Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2001 -- Eight firms are voluntarily recalling about 835,000 Zapper toys. The balloon tongues and the cylinders holding the tongues on these toys can detach, posing a choking and aspiration hazard to young children.

The Promotional Resources Group of Companies Inc., of Topeka, Kan., previously recalled about 105,000 Bug Zapper toys on June 6, 2000. That company received a report of a 3-year-old boy who inhaled a balloon tongue that detached from a Zapper toy into his sinus cavity. He required medical treatment to remove the part from his nose.

The following firms distributed these toys: Bonita Marie International Inc., of Manasquan, N.J.; Dillon Importing Co., of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Oriental Trading Co. Inc., of Omaha, Neb.; Play By Play Toys & Novelties Inc., of San Antonio, Texas; Rhode Island Novelty, of Johnston, R.I.; Sherman Specialty Co. Inc., of Merrick, N.Y.; Toy Investment Inc., of Kent, Wash.; and U.S. Toy Co. Inc., of Grandview, Mo.

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

The vinyl Zapper toys are about 2- to 3-inches long, and come in 12 different styles: smiley face, globe with glasses, troll, bumble bee, lion, bear, tiger, raspberry face, fish, frog, snake, and lizard. When the toy is squeezed, the balloon tongue attached to its mouth inflates or rolls out. "CHINA" or "MADE IN CHINA" is molded into the toy.

Toy stores, doctor and dentist offices, and carnivals and circuses sold and distributed these toys from October 1998 through March 2001. They were sold for about $1.

Consumers should immediately take these toys away from young children and take them back to where they were purchased for a refund, or throw them away. If consumers have questions, call CPSC at (800) 638- 2772 anytime.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2002 -- Chargetek Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 200 CT-2000 battery chargers used with recreational vehicles, such as boats. A manufacturing defect inside the charger can cause overheating of internal connections or external wiring, presenting a fire hazard.

Chargetek has received three reports of fires involving the CT- 2000. The fires were contained to the charger with minor soot damage to nearby materials. No injuries have been reported. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The chargers were made in the USA and the words "Chargetek CT2000" are printed across the front of the charger's black housing. Indicator lights for charge mode, battery polarity and charge current are also located on the front. Wires for the AC power and three batteries extend from the bottom of the unit. Only models with a serial number in the range of 030260 to 030603 and/or a day code between "Jan 01 2001" and "June 30 2002" are included in the recall. The serial number is written on the top of the charger and the day code is stamped on the bottom.

Specialty product dealers sold the chargers nationwide from January 1998 to June 2002 for between $220 and $260.

Consumers should stop using and disconnect the AC power and the batteries from the chargers immediately. To arrange for a free replacement, consumers should contact Chargetek at (888) 453-4135 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. For more information, consumers can visit the firm's web site at www.chargetek.com.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2001 -- Kid Cool LLC is voluntarily recalling about 5,100 Baby Cool and Kid Cool girls' jackets and vests. The zipper pull and metal ring on these garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

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

Kid Cool LLC has received one report of a child who removed the zipper pull, placed it in her mouth and began to choke on the metal ring that attaches the zipper pull to the jacket.

The recalled garments are 100-percent polyester girls' fleece- hooded jackets and sleeveless vests. The garments are pink or violet in color and were sold in both infant sizes 9-24 months and toddler sizes 2T-4T. The garments have a zipper front with a rubber zipper pull attached by a metal ring. Two pockets on the front of the garment have flowers on them. A label sewn on the inside neck of the garments reads "Baby Cool (c)," "Kid Cool Collections," and "Made in Hong Kong."

Sears department stores nationwide exclusively sold these garments from September 2001 through October 2001 for between $16 and $19.

Consumers should immediately remove the zipper pull and the metal ring from these garments and dispose of them. Consumers can return the garments to any Sears retail store to receive a replacement garment. For additional information, contact Kid Cool LLC at (800) 315-2376 Ext. 183 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the Sears web site at www.sears.com.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2001 -- Kids II Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Pop Links toys. The tips on the links that snap together like a chain, can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Kids II has received 11 reports of tips on the links breaking. No injuries have been reported.

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

Pop Links model 883 with a date code "ND1" molded on the tips of the links are involved in this recall. The toys come in a variety of bright colors with unique shapes and various textures. There are 12 links in a package. The links snap together, creating a chain of links. Mass merchandise and juvenile specialty stores nationwide sold the Pop Links between June 2001 through November 2001 for about $4.

