Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2002 -- Cannondale Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 800 Gemini bicycles with medium and large frames.

The frames on some of these bicycles have been improperly manufactured, causing too much of the thickest portion of the downtube to be removed. This could cause the frame to break during use, resulting in falls and serious injury to riders.

Cannondale has received three reports of frames breaking. One minor injury was reported.

The recall involves the following bicycle models with medium and large-sized frames:

• 2002 Gemini 1000
• 2002 Gemini 2000
• 2003 Gemini 900
• 2003 Gemini 2000
• 2003 Gemini 1000

The bicycles have "Cannondale" written on the downtube, and "Gemini" and the model number are written on the top tube. The bicycles were sold in various colors.

Authorized Cannondale retailers nationwide sold these bicycles from December 2001 through September 2002 for between $2,100 and $3,800.

Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and contact their local Cannondale retailer for a free inspection of their bicycle frame. Consumers with improperly manufactured frames will have a free replacement frame installed. For more information, consumers can contact Cannondale at (800) BIKEUSA or visit the company's web site at www.cannondale.com to find a local retailer.

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2002 -- Vermont Precision Woodworks is voluntarily recalling about 990 cribs. The slats on the cribs can loosen and detach from the drop side rail, creating a large opening between the slats where a child's head or neck could become entrapped, resulting in serious injury or death.

Vermont Precision Woodworks has received 21 reports of slats detaching. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled cribs include models, 7010Alpine, 7020 Caspian, 7030 Coventry, 7040 Dunmore and 7070 Haystack. The full-size cribs are solid maple and are available in five finishes, natural, colonial, white, cherry, and cinnamon. A label on the bottom of the cribs reads, "Vermont Precision Woodworks." The manufacturing date and model name is also printed on the label. The cribs were made in the USA.

Juvenile product and furniture stores sold the cribs nationwide from January 2000 through March 2002 for between $500 and $800.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled cribs until the repair has been performed. Vermont Precision Woodworks is providing consumers with replacement drop side rails. Consumers can contact Vermont Precision Woodworks toll-free at (866) 869-7974 anytime.

The ASTM voluntary standard for full-size baby cribs includes tests for structural integrity of crib components. CPSC staff found that the recalled side rails failed the ASTM voluntary standard test. Vermont Woodworks revised the assembly procedure for the replacement rails to comply with the ASTM standard.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Benckiser Consumer Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling 230,000 bottles of Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray that can contain a bacteria. 

The bacteria usually does not affect healthy individuals, but could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems or in individuals who have impaired immune systems.

Benckiser has not received any report of injury associated with this bacteria and these products.

Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner is sold in a clear plastic, 32- ounce spray bottle. The spray cap is white with a purple screw cap and pull-lever. The front of the bottle shows either a picture of a star fish or an octopus. The Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray is sold in white plastic, 32-ounce spray bottles and 64-ounce refill bottles. "Just Mist for Self-Cleaning Action!" is written on the label. The 32-ounce spray bottles also were sold with the refill bottles attached as a special promotion.

Supermarket, drug and discount department stores nationwide sold the affected lots of Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray from May 1999 through October 4, 1999 for about $2 to $4.

Consumers should immediately stop using Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray purchased prior to October 5, 1999. 

Shower enclosures that have been sprayed with these products should be washed with a diluted solution of vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water). Consumers should call Benckiser at (800) 286-9055 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a coupon for a free replacement bottle of any Scrub Free product. Consumers will need to provide information from their bottle of shower cleaner to get the coupon, and should then throw away the bottle of cleaner.

Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray purchased after October 4, 1999, and Scrub Free Mildew Remover and Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2002 -- Northern Tool & Equipment is voluntarily recalling about 3,400 electric air compressors. The capacitors on these compressors can overheat, catch fire and ignite the plastic cover above the capacitor.

