January 1999 through October 2003 for about $350.

      Affected owners will be provided with a retention plate to be installed over the lamps to hold them in place. Guth Lighting and their distributors are contacting purchasers directly about this recall program.

      For questions or additional information contact Guth Lighting at (314) 533-3200 between 8 a.m and 4:45 p.m CT Monday through Friday.



      Industrial-Style Lighting Fixture Recalled...

      Arctic Cat Announces Recall of Snowmobiles

      December 12, 2003 CPSC, Arctic Cat Inc. Announce Recall of Snowmobiles

      The following product safety recall was conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

      Name of Product: Arctic Cat Snowmobiles

      Units: 3,700

      Manufacturer: Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn.

      Hazard: The red plastic skis used on these 2003 model year snowmobiles could be damaged by UV light exposure. If during off-season storage, the snowmobile was stored with the skis exposed to sunlight, damage may have occurred. If UV damage has occurred, the ski may crack or break during use. If this occurs, it could lead to a loss of control that could result in severe injury or death.

      Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

      Description: The recalled red plastic skis (part number 1703-131) were used on a number of 2003 Arctic Cat Firecat models. All 2003 Arctic Cat Firecat snowmobiles produced with red plastic skis are included in this recall.

      Sold At: Arctic Cat dealerships worldwide from June 2002 through December 2003 for between $6,500 and $8,500.

      Manufactured in: Madison, S.D.

      Remedy: Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately. Registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail. If consumers are unsure if their snowmobile is affected, they should call Arctic Cat toll-free at (800) 279-2281 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or go to the firms Web site at www.arcticcat.com/snowmobiles. Consumers should have available the model name and model number of the snowmobile when they call. The model name and model number are displayed on the registration materials you received when you purchased your snowmobile, and on your operators manual. Consumers with a recalled snowmobile should contact their local Arctic Cat snowmobile dealer to schedule the free repair.

      Arctic Cat Announces Recall of Snowmobiles...

      Perfect Fit Electric Blankets Recall

      July 2, 2003

      SOIREE and Soft n' Warm Electric Blankets are being recalled by Perfect Fit Industries. The blankets can overheat, posing a risk of burn injuries to consumers, especially when the blanket is folded or bunched.

      Perfect Fit is aware of 44 reports of these blankets overheating, resulting in four reports of minor burn injuries. Damage to the blankets and bedding materials also have been reported.

      The recalled electric blankets are the SOIREE (only those sold at Belk stores) and Soft n' Warm (only sold at K-mart), both of which were sold in king, queen, full and twin sizes. At Belk, the electric blankets were sold only in ivory color and at K-mart they were sold in ivory, light blue and hunter green colors. The model name appears on the packaging, but not on the blanket.

      Both models have a UL warning label and a permanent label that reads "Perfect Fit" and "Shell Made in China. Wired and Closed in U.S.A." The Soft n' Warm model has a date code ranging from 02228 through 02305 printed on a warning label on the foot of the blanket.

      The blankets were sold at K-mart and Belk stores nationwide from September 2002 through February 2003 for between $40 (twin size) and $200 (king size).

      The firm is providing a free replacement blanket, but consumers should unplug the recalled units immediately. Call the company at (877) 882-9478 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a replacement.

      Perfect Fit Electric Blankets Recall...

      New Safety Instructions to Prevent Injuries for Combo Baby Tubs/Step Stools

      Feb. 27, 2003

      The First Years Inc. is providing a new instruction sheet for 120,000 "2-In-1 Fold-Away Tub and Step Stools." When used as a tub, babies' body parts can be pinched if the product's footrest is not fully extended so that it clicks into place firmly.

      The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and The First Years have received 20 reports of babies being pinched while using these tubs, including one bruising of a baby boy's genitalia and 10 reports of abrasions to toes and feet. This recall to replace the stools' instructions is being conducted to prevent further incidents.

      These "2-In-1 Fold-Away Tub and Step Stools," have model number 3141 written on the underside of the base. The product is a folding baby bathtub that can be used as a step stool for an older child. In the step stool position, the top of the turquoise lid has raised lettering stating "the first years" followed near the bottom of the lid with the two statements, "MAXIMUM LOAD/POIDS MAXIMUM: 200lbs/90kg" and "USE ONLY ON A LEVEL SURFACE. N'UTILISER QUE SUR UNE SURFACE PLANE." In the bathtub position, the seat back has a purple pad. The base and footrest are both white. Also, on the underside of the base is a tiny raised clock showing the year of manufacture of the product (i.e., "9?9") surrounded by the numbers of the clock. Only products bearing date codes 1999 and 2000 ("9?9" or "0?0") are included in this program.

      Mass merchants nationwide sold these bathtub/stools between January 1999 and February 2002 for about $17.

      Consumers should not use the bathtub until they receive revised instructions on the use of the tub to prevent the pinching hazard. Consumers should contact The First Years at (800) 533-6708 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive free revised instructions and a warning label to attach to the product. Consumers can also visit the firm's web site at www.thefirstyears.com

      New Safety Instructions to Prevent Injuries for Combo Baby Tubs/Step Stools...

      Cosco Arriva, Turnabout Infant Seats Recalled Again

      June 25, 2003

      Dorel Juvenile Group Inc. is again voluntarily recalling Cosco Arriva and Turnabout infant car seats/carriers to address a problem with the carry handle.

