Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2002 -- Lakewood Engineering & Manufacturing Co. is voluntarily recalling about 107,000 electric heaters. The electrical connections inside of the heater can become loose, causing the heater's metal frame to become energized. This poses a serious electric shock hazard to consumers.

The recalled electric heaters have model numbers 797 or 797 DFT, which is stamped on the back of the unit. The Model 797, which is painted white, and the Model 797 DFT, which is painted gray, have a control panel with temperature and wattage selections. The rounded, metal units also have the word, "Lakewood" printed on the control panel.

Retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart and Kmart, sold the heaters between October 2000 and February 2002 for about $30.

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

Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters, unplug them, and contact Lakewood at (888) 858-3506 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a free repair or replacement. Lakewood will provide consumers with instructions as to how to return the heaters to the company free of charge. For more information, consumer can log on to the company's website at www.lakewoodeng.com.

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May 13, 2005
Ford is recalling about 155,700 Crown Victoria sedans used as police cars or taxi cabs because of a fire risk. A company spokeswoman said a sound insulator under the dash of the 2003-2005 model year Crown Victorias could slip out of position and overheat.

The automaker has had no reports of any accidents or injuries resulting from the problem, she added.

Police departments around the nation have sued Ford, alleging that the Crown Vic police cars tend to explode into flames when hit from the rear. Ford has been fighting those suits and the current recall does not address that issue.

Ford also has a long-running problem with fires in various car and truck models.

In January, the company recalled 792,000 pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles because of a fire risk from overheating of the speed control switch but did not address the similar fires in other models.

WASHINGTON, August 1, 2000 -- The Coleman Co. is voluntarily recalling about 86,000 Coleman Gas grills. A sharp edge on the metal heat shield below the control panel of the grill can cause lacerations to the hands, wrists or arms.

Coleman has received six reports from consumers who received cuts or lacerations on their hands, wrists, or arms from the heat shield when they were accessing the propane cylinder underneath the grill.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled grills are green and black and have a red Coleman emblem on the grill's cover. The grill has a wheeled cart with two side tables or one side table and a side burner, and features a warming rack above the grilling surface. Only grills with series numbers 2000 or 3000 are included in the recall. The series numbers are on the face plate of the grill, located on the right hand side of the control panel.

Home improvement and discount department stores sold the grills nationwide from January through April 2000 for between $350 and $500.

Consumers should immediately contact Coleman toll free at (877) 846-1070 anytime to receive a free repair kit or visit the Coleman Grill web site. The repair kit contains a plastic sheath to cover the sharp edge on the heat shield.

WASHINGTON, D.C.,Aug. 27, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Graco Childrens Products Inc., is recalling about 100,000 activity trays and bath sets with suction cups for repair. The suction cups can detach, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

Graco has received four reports of children starting to choke after putting the suction cups in their mouths, including one incident that required use of the Heimlich maneuver.

The activity trays and bath sets being recalled are the Graco and Children On The Go brand Stroller Snack and Activity Trays, Bathtime Activity Trays, and Bathtime Toy Netting products.

The activity trays attach with suction cups to tiled or smooth surfaces. There are four toys attached to each tray. The tray toys are removable and interchangeable with other Mix N MoveTM toys, which are purchased separately. The Stroller Snack and Activity Trays toys include a toucan, rolling ball, star and dog. The Bathtime Activity Trays toys include an octopus, u-tube, spinning ball and paddlewheel. "Graco" or "Children On The Go" is on the underside of the tray.

The Bathtime Toy Netting consists of a clam soapholder and fish washcloth holder that attaches with suction cups to tiled or smooth surfaces. A net, used to store toys, hangs between the clam and fish. "Graco" is on the back of the clam and fish.

Discount, department and juvenile product stores nationwide, including Toys "R" Us and Sears, sold these activity trays and bath sets from January 1998 until August 1999 for about $10 to $15.

Consumers should stop using these products immediately. To receive a free repair kit, consumers should call Graco at (800) 446-1366 anytime or access the companys web site. Consumers also can write to Customer Affairs, Graco Childrens Products Inc., P.O. Box 100, Elverson, PA 19520.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2002 -- IKEA is voluntarily recalling 57,000 stuffed teddy bears. The plastic beads inside of the bears could come out of the seams, posing an aspiration hazard to young children who could inhale the small beads.

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

The recalled SNUTTIG Bear Soft Toys are red, yellow, blue and black and are about six inches tall. The bears have a contrasting color on the nose, ears, and feet. The name "SNUTTIG," the model number 700- 371-56, the manufacturer code 17596 and the words "Made in Indonesia" are all printed on the product label.