Northern Tool has received six reports of capacitors overheating or igniting. No injuries have been reported. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

The recalled air compressors are Model 191000 and Model 192000. The model number on both units can be found on the shipping carton and invoice. The Model 191000 is a 2.5 HP air compressor with a red, six- gallon capacity tank. A blue "Northern Industrial Tools" label is on the side of the tank. The compressor motor sits on top the tank and is covered with a black plastic shell. The Model 192000 is a 2.5 HP unit with twin two-gallon tanks. The twin tanks are red and stacked vertically on one side of the unit. A blue "Northern Industrial Tools" label is on the side of the top tank. The motor is located at the base of the unit, adjacent to the twin tanks, and is partially covered with a black plastic shell.

Northern Tool sold the recalled Model 191000 and 192000 air compressors through direct mail and Northern Tool specialty stores nationwide from January 2002 to May 2002 for between $110 and $120.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Model 191000 and 192000 air compressors and should contact Northern Tool for a refund. For more information, consumers can contact Northern Tool at (800) 222-5381 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

This recall includes only those Model 191000 and 192000 compressors sold between January and May 2002.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2000 --Compaq Computer Corp. is voluntarily recalling for replacement about 55,000 battery packs used with Compaq's Armada notebook computers. These battery packs can short circuit, causing them to overheat, release smoke and possibly catch fire.

Compaq has received one report of a battery pack overheating, and damaging the notebook computer. No injuries were reported.

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

The recalled battery packs were sold with Compaq's Armada E500 and V300 notebook computers. Writing on the batteries include "Compaq" and "Assembled in Taiwan." The battery pack can be identified by a date code and serial number on the white label to the right of the battery connector.

• Date code TCGK with a serial number from 00001 to 10500, 20001 to 21800, and 40001 to 83100, or
• Date code TCHK with a serial number from 40001 to 44700
  

Compaq dealers sold these battery packs worldwide with notebook computers and separately from June 2000 through July 2000. The notebook computers sold for between $1,800 and $3,800, and the individual batteries sold for about $165.

Consumers should immediately stop using these battery packs and contact Compaq to learn how to discharge them and return them. Consumers with the recalled batteries will receive two free battery packs for each recalled battery pack they return. For more information, call Compaq at (800) 889-7613 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's battery recall website at http://www5.compaq.com/newsroom/pr/2000/pr2000102701.html.

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2002 -- Longwell Electronics is voluntarily recalling about 2.5 million power cord sets sold with inkjet printers from Hewlett-Packard Company. The connector can break, exposing electrical contacts and posing a shock hazard to consumers.

No injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The gray, two-wire power cord sets with a LS-7C connector were sold with the following HP printers: HP Deskjet 800 series and 900 series, HP Photosmart 1000 series, 1100 series, 1200 series, and 1300 series inkjet printers. The name "Longwell" is molded on the plug between the blades.

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

Department, computer, office and electronic stores including Best Buy, CompUSA, Costco, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Wal-Mart stores sold the printers with the Longwell cord sets nationwide between April 2001 and February 2002 for between $100 and $400.

Consumers should stop using these printers immediately and contact HP for a free replacement cord. For more information, consumers can contact HP at (877) 917-4378 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.hp.com.

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, Oct. 15, 2001 --Endar Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores are voluntarily recalling 74,000 Ambria brand candle sets. The wax from the candles can drip and ignite the potpourri. Additionally, when the candles are in close proximity, they generate a significant amount of heat. Each of these hazards could lead to a fire, which could cause burn injuries to consumers.

Wal-Mart has received no reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The 9-Piece Harvest Centerpiece Collection candle set contains seven candles (three white pillars, two red apple shaped novelty candles, and two yellow leaf shaped novelty candles), potpourri and a round 12-inch copper color plate.

Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold these candles from September 1, 2001 through September 20, 2001 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using the candle sets immediately and return them to any Wal-Mart store for a full refund. Consumers also can call Endar Corp. toll-free at (800) 562-9974 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or log on to the company's website at www.endar.com.

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2002 -- Flat Rock Grill Co. is voluntarily recalling about 1,800 gas grills. The glass casing of the thermometer displays attached to these grills can break or shatter, posing a risk of cuts or other serious injuries.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Flat Rock Grill Co. has received six reports of the glass casing of the thermometers on these grills breaking. No injuries have been reported.