Consumers should immediately take the Pop Links toys away from young children and return them to Kids II for a replacement toy. Consumers can contact Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit the firm's web site at www.kidsii.com.

Kids II Pop Links that do not have a date code "ND1" are not subject to this recall.

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2001 -- SunTome is voluntarily recalling about 600 baby walkers because the walkers will fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these walkers could be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.

The baby walker is model number ST-108ST, which is written on the box. "Q BABY" is written on a label on the front of the walker and "MADE IN TAIWAN" is written on a tag on the back of the seat. They are light and dark blue, pink, green, purple and white.

They have one of three types of activity trays: "Finger Power Training" features a phone and steering wheel; "Music & Light" features a side-view mirror and plane toy; and "Train Engine" plays four animal sounds and four songs. The walkers are packaged in a box labeled in part, "BABY HAND'S," and "COMFORTABLE PAD MADE OF TC CLOTH, WITH FRONT AND BACK GUARD." Independent discount stores located in California, Arizona and Texas sold these baby walkers from January 1998 through July 2001 for between $18 and $22.

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

Consumers should stop using these baby walkers immediately and call the firm for instructions on returning the walkers for a refund and shipping costs. For more information, consumers should call SunTome Trading Corp. at (888) SUNTOME (786-8663) between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. This recall came to CPSC's attention as a result of routine import dock surveillance activities in cooperation with the U.S. Customs Service.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), L.L. Bean Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 2,000 pairs of fleece slippers. The drawcord around the ankle of these slippers can break and release the toggle used to tighten the drawcord. The toggle presents a choking hazard to young children.

L.L. Bean has received one report of a 12 month-old baby pulling the toggle off of his slipper. No injuries were reported.

The Snuggle-Up slippers are made of red, blue or aqua fleece fabric, and have a suede sole. The drawcord around the ankle has a barrel toggle to tighten the slipper to adjust the fit. An "LL Bean" fabric label is sewn below the drawcord on the rear of the slipper. "L.L. Bean®" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the sole of the slippers. They were sold in sizes XXS (3.5 to 5.5) and XS (6 to 8).

The L.L. Kids Store in Freeport, Maine, the L.L. Bean Store in McLean, Va., and the L.L. Bean catalogs and web site sold the slippers nationwide from August 2000 through October 2000 for about $18.

Consumers should take these slippers away from young children immediately, and return them to L.L. Bean for an exchange or refund. For more information, call L.L. Bean at (800) 555-9717 anytime.

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2002 -- L.A. Lighter Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 1,800 disposable cigarette lighters. The lighters may have child-resistant mechanisms that do not meet federal safety standards. Young children may be able to operate these lighters, which could pose a fire hazard.

L.A. Lighter has not received any reports of incidents. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled lighters are made of metal, come in different colors, and have a top that resembles a pencil across a protractor and triangle. To open the port and ignite the flame, consumers press on the pencil. The lighters, which are about three inches high, 7/8 inches wide and 1/4 inch deep, have a ruler along the side. A label on the lighter has the UPC code 7 63052 20108 5 and the words, "MADE IN CHINA" and "SLIDE PUSH."

Retailers and distributors nationwide sold these lighters between December 2000 and May 2001 for about $5.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and contact L.A. Lighter at (800) 499-4708 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive a full refund.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2001 -- Little Tikes Co., of Hudson, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 260 lobster toys attached to the activity tray of the Ocean Friends Stationary Entertainer. The antennae on the lobster toy can break, posing a choking hazard to young children.

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

The recall involves Ocean Friends Stationary Entertainer model 4629 GIG. The model number is located underneath the entertainer's tray. The green tray on the stationary entertainer is supported by three adjustable legs and has the words "Little Tikes" printed across the front. The seat, patterned with colorful pictures of sea animals, sits in the center of the unit and swivels so the child can play with the nine toys attached to the tray. The recalled lobster toy is red with black antennae. Only lobsters with black antennae are involved in this recall.

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

Toys R Us stores sold the stationary entertainer with the lobster toy nationwide between October 2001 through November 2001 for about $60.

Consumers should remove the lobster toy from the entertainer immediately and contact Little Tikes for a replacement toy. For more information, consumers can contact Little Tikes toll-free at (888) 883- 7662 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.littletikes.com.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2001 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the recall of approximately 16,000 packages of mini-cup gel candies because they represent a choking hazard. This candy, distributed nationwide to retail establishments, is sold under the names of Mother's Pride and NATA, and the label describes the product as a mini-fruit bite. The candy comes in small sealed plastic cups that contain gelatin with or without a chunk of fruit.

