Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2002 -- Sherwood SCUBA LLC is recalling about 14,000 Maximus SCUBA regulators. The second stage orifices on these regulators can be cracked, bent or broken. This can result in a loss of air underwater.

Sherwood SCUBA has received seven reports of broken second stage orifices on these regulators. Two of the regulators broke during dives underwater. No injuries were reported.

The Maximus regulators included in this recall have the following model, serial numbers and connection types:

The serial numbers are laser marked on the top of the second stage case next to the mouthpiece.

Authorized Sherwood SCUBA distributors and dealers nationwide sold these regulators from January 1998 through November 2000 for about $580.

Consumers should stop using the recalled regulators immediately, and contact their nearest authorized Sherwood retailer for a free repair. For more information, call Sherwood SCUBA at (800) 469-9929 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.sherwoodscuba.com.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2002 -- Performance Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 900 sets of bar ends, which are handlebar extensions used on mountain bikes. The bar ends can crack when tightened and come loose during use, which can cause riders to lose control of the bicycle and possibly suffer injuries.

Performance Inc. has received two reports of the bar ends cracking, though no injuries have been reported. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled Performance Forte Pro Stix Bar Ends are three to four inches in length and attach to the ends of the handlebar. The bar ends are primarily used during hill climbing when mountain biking, as they give a rider added leverage when he/she is off the seat and pedaling up a steep incline. The bar ends were manufactured in Taiwan.

Performance stores nationwide, as well as the Performance Inc. web site, sold the bar ends from April 2002 through September 2002 for between $13 and $20.

Consumers should stop using the bar ends immediately and return them for a replacement or refund. Consumers can return the bar ends to the nearest Performance Store or by mailing them to Performance Inc., Attn: Returns Dept., One Performance Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. For more information, consumers should call Performance Inc. at (800) 553- 8324 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The company said it has received three reports of the pump assembly ejecting from the sprayer bottles resulting in three injuries. The injuries included lacerations, facial injuries and chest bruising..

Consumers typically fill the sprayers with cleaning agents or liquid fertilizer. The sprayer is a white container with a black pump assembly and black lettering on the label. Only sprayers with pump numbers "5" through "8" are part of this recall. The number is located on a small tab on the rim of the pump assembly. "Model 1201" and "RL FLO-MASTER" are written on the label of the sprayer.

Only 1 gallon, pump-type plastic sprayer bottles are included in the recall.

Home and garden, grocery, mass merchandise and specialty stores nationwide sold the sprayers from January 1999 through July 1999 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using these sprayer bottles immediately. Consumers can either return them to the store where purchased for a full refund, or obtain a free replacement pump assembly from Root-Lowell Manufacturing Co. Contact the company at (877) 748-0099 between 10:30 a.m. and 7p.m. EDT Monday through Friday; consumers can also see the recall announcement on their web site at www.sprayer.com/1201alert.html.

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2002 -- Trudeau Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 fondue sets. The plastic ring with handles that is attached to the upper rim of the fondue pot can crack during normal heating or cooling, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers.

Trudeau has received 30 reports of plastic rings breaking, including one report of a consumer who was burned on the hand and reported of fire damage to a rug.

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

The recalled fondue pots are blue or white metal and have a black plastic ring that is attached to the upper rim of the fondue pot. The plastic ring includes two handles that allow for safe usage of the fondue pot. The fondue pot sits on a black, four-legged stand, which houses the burner. The fondue sets were sold under the brand names "Distinction by Trudeau" and "Trudeau Fondue Set."

Retail stores nationwide, including Target, sold the fondue sets from October 2001 through January 2002 for between $20 and $40.

Consumers should stop using the fondue set immediately and contact Trudeau at (800) 465-8909 anytime to receive a replacement fondue pot.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2001 -- Burger King Corporation and Alcone Marketing Group are recalling a combined total of 2.6 million "Hourglass Space Sprout" and "Look for Me Bumblebee" toddler toys. The toys can break causing small beads or balls to be released, which poses a choking or aspiration hazard to young children. The toys were distributed in Burger King Kids Meals for children under three years old.

