Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Franklin Sports, Huffy Sports and Lifetime Products are announcing a voluntary recall to replace the nets on 900,000 toy and youth basketball sets. Children could strangle on loops or openings in nets that come unhooked from the rim or have knots that slide. If children put their heads into these openings, the net can get tangled around their necks.

Franklin Sports has received one report of a 3-year-old boy getting his head and neck caught in a basketball net. Huffy Sports and Lifetime Products have received no incident reports. 

In December 1998, Fisher Price, Little Tikes, Ohio Art and Today's Kids recalled 10.1 million toy basketball sets to replace their nets. This recall followed 20 reports of children under 5 getting their heads and necks caught in the nets, including the death of an 18-month-old child.

Consumers should immediately inspect their basketball sets for nets that can unhook from the rim or have knots that slide.

The basketball sets with nets that need to be replaced come in a variety of colors and include a nylon net and plastic or metal hoop attached to a plastic, youth-sized pole. The pole is set in a plastic base and adjusts from 3 to 6 feet high. Franklin Sports recalled basketball sets are called "Slam Dunk Youth Basketball Set." Huffy Sports recalled basketball sets are called "Youth One-On-One." Lifetime Products recalled basketball sets are called "Shoot Case." The manufacturer's name is on the backboard, base or hoop of each toy. The manufacturers will help consumers determine if the nets need to be replaced.

Toy, sporting goods, mass merchandise and discount department stores nationwide sold the basketball sets since 1993 for $13 to $40. Basketball sets sold in stores today, by the participating manufacturers, have nets that are attached securely to the rim and are not involved in this recall. In addition, nets on full-sized portable or in-ground sets over 6 feet high are not recalled.

Consumers should remove and throw away nets that can unhook or have knots that slide. Manufacturers will send consumers new nets that securely attach to the rim and do not have sliding knots. The basketball set can be used without a net until the new net arrives. Consumers should not return the product to stores.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2000 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding parents to choose sleepwear that will protect children from serious burn injuries. "Winter is here and parents will be shopping for pajamas that will keep their children warm during the cold weather," said CPSC Commissioner Thomas Moore. "Be sure to shop for safety by looking for tags that say the garment is flame-resistant or snug- fitting."

Loose-fitting T-shirts and other loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or cotton blends should not be used for children's sleepwear. These garments can catch fire easily, burn rapidly, and are associated with nearly 200 emergency-room-treated burn injuries to children each year. Children are most at risk from burn injuries that result from playing with fire (matches, lighters, candles, burners on stoves) just before bedtime and just after rising in the morning.

CPSC sets national safety standards for children's sleepwear flammability to protect children from serious burn injuries if they come in contact with a small flame. Under federal safety rules, garments sold as children's sleepwear for sizes larger than nine months must be either flame-resistant or snug-fitting.

Flame-resistant garments are made from inherently flame-resistant fabrics or are treated with flame retardants and do not continue to burn when removed from a small flame. These sleepwear garments are often labeled "Flame Resistant."

Snug-fitting sleepwear is made of stretchy cotton or cotton blends that fit closely against a child's body. Snug-fitting sleepwear is less likely to come into contact with a flame and does not ignite as easily or burn as rapidly because there is little air under the garment to feed a fire.

"If you're buying snug fitting sleepwear, buy true to size," said Moore. "Because the garment is not flame-resistant, it must fit snugly for safety." Yellow hangtags and permanent labels on snug-fitting children's sleepwear, made of cotton or cotton blends, remind consumers of the importance of a snug fit.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2001 -- The William Carter Co. is voluntarily recalling about 600,000 infant jumpsuits for repair. A ribbon that runs through the zipper pull tab can detach, resulting in a potential choking hazard.

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

Carter's received four reports of children detaching the ribbons, putting them in their mouths, and starting to gag or choke. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled infant jumpsuits have a 6-inch long satin ribbon tied through the zipper pull tab. The ribbons are solid in color or have "Carter's" printed on them. Recalled models are either 100 percent cotton interlock jumpsuits with a teddy bear, bunny or puppy embroidery design on the front; or cotton/polyester blend velour jumpsuits with a teddy bear or bunny embroidery design on the front. The jumpsuits were sold in sizes Small (0-3 months), Medium (3-6 months), and Large (6-9 months).