These candies contain the ingredient "konjac" (also known as conjac, konnyaku, yam flour, or glucomannan). The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration consider this type of candy to pose a serious choking risk, particularly to infants, children and the elderly. Local authorities have reported three children's deaths from choking in the United States associated with this type of jelly candy. There have also been reports of deaths in other countries.

Each jelly cup is about the size of a single-serve coffee creamer. The jelly cups are in a plastic bag or plastic jar. The flavors sold are mango, assorted fruit and lychee. Some of the candy bears warning labels, suggesting that it not be eaten by children under age three.

The FDA contacted Budget Promotions, the Houston, Tex., distributor recalling this product, when it learned that the firm had distributed the mini-cup gel candies. The firm is cooperating with the FDA and is voluntarily recalling this product.

The FDA has issued two previous general warnings against consuming mini-cup gel candies that contain the ingredient "konjac". Although the agency issued an import alert to address importation of these candies in October, 2001, candies imported prior to the import alert are still in the US market. These candies are sold under various brand names, distributed by various companies. The FDA continues to investigate and follow-up this issue.

Budget Promotions urges all consumers to return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (281) 495-9887.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2001 -- Pebco is voluntarily recalling about 22,500 hairdryers. These hairdryers have undersized wiring, are not equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water, and have loose electrical connections. The hairdryers pose an electrocution and fire hazard to consumers.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Pebco have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled hair dryers sold under the Pebco and Dubl Duck brand names are identified as the Black Jet 1200, Black Jet 1700, and Pebco 1500 models. The model name is on the air intake grill. A label, on the hairdryer's handle, reads in part, "DO NOT USE/IMMERSE IN WATER...Made in China." The 1200 and 1700 models are black, with gold lettering on the hairdryer; and the 1500 model is white, with purple lettering.

Beauty Salons and hair care stores nationwide sold the hairdryers from March 1999 through December 2000 for between $25 to $30.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, call Pebco Inc. toll-free at (888) 391-0900 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2000 - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Mountain High Hosiery Ltd., of San Diego, Calif., is recalling approximately 360,000 pairs of Tommy Hilfiger socks for infants and children.

The heat-sealed Tommy Hilfiger flag logo appliques on these socks can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Mountain High has received three reports of the logo appliques detaching from these socks. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled socks are white and sold in in sizes "S/M," for 6-12 months; "L/XL," for 12-24 months; and toddler shoe sizes 7-11(. They have a red, white and blue Tommy Hilfiger flag logo applique on the side of each sock. Writing on the socks reads "TOMMY HILFIGER."

Department and specialty stores nationwide sold two-pair packages of the socks from January 1999 through January 2000 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using these socks immediately, and call Mountain High to receive an exchange or a refund. For more information, contact Mountain High at (877) 729-4916 anytime or on their web site at www.mtnhighinc.com.

CPSC, Body Shop Announce Recall of Scented Jewel Candles

Read what happened to one unlucky candle lover. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the 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, March 1, 2001 -- Lakeshore Learning Materials is recalling 13,000 children's educational games because metal weights found in the games contain lead. The Concept Classification Activity Kits were sold to teachers and schools nationwide between January 1992 and January 2001 for $50.

Each game has various disks that say, "Hot," "Cold," "Light," "Heavy," etc. Children then match the appropriate game piece to the disk that best describes the characteristics of the object. One of the objects is a silver- covered metal weight, shaped like a disc measuring about 11/4 inches in diameter with a small loop at the top. Imprinted on one side of the disc is the partial face of a bird and the number "4"; and on the other side, it states, "4 Woody Gardena."

The Opposites Take-Home Pack, a transparent backpack with blue trimming, was sold to teachers and schools nationwide between January 1999 and January 2001 for $10. Games inside the pack include opposite picture cards, crayons, paperback book, and various objects. One of the objects is a silver-covered metal weight, shaped like a disc measuring about 11/4 inches in diameter with a small loop at the top. Imprinted on one side of the disc is the partial face of a bird and the number "4"; and on the other side, it states, "4 Woody Gardena."