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

Burger King Corporation has received 18 reports of the toys breaking. There are six incidents where children had the balls or beads in their mouth, but no injuries were reported.

The "Hourglass Space Sprout" is a multi-colored toy with a green, smiling head; a clear hourglass, filled with beads; and two red balls with yellow spots as arms. The "Look for Me Bumblebee" has a purple base with a green leaf, a yellow head, and three rings that fit over the head. When the recalled toys are shaken the beads inside make a rattle sound. On the back of the toys are the words, "Sassy," "Burger King," and "MADE IN CHINA." The packaging says, "Toddler Toys For Kids Under Three Years Old."

Burger King restaurants nationwide distributed the toys inside Kids Meals from January 2001 through July 2001. Alcone Marketing Group imported the toys for Burger King Corporation.

Parents should immediately take the toys away from children and call (800) 661-9173 for instructions on returning the toy for a free, replacement toy. Information also is available at Burger King Corporation's web site at www.burgerking.com.

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2002 -- Hallmark Cards Inc., of Kansas City, Mo., is voluntarily recalling about 7,000 Harry Potter key chains. The key chains can leak petroleum distillates, which can pose an ingestion hazard to children.

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

The Harry Potter Magic Potion Bottle key chain is made of styrene and has a "potion bottle" filled with purple-colored mineral oil and red- colored water. The 3-inch tall key chain has a green base and a gold top, and has the letters "HP" printed on the bottle.

Hallmark, Hallmark Card, Wal-Mart, grocery, drug, and gift stores nationwide sold the key chains from October 2001 through November 2001 for about $5.

Consumers should take the key chains away from children immediately and contact Hallmark at (800) 425-5627 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for a full refund. For more information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.hallmark.com.

If the strobe becomes flooded, gas build-up can cause the battery cap to forcefully eject off of the strobe or cause the front section of the strobe to violently separate from the back section. Pieces of the strobe can strike the user or others in the vicinity.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Sea & Sea have received two reports of injury resulting from the strobes. The first incident, in the Carribbean, occurred when a repair technician had a tooth chipped as he was removing the battery cap. The second incident, in Japan, caused facial lacerations to a consumer when the strobe unit violently broke apart.

The recall includes all model number YS-50 strobes. It also includes all model number YS-60 and YS-120 strobes with serial numbers beginning with 96 or 94. The serial numbers are written inside the plastic housing. They were sold in yellow, black and orange. Writing on the strobes includes, "Sea & Sea" and "Japan." Scuba dive centers and photography stores nationwide sold these strobes from February 1988 through March 1999 for between $500 and $800.

Consumers should immediately stop using these strobes. Any strobe suspected of being flooded, which is indicated when the unit either stops working or is corroded, should be returned to an authorized repair center for repair. Sea & Sea is offering a free replacement battery cap with a vent that prevents the gas build up within the strobe. 

To locate the nearest authorized repair center or for more information, consumers should call Sea & Sea at (800) 732-7977 9 a.m to 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. Consumers also can write to: Sea & Sea Products Underwater Photography (U.S.A.) Inc., 1938 Kellogg Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008 or email: service@seaandsea.com.

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2000 -- Hangouts of Boulder, CO, is recalling about 350 baby hammocks that were sold in its store and through its catalog. The company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the hammocks can suddenly become twisted around childrens' necks and strangle them. Also, infants sleeping on soft bedding can become wedged in positions in which they cannot breathe.

No incidents or injuries have been reported in these hammocks, but between 1984 and 1995, CPSC received reports of 12 deaths of children in other mini-hammocks.

The hammocks are 6 feet long. They are woven from thin cotton strings with nylon end strings in solid or multi-striped colors. The label attached to the end loop reads, "Hangouts from Bellartson" and "Woven by Hand in MEXICO." The Hangout store in Boulder, Colo., and its catalogs sold these hammocks as model number MY-BB-1110 from January 1990 through September 1999 for about $20.