These heavy-duty, stainless steel grills are Flat Rock Grill Shoreline Series Models 2000 and 3000. The model number is written on a label on the front of the grill. FRG is on the front of the grill. The grill has a thermometer display on the grill hood that measures 3-inches in diameter, and has a temperature range from 50 to 550 degrees. The thermometer display has "BBQ-1" or "BBQ Pit" Thermometer written within the glass casing.

Independent retailers in the southeastern and south central U.S. and the firms web site sold these gas grills from July 1999 through July 2002 for about $1,200. Consumers should remove the thermometers on these grills immediately. To get a free replacement thermometer, call Flat Rock Grill Co. toll-free at (888) 308-7399 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can go to the firms web site at www.flatrockgrill.com.

Thermometers with the word "Trend" written within the casing are not included in the recall.

From May through September 1999, CPSC visited 301 randomly selected thrift stores nationwide. CPSC's study found that 69 percent were selling at least one hazardous product. The top three products found were children's jackets and sweatshirts with drawstrings presenting a strangulation hazard, hairdryers that do not protect against electrocution and cribs that do not meet current safety standards.

Each year, CPSC recalls 250 to 300 hazardous products. CPSC gets recalled products off retail shelves, but cannot go into consumers' homes and remove them. Recalled products end up being donated or sold in the second-hand goods market, including thrift stores.

"The products found pose a danger of death or serious injury to consumers," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Many consumers and thrift store operators may be unaware of recalls, bans and current safety standards of products offered for sale in the stores."

CPSC found that thrift stores nationwide, including those run by national organizations and local and independent stores, sell the following hazardous products:

• 51 percent sell children's jackets and sweatshirts with drawstrings, presenting a strangulation hazard.

• 20 percent sell hair dryers without protection against electrocution.

• 12 percent sell cribs that do not meet current federal and voluntary safety standards, presenting risks including entrapment and strangulation.

• 10 percent sell recalled halogen torchiere floor lamps without wire or glass guards, presenting a fire hazard.

• 7 percent sell recalled play yards and playpens with protruding hardware or collapsible top rails, presenting a strangulation hazard.

• 4 percent sell recalled car seat carriers with handles that can unexpectedly disengage, causing the seat to flip forward and injure infants.

• 3 percent sell recalled toy basketball sets with nets that present a strangulation hazard to children.

• About 1 percent sell other hazardous products including banned lawn darts, recalled cedar chests and recalled bean bag chairs, all of which present injury and death hazards to children.

CPSC is seeking a commitment from thrift stores to stop selling hazardous products. To help accomplish this, CPSC has prepared a Thrift Store Checklist (Texto Espaol) for thrift stores and shoppers, and model legislation for state governments.

The checklist (Texto Espaol) includes information on how to contact CPSC to check on product recalls, bans and current safety standards. The checklist can be used as a guide when shopping at thrift stores. Thrift store owners and managers should use the checklist before accepting donations, consignments or purchasing inventory for the store. CPSC is distributing this checklist to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NARTS) and national organizations, including the Salvation Army and Goodwill. CPSC also is giving this information to state and local governments for distribution to area stores. To get a free copy of the checklist, visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov or send a postcard to Thrift Store Checklist, CPSC, Washington, DC 20207.

CPSC is encouraging states to adopt model legislation prohibiting thrift stores from selling certain banned or recalled products. CPSC will distribute this model legislation to organizations such as the National Association of Attorneys General and the National Governors Association.

Anyone who purchases a second-hand product should check with CPSC to determine if it has been banned, recalled or violates current safety standards, and to get information on the appropriate remedy. To receive recall notices directly, sign up for instant email notices at our web site www.cpsc.gov or send a fax with your name and fax number to (301) 504-0399.

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2002 -- Remington Products Co. is again announcing the recall of about 3,000 hairdryers. These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. If dropped in water, the hairdryers pose an electrocution hazard to consumers. This recall was originally announced by CPSC and Remington on March 21, 2001.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of electrocutions relating to these hairdryers. This recall is being announced to prevent the possibility of injury.