Outlet, department and specialty stores nationwide sold these jumpsuits from May 2000 through December 2000 for $14 to $20.

Consumers should immediately remove and discard the ribbon. The garment then can be worn without the ribbon. For more information, consumers should call Carter's toll-free at (888) 339-2129 anytime or visit their website at http://www.carters.com/recall2.html.

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Proctor-Silex is voluntarily recalling about 95,000 toasters. The heating elements in these toasters can remain on after the toast pops up, posing a fire hazard.

At least 24 incidents have been reported. There have been three reports of food fires, resulting in property damage to kitchen cabinets. No injuries have been reported.

Mass merchandise stores nationwide, including Ames, Bradlees, Burdines, Eckerd, Rite Aid, Servistar and Walgreens, sold these toasters from April 1997 through September 1999 for between $20 and $25.

These are traditional upright electric toasters with single lifters and four extra-wide slots that can accommodate bread or bagels. The toasters with model number 24205 are white, and toasters with model number 24208 are black and chrome. The model number, series code, UL logo and "MADE IN CHINA" are printed on the bottom of the toaster. The recall includes only toasters with series codes A0379 through A3279 or series code A2589 through A3289. The name "Proctor-Silex" is written in gray lettering on the front panel of the toaster. A control dial, labeled in units from "1" to "6" for adjusting the degree of toasting, and a bread lifter for raising and lowering the food are located on the front of the toaster.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using these toasters. For information on receiving a free replacement toaster, consumers should call Proctor-Silex toll-free at (800) 992-4616 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m ET Monday through Friday, or go to their web site.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2001 -- Little Tikes Company is voluntarily recalling about 250,000 "2-in-1 Snug 'n Secure" swings. The buckles on the swing can break and the shoulder restraint straps can pull out of the back of the seat, causing young children to fall.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Little Tikes have received 14 reports of problems with the swings. Five injuries to children included abrasions, bruises, cuts and bumps to the head.

Juvenile product and toy stores nationwide sold the swings from December 2000 through September 2001 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the swings immediately and contact Little Tikes at www.littletikes.com or call (800) 815-4820 anytime to receive a repair kit.

The swings are made of molded plastic and have a blue seat with a red T-shaped restraint front. The model number 4117-00 is molded underneath the seat. The "little tikes" logo is written on the T-shaped restraint bar on the front of the swing. The swings were sold for children ages9-months through 4-years old. The swing is suspended with four yellow ropes. Only swings with blue or white buckles are included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, D.C. Oct. 17, 2002 -- Swingline is voluntarily recalling about 11,100 cordless, rechargeable staplers. If the user inadvertently releases the spring-loaded staple magazine while holding the stapler close to his or her face, there is a risk of injury from a fully loaded magazine striking the puser in the face.

Swingline has not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled cordless stapler is silver and black and comes with a black charger and charger base. The stapler, charger, and charger base have the name "Swingline" printed on them. The stapler's model number, 48201, as well as the words "Made in China," are stamped on the battery cover on the bottom of the stapler. If the battery cover has the letter "S" in the upper right corner, then the stapler is not included in the recall.

Office supply retailers nationwide sold the staplers from June 2002 through September 2002 for about $75.

Consumers should stop using these staplers immediately and contact Swingline at (800) 352-6853 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a free replacement. For more information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.swingline.com/customerservice

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kids Line Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling for repair about 46,000 Le Cradle bassinets.

Infants can become entrapped in an opening between the bassinet's side and mattress platform and suffocate. Additionally, fabric can separate from the metal frame. Infants can be injured when they scrape against or become caught in the frame.

Kids Line has received one report of a 3-month-old boy in Oakland Park, Fla. who died when he suffocated after becoming trapped between the bassinet's side and mattress platform. Three other infants were scraped and bruised from contact with the metal frame that became exposed when the fabric separated from the frame.

Kids Line is offering a free in-home repair kit, designed to secure the fabric around the bassinet to prevent entrapments and exposure to the metal frame.