Consumers with one of these hammocks should stop using it immediately, and return it to Hangouts for a free, standard single hammock (model MY-SS-1130). For more information, call Hangout at (800) 205-4916 anytime.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2001 -- Darice Inc., of Strongsville, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling 60,000 wooden candle holders. When the candle burns down to the bottom of the wick it can set the candle holder on fire, which poses fire and burn hazards to consumers.

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

The recalled candle holders are constructed of unfinished wood and are designed to be painted or decorated. The candle holders, which are intended to support taper candles, come in five different shapes and sizes.

The Darice wholesale catalog, independent craft stores nationwide, including Pat Catan's Craft Centers and Ben Franklin Crafts, and Wal- Mart Stores, sold the candle holders from October 2000 through November 2001 for about $2.

Consumers should stop using these candle holders immediately and call Darice at (800) 321-1494 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a full refund. For more information, consumers should visit the company's website at www.darice.com.

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

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2002 -- Disney Children's Book Group, LLC, also known as Disney Press, of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 5,180 Zowie's 123 children's books. The books have a plastic abacus-like toy attached to the back cover that contains five plastic beads. The beads can separate from the book cover, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Disney Press has received one report of a 15-month-old boy who broke a bead from the book cover and placed it in his mouth. An adult was able to remove the bead from the child's mouth without injury.

The Zowie's 123 book is a twelve page white board book that measures 6.5-inches by 6.5-inches with a yellow plastic abacus-like toy attached to the back book cover. The abacus toy has five small beads: blue, green, red, yellow and orange. The beads slide along a plastic track. The book is based on the Rolie, Polie, Olie television series and depicts the Zowie character on its cover. The book can be identified with the ISBN code number 078683307-6, found on the back cover in the bottom corner.

Bookstores nationwide sold the recalled books from January 2002 through February 2002 for about $7.

Consumers should immediately take these recalled books away from young children and return the books to Disney Press for a full refund and postage. Mail the books to Disney Press, Attn: Zowie 123, 114 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 and use six first-class stamps per book. Be sure to include a return address and phone number. For additional information, contact Disney Children's Book Group, LLC toll-free at (866) 203-8070 anytime.

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2002 -- Cane Creek Cycling Components is voluntarily recalling about 7,700 bicycle suspension seat posts. The seat post's cradle, which attaches to the bicycle seat, can break, posing the risk of falls and serious injury to riders.

Cane Creek has received 18 reports of cradles breaking; though, no injuries have been reported.

The recalled THUDBUSTER Suspension Seat Posts are black and silver and have a range of serial numbers between 10894 and 18710. The serial number can be found inside the seat post's tube toward the bottom of the post. The words, "Cane Creek" and "Thudbuster" are also printed on the seat post. The seat posts are made in the U.S.

Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold these seat posts between November 2000 and June 2002 for about $140.

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

Consumers should stop using these seat posts immediately and return them to the company for a free repair. Consumers should contact Cane Creek Cycling Components at (800) 234-2725 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the company's website at www.canecreek.com.

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2002 -- DeWALT Industrial Tool Co. is voluntarily recalling about 55,000 heavy-duty, lightweight circular saws. The spindle on the saw may slip, causing the blade to contact the lower guard, posing a hazard from an exposed blade.

DeWALT received one report of the blade slipping. A consumer received minor scratches to his hand after his spindle slipped.

The recall involves 7 1/4-inch circular saws with the model numbers DW368, DW368K, or DW369CSK. The model number is located on a black label near the handle of the saw, or on a yellow sticker attached to the carrying case. The saws have date codes 200128-F through 200152-F stamped on the bottom of the motor case. The housing is yellow and the word "DeWALT" is printed on the upper blade guard.

Home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold the circular saws from July 2001 through December 2001 for between $120 and $135.