Metal weights found in the games contain lead, which presents a lead poisoning hazard to children. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

Consumers should immediately remove and discard the metal discs. To receive a lead-free replacement piece, call Lakeshore Learning Materials toll-free at (800) 421-5354 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. {% if links %}

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2000 -- Manhattan Group LLC is recalling about 3,400 pull toys because wooden wheels and pegs attached to the toy could come off, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

No injuries or incidents have been reported, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The toys are:

• Enchanted Garden Inchworm, item number EG150;

• Merry Meadows Cow, item number FS150; and

• Sunny Safari Blue Elephant, item number SS150.

The item number is on the back of the hangtag near the Universal Product Code. The inchworm has two red, two blue and two yellow round fabric sections sewn together. The cow is made of white plush fabric with black spots sewn onto the white fabric.

The cow has a red and white checkered bandanna tied around its neck. The elephant is light blue with royal blue fabric on the tail, feet and ears.

A label on these toys reads, "Made in Thailand." Specialty stores and gift shops nationwide sold them from July 1999 through December 1999 for about $20.

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

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2002 -- UL United Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 150 electrical paintings. The electrical paintings can short circuit, posing a shock or fire hazard.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and UL United have not received any reports of injuries.

The recalled paintings show 13 scenes of waterfalls and other bodies of water, sold as "The Motion Picture" series. The images are painted on glass and are illuminated by a light bulb. The paintings give the impression of water spilling over a waterfall and have the sound of running water, birds and music. "MADE IN CHINA" appears on the packaging of the paintings.

Flea markets sold the paintings in Texas and Arkansas from December 2001 through April 2002 for between $18 and $50.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using these paintings and contact UL United for a full refund including shipping costs. Contact UL United at (866) 332-6643 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

The company said the flexible spout on the cup can tear between the slitted opening, causing a small piece of material to come loose. 

Playskool has received 115 reports of the spouts on these cups tearing. Six children reportedly had pieces in their mouths. There have been no reported injuries.

The recall was announced jointly with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

These are plastic cups for children aged 6 months old and up. The cups include a twist-on lid that has a flexible, yellow spout. The lids come in various colors, and have "Playskool" written on them. The bottom of the cups have the writing, "MADE IN CHINA," and "HASBRO." 

The cups were sold under seven different models - the 6 oz. and 8 oz. Spillproof Cups, 6 oz. Spillproof Trainer Cup, 7 oz. and 10 oz. Easy Grip Spillproof Cups, and 8 oz. Spillproof Trainer and 6 oz. Spillproof Cups with Teletubby character decals imprinted on the cups. 

The cups were sold in both single and two-packs. The trainer cups have two handles.

Major retailers, including Walmart and Target, sold these cups nationwide from January 1998 through July 1999 for between $3 and $6.

Parents and caregivers should stop young children from using these cups immediately, and contact Playskool to get a free, redesigned lid. To request a replacement lid or for more information, call Playskool at (888) 690-6166 anytime, or go to their website.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2000 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that emergency room-treated injuries related to popular lightweight scooters have increased 700 percent since May.

CPSC data show that there were more than 4,000 scooter-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms in August alone. There have been more than 9,400 emergency room-treated injuries reported for 2000 so far. Nearly 90 percent of the injuries are to children under 15 years of age.

CPSC recommends that riders, especially children, wear proper safety gear including a helmet, and knee and elbow pads to help prevent injuries. This is the same safety gear CPSC recommends for in-line skating. CPSC estimates that more than 60 percent of injuries could be prevented or reduced in severity if protective gear had been worn.

"These scooters are the 'in' thing with kids heading back to school," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Unfortunately, many kids are ending up in hospital emergency rooms instead of classrooms. Wearing safety gear can help prevent injuries."

The scooters, which first went on the market in the United States last year, are new versions of the foot-propelled scooters first popular in the 1950s. They are made of lightweight metal such as aluminum and have small low-friction wheels similar to those on in-line skates. They usually cost between $80 and $120 and typically weigh less than 10 pounds. They can be folded for easy portability.

Most injuries resulted when riders fell from the scooter. Fractures and dislocations accounted for 29 percent of the injuries. Most of the fractures and dislocations were to arms and hands.

The best investment against injury is protective gear which can cost less than $35.

CPSC recommends the following safety guidelines:

• Wear a helmet that meets CPSC's standard, along with knee and elbow pads.
  
• Ride the scooters on smooth, paved surfaces without any traffic. Avoid streets, or surfaces with water, sand, gravel or dirt.
  
• Do not ride the scooter at night.