The recalled bassinets were sold under the name "Le Cradle Bassinette." The bassinet has a white metal base with wheels and a removable canopy. The oval bassinet itself is made up of a metal wire frame and a wooden base board that rests on the metal base. A sticker on the mattress platform gives instructions for use of the bassinet and says, "Le Cradle, Kids Line, Los Angeles, California." A fabric-covered foam mattress covers the wooden board. Matching fabric covers the bassinet frame, and comes in various colors and designs.

Children's products stores nationwide sold the bassinets from January 1989 through May 2000 for between $100 and $200.

Consumers should stop using the bassinets immediately and contact Kids Line for a free in-home repair kit. Consumers should call Kids Line toll-free at (866) LECRADL (532-7235) anytime.

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2002 -- Leifheit International USA Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 31,000 apple slicers/corers. The cutting blade can separate from the center-coring ring during use causing cuts to consumers' hands and fingers.

Leifheit has received two reports of the blades separating, resulting in minor cuts to the user's fingers.

The recall includes Pro Line apple slicers/corers. The slicers/corers are made of shiny chrome metal with two handles. "Leifheit" is printed on the top of one handle. A symbol code on the underside of the slicer/corer shows a number and dot sequence indicating the date of manufacture. Any product with a "1" or those with a "2" accompanied by one or two dots are included in the recall.

Houseware and gourmet cooking stores sold the slicers/corers nationwide from January 2001 to July 2002 for about $18.

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

Consumers should stop using these apple slicers/corers immediately and return them to either the place of purchase or the company. Consumers will have their choice of receiving a replacement or a refund. For more information, consumers can contact Leifheit at (866) 695-3434 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.leifheitusa.com.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2001 -- Raleigh America Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 500 bicycles. The bottom bracket spindle inside the crankset of the bicycle can break, causing the rider to lose control and crash. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Raleigh America has received five reports of bottom bracket spindles breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled bicycles are the 2001 Diamondback XSL-Race and XSL- Pro Mountain models. The XSL-Race model is white with red and black decals. The XSL-Pro model is yellow with white decals.

Authorized Diamondback dealers sold the bicycles nationwide from January 2001 through August 2001 for between $1,400 and $1,900.

Consumers should immediately stop riding these bicycles and contact the authorized Diamondback dealer where the bicycle was purchased to arrange for a free repair. For more information, consumers can contact Raleigh America at (800) 222-5527 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2001 -- Canon U.S.A. Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 Faxphones. The Faxphones are combination plain-paper copiers and facsimile machines. A component failure can cause the Faxphone to catch on fire.

Canon U.S.A. received five reports of Faxphones catching on fire and causing damage to the machines. No injuries have been reported. The recall involves Canon Faxphones with model number B640. "FAXPHONE B640" is written on the front of the machines. The units being recalled have serial numbers UKK52923 to UKK55442, UKK60513 to UKK99999, and YKK02001 to YKK20000. The serial number is printed on a silver label located on the back of the machines.

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

Electronics, office products and computer stores nationwide sold these machines from October 1999 through May 2001 for between $130 and $200.

Consumers should stop using the Faxphones immediately, and contact Canon U.S.A. Inc. to get a free replacement Faxphone. For more information, consumers should call Canon at (888) 280-7858 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between noon and 8 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit Canon's web site at www.cusa.canon.com/consumer.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2001 -- Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 3,356 Tot Rider walkers. The cover on the walker's removable music center can break off, allowing small parts to fall from the product, creating a potential choking hazard to young children.

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

Kolcraft has not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled walker was manufactured from February 2000 through August 2000, and has a model number of 14302. The model number and manufacturing date can be found on the base of the walker. "Tot Rider®," "Music Center," and "Kolcraft®" appear on the front of the walker. The music center, which is removable, has a steering wheel, gear shift, buttons, and a speaker which plays music.

Mass merchandise and juvenile products stores nationwide sold these walkers from February 2000 to January 2001 for between $40 and $50.