Consumers should stop using the circular saws immediately and return them to the nearest DeWALT service center for a free repair. For more information or to locate the nearest service center, consumers should contact DeWALT toll-free at (888) 839-3559 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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

No other DeWALT circular saws are involved in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2000 -- Prestige Toy Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 4,600 Curious George musical pull toys for replacement. The toy has two elastic cords that form a loop, posing a strangulation risk to young children.

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

Although Prestige Toy Corp. has received a report of a child found with the cords of the toy wrapped around his neck, no injuries have been reported.

The toy is a stuffed fabric toy with Curious George holding two red and yellow balloons, attached by two retractable green fabric covered elastic cords. It can hang from cribs, playpens, or other juvenile furniture. A red tag on the toy reads in part "STYLE # 3490, Curious George Adventures, and Made In China." When the cords are pulled, the toy plays music as the cords retract. Kmart stores nationwide sold these toys from June 1999 through September 1999 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using these toys immediately and return it to Kmart for a replacement toy. For more information, contact Prestige Toy Corp at (866) 666-8266 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Toys that have the green elastic cords sewn together halfway below the red and yellow balloons are not included in this recall

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2000 -- Healthtex is recalling about 260,000 of its baby garments. Snaps on these garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to babies. The company said it had received 10 reports of snaps detaching from the baby garments. No injuries have been reported.

The recall was announced in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Department stores and children's specialty stores nationwide as well as the Healthtex web site sold these clothes from May 1999 through December 1999 for between $12 and $30.

The garments were sold under the Healthtex and Little Impressions labels in sizes newborn to 24 months. There are 58 different styles included in this recall. Style numbers are located on the back of the neck tag or inside seam. Call the company to see if your garment is part of the recall.

The garments were sold as one-piece and two-piece infant garments with long sleeves and full crotch snaps for boys and girls. The male portion of the snap can be identified by the name "SNAPET" stamped inside. The garments were sold in various colors and prints including pastels, stripes and plaids. Writing on the collar labels includes, "MADE IN THAILAND," and "100% Cotton."

Consumers should stop using these baby garments immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange. Consumers also can return garments directly to the manufacturer. For more information, call (800) 554-7637 between the hours of 8am to 8pm Monday through Friday ET or write to VF Playwear, 310 Rockingham Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320. Consumers also can go to the company's web site to see the styles and style numbers included in this recall. Here are the style numbers involved:

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2002 -- The Little Tikes Company is voluntarily recalling about 21,400 Pop 'n Scoot Ride-on toys. Young children who lean forward can fall forward over the handlebars, causing facial injuries.

Little Tikes has received 10 reports of children falling forward over the toy's handlebars. Seven injuries to children include damaged teeth, stitches to the chin, cuts and scratches to the mouth and face.

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

The Pop 'n Scoot Ride-on toy is made of molded plastic with a clear dome filled with colorful beads attached to the handlebars. The riding toys have a yellow body, a red seat and red handlebars with blue hand grips. The identification number 32922XX 1 is molded on the underside of the ride-on body. The model number 1568-01 and "Made In U.S.A." is molded on the bottom of the storage area below the red seat. The product was sold for children age 9 months to 36 months old.

Toy stores nationwide sold the riding toys from March 2001 through May 13, 2002 for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the toys immediately and contact Little Tikes at www.littletikes.com or call (866) 765-6729 anytime to receive a Little Tikes replacement product.

Small children can work their way out of the harness and fall through a leg opening or topple out of the top of the carrier, which can cause head and body injuries. On December 10, 1998, L.L. Bean recalled another backpack child carrier, model number AC25, with a similar problem.

L.L. Bean has received 25 reports of children falling out of the harnesses of the model W695 carriers by slipping through a leg opening or toppling out of the top of the carrier. It was reported that five of these children received injuries, including head bumps, a fractured wrist, bruises, abrasions and contusions.