The 1600-watt hairdryers have a chrome body, with black speed and heat controls. The model name, "Remington Vortex Ultra," is printed in black on one side of the air intake grill; with the model number, V-1030, and the words, "Do Not Immerse In Water" and "Made in China" printed in silver on the other side. The hairdryers have a UPC number of 0-74590-87541-6, which is located on the packaging box.

The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed, Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; Army and Air Force Exchanges; and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately. Owners of the recalled hair dryers will be sent a postage-paid shipping container to return their unit to Remington. Consumers will receive a new 1875- watt Vortex hair dryer with an ALCI plug. For more information, contact Remington at (800) 992-9686 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.remington-products.com/home.html.

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2001 -- McDonald's Corp., Oakbrook, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 234,000 "Scooter Bug" toys. The toys were distributed with McDonald's Happy Meals for children under 3 years of age. The bug's antenna can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

McDonald's has received two reports of children choking and one report of a child gagging on the broken off antenna.

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

The Scooter Bug toy is about 3 inches long and 2 1/2 inch wide. When rolled across the floor, the bug's legs move back and forth. The bug has a yellow face with red antennas, orange feet and a purple body with green spots. The words "Fisher Price" are on the top of the toy. The words "MFG.FOR MCD CORP.CHINA" are on the rear of the toy.

McDonald's restaurants in the U.S. and Canada distributed the toys with Happy Meals from November 2000 through February 2001.

Parents should take the toy away from children immediately and return the toy to any McDonald's restaurant for a replacement toy. For more information, consumers should visit McDonald's web site at www.mcdonalds.com. Questions about this recall should be directed to CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772.

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2000 -- Weed Wizard Acquisition Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 2.7 million Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains and about 857,000 trimmer replacement chain sets following a death and 40 injuries.

The company said the end link of the trimmers metal chain can rapidly and unexpectedly detach during use, propelling the link into the air at a high velocity. If the metal link strikes the user or a bystander, it can penetrate skin and bone, causing injury or death.

Weed Wizard and the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSChave received 47 reports of metal links detaching from trimmers, resulting in 41 injuries, including the death of a 3-year-old girl in Alabama who was struck in the head by a metal link. The injuries included users and bystanders being struck by metal links in the head, neck, legs, ankles and feet, resulting in penetration wounds and lacerations.

Home centers, mass merchants, discount stores, hardware stores and television advertisements nationwide sold Weed Wizards with metal chains from May 1987 through April 2000 for between $19 and $25. The replacement chain kits were sold from January 1992 through April 2000 for about $8.

The Weed Wizard being recalled replaces the string trimmer head with a metal chain trimmer head on a gas-powered weed trimmer. Only Weed Wizard trimmer heads with metal chains are part of this recall. They were sold with white replacement heads and black chains, yellow heads with black chains or yellow heads with silver chains. There is no writing on the Weed Wizard trimmer heads, but the packaging reads "Weed Wizard", "The Solution to Trimmer Line Problems", "Fits 99% of All Gas Trimmers" and "MADE IN U.S.A."

Consumers should stop using the Weed Wizards with metal chains immediately and contact the firm to obtain free plastic replacement blades and installation instructions. For a free replacement kit, call Weed Wizard toll-free at (888) 810-7536 anytime, or visit the firms web site.

"Don't sleep with your baby or put the baby down to sleep in an adult bed," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "The only safe place for babies is in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Place babies to sleep on their backs and remove all soft bedding and pillow-like items from the crib."

The  CPSC study published in the October issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that placing babies to sleep in adult beds puts them at risk of suffocation or strangulation.  It found an average 64 deaths per year to babies under the age of 2 years placed to sleep in adult beds, including waterbeds and daybeds.