Consumers should remove the music center and call Kolcraft to receive a free replacement tray. Consumers can contact Kolcraft toll-free at (800) 453-7673 between 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Kolcraft® Tot Riders with model number 14303 are not recalled.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2001 -- Alco Industries Inc. is voluntarily announcing the recall of 75,000 water fountains with candle holders. The tea candles on the water fountains can flare up, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Alco Industries has received two reports of candles flaring up, including two consumers who suffered burn injuries. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled water fountains have a black base and two tiers of rocks over which water flows. The decorative rocks come in various shapes and colors. Two candles are perched above the fountain, set in black candle holders, and lit behind a painted glass cover. A sticker on the bottom of the fountain reads, "Made in China." The "Submersible Pump" attached to the bottom of the fountain reads in part, "Jebo" and "Made in China"

Mass Retailers nationwide sold these water fountain candle sets from February 2001 through October 2001 for between $10 and $20.

Consumers should stop using the tea candles immediately and return the water fountain set to the store where purchased for a full refund or a replacement of the tea candles. For more information, consumers should call Alco Industries at (800) 862-9816 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.alcoindustries.com.

The novelty lighters are plastic and shaped as a "BMW" toy car with flashing lights and keychain, a "Coke" soda bottle, a "Budweiser" beer can with flashing lights, a fire extinguisher, and a telephone pager with flashing lights belt clip. 

The disposable lighters are silver-colored metal and are relatively flat, measuring 2.75 inches long, 1 inch wide and .25 inch thick. A "MADE IN CHINA" label is on each lighter. Small stores and souvenir shops in the New York and Miami areas sold the lighters from January 1999 through July 1999 for about $5. U.S. Customs alerted the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to this product hazard.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, call Penda New York Inc. collect at (212) 889-6740 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Enesco said they were aware of three reports of pom-poms detaching from these stuffed toys. No injuries were reported.

The stuffed toys include the Lady Bug (476080), Bee (464295), Butterfly (482234) and Reindeer (381969). The pom-poms are the antennae on the heads of the lady bug, bee and butterfly toys. The pom-poms are holiday ornaments on the antlers of the reindeer.

The item number can be found on the purple adoption registration attached to the stuffed toys. The "Tender Tails" toys are about 6 inches long.

Gift, card and collectible stores sold these stuffed toys nationwide from May 1998 through August 1999 for about $7.

Consumers should immediately cut off the pom-poms and return the pom-poms along with their name, address and phone number to Enesco to receive a free Tender Tails Hippo toy. The Hippo toy will be retired at the end of the year and given out while supplies last. Another Tender Tails(r) toy will be given to consumers in exchange for returned pom-poms when the supply of Hippo toys runs out.

For more information, call Enesco at (800) NEAR YOU (632-7968) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday, or write to Enesco, P.O. Box 499, Itasca, IL 60143-0499, visit their web site at www.enesco.com or email them at ttpompoms@enesco.com .

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2002 -- PM International Ltd. is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 international 2-prong adapter plugs. PM International imported the adapter plugs from a manufacturer in China. The adapter plug can separate when the plug is removed, exposing live electrical conductors, posing an electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.

PM International received one report of a consumer who received an electric shock when he contacted the exposed conductors when he removed the plug. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The 2-prong, slip-on adapter plugs are used to connect American 2- pronged electrical plugs into various foreign outlets. The adapter plugs are plastic with a white matte finish. The only marking on the plug is "6A250V", which is molded on the bottom surface between the prongs of the adapter. No other writing appears on the adapters. PM International sold the adapter plugs individually and as part of a traveling kit with voltage converters. Only adapter plugs sold individually are included in the recall.

Catalogs and electronic stores nationwide sold the adapter plugs from November 2000 through March 2002 for about $3.

Consumers should immediately stop using these adapters and contact the store or catalog where purchased to receive a free replacement adapter. Consumers can contact PM International at (800) 377-6332 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2002 -- Team Beans LLC is recalling about 8,000 "Bottle Cap Bear" key chains. A miniature "Coca-Cola" bottle that attaches to the body of the plush bear key chain can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children. Team Beans LLC imported the key chains as part of a licensing agreement with The Coca-Cola Co.