      On July 8, 1999, the two federal agencies and Cosco, now known as the Dorel Juvenile Group, announced the recall of 670,000 of these infant car seat/carriers made from March 1995 through September 1997. This recall adds 1.2 million of the same model infant car seats/carriers made through January 2000.

      When the seat is used as a carrier, the plastic handle locks can unexpectedly break or release from the carrying position, causing the seat to unlatch or flip forward. When this happens, an infant can fall to the ground and suffer injuries.

      -->

      Dorel Juvenile Group has received 416 reports of the handle locks on the additional recalled infant car seats/carriers breaking or unlatching, resulting in nine injuries to children. These reports include bruises and scratches to the head and face. According to the reports, some injuries occurred to children restrained in the seat.

      The recalled car seats/carriers were sold under the Cosco Arriva and Turnabout brand names and were manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group in the U.S. The car seat/carriers have the following model numbers:

      ARRIVA
      02-66502-72702-728
      02-72902-73102-732
      02-73302-75002-751
      02-75502-75702-774
      TURNABOUT
      02-75302-75602-758
      02-75902-76002-761
      02-76202-76302-764
      02-765 02-77002-771
      02-772
      -->

      The model number and manufacture date are located on the instruction and warning label on the side of the car seat/carrier. The recalled seats were manufactured on or before Jan. 31, 2000.

      Juvenile product, mass merchandise, department stores and major discount stores nationwide sold the Arriva and Turnabout infant car seats/carriers from Sept. 10, 1997 through December 2000 for between $30 and $60 when sold alone or $90 to $140 when sold with strollers. The recalled seats are no longer available for purchase.

      Consumers should continue to use the Arriva and Turnabout as a car seat but should stop using it as a carrier immediately and contact Dorel Juvenile Group to receive a free repair kit. Consumers should call Dorel at (800) 880-9435 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by going to the firms Web site at www.djgusa.com. Consumers with questions about the recall campaign can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at (888) DASH-2- DOT (327-4236). Consumers also can call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline at (800) 638-2772 for more information.

      Cosco Arriva, Turnabout Infant Seats Recalled Again...

      Creative Kids Children's Art Supply Sets Recall

      June 5, 2003

      Creative Kids Inc. is recalling about 1,400 children's art supply sets. The sets contain mini-cutters with razor blades which pose a laceration hazard to young children.

      Creative Kids is aware of an incident where an 8-year-old girl received minor cuts to her finger when she used the mini-cutter.

      The 87-piece art supply sets were sold in solid wood grain boxes. The sets contain crayons, markers, scissors, water and oil paints, brushes, etc. A label on the box reads "JUMBO ART CASE 87 pieces" and "Item No. 11519."

      The sets were sold in Bigg's stores in Ohio and Kentucky from August 2002 through March 2003 for about $16.

      Consumers should remove the mini-cutters from the set and return them to Creative Kids to get a free pack of colored paper clips. For more information, call Creative Kids toll-free at (888) 678-8697 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).

      Creative Kids Children's Art Supply Sets Recall...

      Small World Toys Puzzle Recalled

      August 21, 2003

      Small World Toys is recalling about 3,000 "Puzzibilities" recycling truck puzzles. One of the puzzle pieces (a stack of newspapers) poses a small parts choking hazard to young children.

      The recalled puzzle has nine wooden pieces that form a green recycling truck, three workers, a container for plastics, a bundled set of newspapers, and a recycling bin. The top of the puzzle reads, "Recycling Truck," and "2574" and "2003 Small World Toys" are printed at the bottom.

      Small toy stores nationwide sold the puzzles between February 2003 and August 2003 for about $10.

      Consumers should stop young children from playing with these puzzles immediately and return the puzzle to the store where it was purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Small World at (800) 421-4153 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.smallworldtoys.com.

      Small World Toys Puzzle Recalled...

      GSW Water Heaters With S.I.T. Temperature Controls


      WASHINGTON, July 2, 2003 -- About 13,000 S.I.T. gas temperature controls on GSW water heaters are being recalled because of a potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.

      No injuries have been reported in the U.S. In Canada, where 140,000 units were sold, there were 45 incidents reported, including 15 reports of minor burns.

      This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. The temperature control knobs on GSW propane water heaters are red and the control knobs on GSW natural gas water heaters are blue. The controls can be found on GSW Water Heaters with serial numbers ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825.

      The units were sold at regional appliance distributors from February 2002 through April 2003 for between $150 and $550.

      Remedy: When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following instructions must be complied with:

      1. Make sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and allowing the water to run for five minutes. Close the faucet.
      2. Turn the gas/temperature control knob clockwise to the maximum (VERY HOT) setting, and then slowly turn the knob back counterclockwise to the PILOT position, indicated by the yellow button. Listen for the main valve to close- this would be a popping or snapping sound. This sound is different from the clicking sound that the knob makes as you turn it.
      3. If you hear the popping sound then the valve is working properly. You should then read and follow the "Installation and Operating Instructions". If you do not hear the popping sound then do not attempt to light the pilot and replace the valve.
      4. If the unit has been stored or is being installed in a cold environment and the main valve does not close before the knob is turned back to the PILOT position, the gas control valve must be warmed up to a temperature above 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C. Once warmed up, repeat the procedure above. If the gas control valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.

      Call GSW toll-free at (800) 263-3502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.gsw-wh.com. Consumers can also contact S.I.T. Controls USA Inc. at (704) 369-2810 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

      GSW Water Heaters With S.I.T. Temperature Controls...