A review of incident data from January 1990 to December 1997 linked adult beds to at least 515 baby deaths. Analysis of the deaths revealed four major hazard patterns:

• Suffocation associated with the co-sleeping of adult and baby.
• Suffocation where an infant becomes entrapped or wedged between the mattress and another object.
• Suffocation due to airway obstruction when the baby is face down on a waterbed mattress.
• Strangulation in rails or openings on beds that allow a baby's body to pass through while entrapping the head.

Of the 515 deaths, 121 were reported to be due to a parent, caregiver or sibling rolling on top of or against the baby while sleeping. More than three-quarters of these deaths occurred to infants younger than 3 months. The other 394 deaths resulted from suffocation or from strangulation caused by entrapment of the child's head in various structures of the bed. Entrapments occurred between the mattress and the wall, bed frame, headboard, footboard, bed railings or adjacent furniture.

One of the most tragic aspects of these deaths is that they are largely preventable. In many cases, the adult placing the baby in the adult bed was unaware of or underestimated the danger posed. The practice of co-sleeping can result in the adult rolling on top of or next to the baby smothering him or her. Mothers who breastfeed should be alerted to this hazard and should be encouraged to return the baby to the crib after breast-feeding.

Of the 394 entrapment deaths, 296 were on adult beds, 79 were on waterbeds and 10 were on daybeds. Bed rails, which are portable railings that can be installed on toddler and adult beds to keep toddlers from falling out of beds, accounted for nine baby deaths. CPSC is working with the bed rail industry on the design of these products to reduce the hazard. The following chart provides more details on the fatality scenarios from entrapment and co-sleeping.

For 1998 and 1999, the Commission is aware of at least 76 additional deaths, 35 due to suffocation associated with co-sleeping and 41 due to entrapments. The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, a member of the Journal of the American Medical Association family of journals, study "Adult Beds Are Unsafe Places for Children to Sleep," primarily written by CPSC's Suad Nakamura, Ph.D., was co-authored by Marilyn Wind, Ph.D., (CPSC) and Mary Ann Danello, Ph.D., (CPSC). Nakamura gave details about the findings at an AMA briefing in New York today.

CPSC has also issued a Safety Alert (pdf format) warning against placing babies in adult beds.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2000 -- Woods Industries is voluntarily recalling about 500,000 outdoor extension cords and 19,000 cord reels. The extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a locking plug, which is designed to keep tools plugged in. The plastic housing of the locking plug can separate or break, exposing consumers to live wires and posing shock and electrocution hazards.

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

Woods Industries has received three reports of the plug housing separating or breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a LockJaw™ locking plug. The LockJaw™ plug has the following words embedded on the red, green or yellow locking button, located on the side of the plug, "LOCK, WOODS®, OPEN" or "LOCK, OPEN". The extension cords were sold under the "Woods LockJaw™" and "Yellow Jacket® LockJaw™" brand names in various wire gauges, lengths and colors. The cord reels are 30 feet long, were sold under the "Woods' ACDelco" and "LumaPro" brand names in various wire gauges and colors. Some of the extension cords and cord reels have two-prong plugs and some have three- prong plugs. Some have the brand name on the cord. They are UL listed, assembled in the United States or Malaysia with a LockJaw™ plug made in China.

Home and hardware stores nationwide sold the extension cords and cord reels from January 1996 through July 2000 for between $12 to $35.

Consumers should stop using the extension cords and cord reels immediately and call Woods Industries toll-free at (888) 755-6535 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST to receive a replacement extension cord or cord reel.

Extension cords and cord reels equipped with a gray locking button on the side of the LockJaw™ plug are not recalled.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2001 -- Profile-Design LLC is voluntarily recalling about 8,400 "aero bars" used on racing bicycles. The aero bars are handlebar extensions that either mount in the center of the handlebars or are sold as a complete handlebar and stem system.

The aero bars allow riders to ride in an aerodynamic crouching position. The brackets that attach the aero bars' forearm pads, where riders rest their arms, can loosen or separate during use, causing the rider to lose control and crash.

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

Profile-Design has received one report of a bracket on one of the aero bars loosening, resulting in a rider crashing and suffering a broken rib and abrasions.