The model number of these backpack carriers, W695, is written on a tag inside the rear storage compartment in the upper left side. They are teal and have gray harness straps. These backpack carriers have kickstands for loading the child into the carriers. The "L.L. Bean " label is on the back of the carrier.

The L.L. Bean website and catalogs, and L.L. Bean retail stores in Maine, Oregon, New Hampshire and Delaware sold the carriers between January 1993 and March 1995 for about $95.

In December 1998, CPSC and L.L. Bean recalled 10,000 backpack child carriers, model number AC25. Small children can become entangled in the carrier's harness, which poses a strangulation risk. Also, like the second model carrier being recalled, small children can work their way out of the harness and fall through a leg opening or topple out of the top of the carrier, which can cause head and body injuries.

L.L. Bean received 23 reports of children falling out of the harnesses of the model AC25 carriers by slipping through a leg opening or toppling out of the top of the carrier. It was reported that 10 of these children received injuries, including head bumps, bruises, abrasions and contusions. Four of these children became entangled by the harness straps around their necks.

These forest green L.L. Bean Child Carriers have gray harness straps, and model number AC25, which is written on a tag inside the rear storage compartment. These backpack carriers have kickstands for loading the child into the carriers. The "L.L. Bean " label is on the back of the carrier.

The L.L. Bean website and catalogs, and L.L. Bean retail stores in Maine, Oregon, New Hampshire and Delaware sold these carriers between January 1997 and October 1998 for about $99.

Consumers should stop using both of these carriers immediately and call L.L. Bean at (800) 555-9717 anytime or visit its website at www.llbean.com/recall to receive instructions for returning the carrier for a refund or for any other information about these recalls.



The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2000 -- Teether Toys is recalling about 22,000 plastic teether toys. These toys are called the Whoozit Touch and Teethe, and have item number WZ-450, written on the packaging.

The teether can pull apart easily and expose small pieces. This poses choking and aspiration hazards to young children.

The firm has received four reports of teethers coming apart and exposing small pieces. No injuries have been reported.

The teether has a 3-inch center face with a red nose that squeeks when pushed in. A mirror is on the reverse side of the face. Seven shapes surround the toy: two hearts, two stars, two circles and one triangle. The green triangle on the toy reads "Touch and Teethe," "Whoozit" and "Made in China."

Specialty stores and gift shops sold the teethers from February 2000 through May 2000 for about $12.

Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange for another toy. For more information, contact Manhattan Group at (800) 541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2000 --Kole Imports is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 electric circuit testers. The circuit testers can fail to indicate if electric current is present, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers.

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

CPSC has received one report of an electric shock received by a consumer when the circuit tester did not work.

These Sterling-brand screwdriver-type circuit testers are about 5.25 inches long. The tester looks similar to a small screwdriver, and has a clear, plastic handle. Inside the handle is a spring and small light. The tester has a red plastic end cap. There is no writing on the testers. The model number, "ML-24," and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the packaging.

Discount stores sold these circuit testers nationwide from January 2000 through September 2000. They cost about $1 for a package containing two testers.

Consumers should stop using these recalled circuit testers immediately. Consumers with these testers should contact Kole Imports to learn how to receive a refund. For more information, call Kole at (866) 251-0982 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit Kole's web site at http://www.koleimports.com/Recall.htm.

WASHINGTON, May 25, 1999 --  Tommy Hilfiger is recalling about 3,800 infant cardigans. The cardigans' snaps can detach, presenting a choking hazard to infants.

The recalled fleece cardigans range in size from 3 to 24 months in colors red or navy. There are four plastic snaps on the front of the cardigans. The cardigans have long sleeves and two front pockets. High-end department stores nationwide sold the cardigans from August 1998 through October 1998 for about $36.

Tommy Hilfiger has received one report of a snap detaching from a cardigan. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using these cardigans immediately, and call Tommy Hilfiger Consumer Relations Department toll-free at (877) TOMMYCARES anytime to arrange for an exchange or full refund.

Back to Recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.