Team Beans LLC has not received any reports of bottles attached to the key chains coming off. This recall is being announced to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The 4-inch "Bottle Cap Bear" key chains feature an auto-racing theme. The bears have white heads and tails, and hold a miniature "Coca- Cola" bottle in their left paws. The bears' outfits contain colors and insignia associated with selected professional racecar drivers. The featured driver's racing number is written on a bottle cap design on the bear's front. The back of each bear has a patch that contains the words, "THE COCA-COLA RACING FAMILY," and a black and white checkered "Coca- Cola" bottle in the middle.

Select auto racing souvenir shops and collectibles stores nationwide sold the key chains from January 2002 through July 2002 for about $10.

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

Consumers should take the key chains away from children immediately, and return them to Team Beans for a refund or credit plus postage. Mail the item to Team Beans Forever Collectibles, Attention: Geoff Geruso - cc, 11 Elkins Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816. For more information, contact Team Beans at (800) 450-5585 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2001 -- BRIO Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 3,100 Curious George toys. The toys include fabric-filled mobile phones that can pose a choking hazard to young children. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC and BRIO Corp. have not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

These Curious George monkey plush toys are dressed in a yellow plastic space suit with matching gloves. They have a detachable backpack with a red fabric-filled mobile phone attached. The small mobile phone is 1.25-inches by 1.5-inches, and is connected to a gray, mesh backpack by a 4.75-inch string sewn into one of the backpack's seams. A label in the collar of the space suit reads, "Curious George by BRIO." This is an "Activity George," which is written on the packaging, and is labeled for children ages 18 months and older. The back of the box reads: "Removable backpack with mobile phone!" The recalled toy has model number 32900 written on the front of the box.

Consumers should take these toys away from children immediately and call BRIO to get a refund or replacement toy. For more information, contact BRIO toll-free at (888) 274-6869 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.briotoy.com. Consumers also can send the toy to BRIO Corp., SAFETY RECALL, N120 W18485 Freistadt Road, Germantown, WI 53022.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Variflex Inc. NHS Inc., and First Team Sports Inc. are voluntarily recalling about 243,000 bicycle helmets.

The helmets failed impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death. The recalls are the result of a CPSC investigation, test results provided by the Good Housekeeping Institute and a helmet company's report to CPSC.

CPSC and the firms are not aware of any injuries or incidents involving these helmets.

Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets

Variflex Inc. is recalling about 240,000 "X-Games Aggressive" bicycle helmets, which are either black, white or chrome. They have a red "X- Games" insignia on the front and "X-Games" is written on the back. A large label inside these helmets reads "SGS CPSC CY50159." And "Variflex Inc." "Static" and "Made in Taiwan" are written on the packaging.

Sporting good and discount department stores nationwide sold these helmets from October 1999 through September 2000 for about $20. Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or replacement helmet. For more information, call Variflex at (800) 248-5327 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

NHS TSG Helmets

NHS Inc. is recalling about 1,100 "TSG Metallic Gold," 1,000 "TSG Gloss Black" and 500 "TSG Foundation Blue" helmets. The Metallic Gold and Gloss Black helmets have "TSG" written on the front and rear of the helmet. The Foundation Blue helmets have the word "Foundation" across the front and a star and moon on the side of the helmet. They have serial numbers beginning SN: 00170 or SN: 00171, and a date code of January, February and April 2000 written on the white label inside the helmets.

Sporting good stores nationwide sold these helmets from February 2000 through October 2000 for between $35 to $45.

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to NHS Inc., not to the store where purchased, for a refund. For more information and instructions on how to return the helmet, call NHS at (877) 743-7820 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

First Team Sports "Guardian Junior Helmets"

First Team Sports Inc. is recalling about 1,000 "Guardian Junior Helmets." They are slate blue, and have "Guardian" written on the front and rear of the helmets. They have model numbers 007471, 007958, 009406, 009437, 009455 or 009830, and date code "2000/04" written on a label inside the helmets.

Sporting goods stores in the eastern and north eastern U.S. sold these helmets from February 2000 through October 2000 for about $25.

Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call First Team Sports at (800) 528-5872 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.