The recall includes "Carbon X" TM and "Carbon Stryke" TM aero bars. The Carbon X aero bar is a complete bicycle handlebar and stem system, and includes the writing "Profile Design" and "Carbon X." The Carbon Stryke aero bar attaches to existing bicycle handlebars, and includes the writing "Profile Design" and "Carbon Stryke." Both aero bars are black.

Independent bicycle stores worldwide sold the recalled aero bars. The Carbon X aero bars were sold from August 1999 through November 2001 for about $349, and the Carbon Stryke aero bars were sold from May 1999 through November 2001 for about $139.

Consumers should stop using the recalled aero bars immediately and contact the company to receive two free replacement brackets. For more information, consumers should contact Profile-Design at (888) 800-5999 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.profile-design.com.

Aero bar ZB brackets that are welded together or have a spring- loaded flip-up design are not part of the recall.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2000 -- American Honda Motor Co. is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 off-road motorcycles. The two bolts that attach the handlebars can break. If the handlebars separate from the motorcycle, the rider loses steering control and can crash, posing the risk of serious injuries.

Honda has received four reports of handlebars separating from these motorcycles. No injuries have been reported. Honda also received four reports of loose handlebars caused by one of the two bolts failing.

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

The recall includes only years 2000 and 2001 off-road motorcycles with model number XR50R. They are red, and "50R" is written on the sides of the seat on 2000 models, and on the sides of the tank shroud on the 2001 models. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of these motorcycles, listed below, can be found on the left side of the steering head frame tube.

-- 2000 XR50R motorcycles have VIN ranges from JH2AE03**YK000013 to JH2AE03**YK0016046

-- 2001 XR50R motorcycles have VIN ranges from JH2AE03**1K010001 to JH2AE03**1K0110056

Honda motorcycle dealers nationwide sold these motorcycles from September 1999 through October 2000 for about $1,300.

Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately, and call their local Honda motorcycle dealer to schedule a free repair. To locate their local dealer or for more information, consumers should call American Honda at (888) 289-8226 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the company's web site.

Registered owners of the vehicles have been notified directly by American Honda about the recall

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 1999 -- Viking Sewing Machines Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 1,100 Husqvarna Viking sewing machines. 

When removing the sewing machines power cord from the power transformer on the sewing machine, loose pins from the power transformer could remain in the cord, posing a risk of electric shock.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.

These model #1+ sewing machines have "VIKING Husqvarna" and "#1+" written on the front of the machine. Authorized Viking dealers sold these sewing machines nationwide from January 1998 through September 1998 for about $4,000. Consumers should check their sewing machine's serial number, located on the bottom of the machine. The machine is part of the recall if it falls within the following ranges:

Serial Number Range between 10000001 and 19999991
Serial Number Range between 20000009 and 29999999
Serial Number Range between 33600003 and 33699993
Serial Number Range between 50000002 and 59999992

Consumers should only unplug these machines from the wall outlet, and should not remove the power cord from the sewing machine power transformer. Consumers should call an authorized Viking dealer to arrange for a free safety inspection. If needed, the dealer will replace the defective power transformer free of charge. For additional questions, contact Viking at (800) 446-2333 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2001 -- Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC) is recalling about 320 AquaStar natural gas water heaters. The heaters can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas, which can cause serious injuries and death.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Controlled Energy have received reports of two deaths and two injuries in Manitoba, Canada, reportedly caused by the release of carbon monoxide from the water heater.

The AquaStar natural gas water heaters were made in Portugal, and were distributed in the United States as model number AQ38B NG. The water heater is off-white in color, with the word "AquaStar" in red, on the front of the unit. The model number can be found on the rating plate, on the right side of the water heater.

The water heaters were sold nationwide through plumbing supply stores and plumbing contractors from March 1997 to January 2001, for about $440, plus installation.

Consumers who have the recalled AquaStar unit (model number AQ38B NG), should turn off the water heater immediately and call Controlled Energy Corporation toll-free at (800) 642-3111 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. CEC is offering consumers a free on-site repair conducted by a licensed professional plumber.