IKEA stores nationwide sold the bears from August 2001 through September 2002 for about $2.

Consumers should take these bears away from young children immediately and return them to an IKEA store for a $5 gift card towards another IKEA product. For more information, consumers should contact IKEA at (888) 966-4532) anytime or visit the company's website at www.ikea-usa.com

April 8, 2005

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2000 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning against using baby mattresses and mattress pads that encourage the potentially deadly practice of placing babies to sleep on their stomachs.

The products claim to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But

CPSC said that despite the claims, it is not aware of any evidence that babies can safely be placed to sleep on their stomachs on these products, or that using the products will reduce the risk of SIDS. Parents and caregivers should never put babies to sleep on their stomachs, whether on these products or any others, the agency said..

The following products make the claims through their advertising and marketing, including their instructions and packaging. Due to the efforts of CPSC, these firms have stopped manufacturing and distributing the products. CPSC also has requested that retailers stop selling the products and remove them from store shelves immediately.

According to CPSC, the risk of SIDS is significantly reduced by placing babies to sleep on their backs in a crib that meets current safety standards and has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and no soft bedding.

There are about 3,000 SIDS deaths per year -- a reduction of about 38 percent in the 5 years following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that babies be placed to sleep on their backs.

The four products involved in CPSC's action have been sold for about $30 to $100 in baby, drug and discount department stores; in catalogs; and on the Internet, including the following web sites:

• www.sidsprevent.com

• www.kidsafeprod.com and

• www.flashmall.com.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the products and their claims.

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2002 -- Brookdale International Systems is voluntarily recalling about 27,400 emergency escape smoke hoods that may have been purchased for use against tear gas or chemical warfare agents.

The smoke hood is a one- time emergency use, personal safety device that provides quick, temporary protection from smoke in the event of a fire. In some instances, consumers purchased the smoke hoods for protection from tear gas or chemical warfare agents, but the smoke hoods should be used only to provide protection from smoke caused by fires.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Brookdale are not aware of any incidents involving these emergency escape smoke hoods. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

This recall involves the EVAC-U8 emergency escape smoke hoods. The smoke hood is a bright green plastic cylinder with a clear red top. The cylinder is about 5- inches tall. The words "EVAC-U8 Emergency Escape Smoke Hood" are printed on the cylinder along with the serial number and expiration date. Recalled smoke hoods have a serial number of A97,921 or higher, and an expiration date of May 1, 2002 or later.

Web-based distributors, catalogues, and travel stores sold these smoke hoods from May 1997 through April 2002 for about $70.

Consumers who purchased the EVAC-U8 emergency escape smoke hood for protection from tear gas and chemical warfare agents may return the product to Brookdale International Systems, Inc. 1-8755 Ash Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 6P3 for a refund, including the cost of postage. For more information consumers can contact Brookdale International Systems at (800) 459-3822 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Advance Thermo Control (ATC), of Hong Kong, is voluntarily recalling 152,000 baby wipe warmers distributed by Prince Lionheart Inc., of Santa Maria, Calif.

A wipe warmer is an electric appliance that warms baby wipes. Cracks in the interior tub of these wipe warmers can allow water to contact the electrical components. This can result in consumers receiving an electric shock.

Prince Lionheart reports receiving four reports of electric shocks to date.

The recall involves Prince Lionheart Baby Wipe Warmers with style number 0224 and date codes between 9803 and 9901 with cracked tubs. The style number and date code are written on the bottom of the units. The wipe warmers are white plastic boxes that are 9 inches long, 6 inches wide and 4.75 inches high. "PRINCE LIONHEART" is written on the lid of the warmers. A orange light is located on the front of the warmers to indicate when it is on. "Santa Maria, CA USA" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the bottom of the units.

Toy, department and baby specialty stores, including Toys "R" Us and Burlington Coat Factory, and mail order catalogs, sold these wipe warmers nationwide from February 1998 through December 1999 for about $25.

Consumers should immediately unplug the warmers, remove the wipes, and check to see if the interior tub is cracked. If so, stop using the warmer immediately, and call ATC for information on receiving a free replacement unit. If the tub of the wipe warmer is not cracked, the unit is not part of the recall, and consumers can continue to use the appliance. For more information, contact ATC at (888) 843-8718 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2001 -- Garden Way Inc. is recalling about 2,800 trimmers/mowers. The trimmer heads, which control the cutting cords, can split and detach, posing a serious injury risk to consumers.

Garden Way has received 38 reports of trimmer heads splitting or detaching, resulting in two reports of toe fractures and five reports of bruised feet.

The recalled trimmers/mowers were sold under the TROY-BILT and GARDEN WAY BY TROY-BILT brand names. The brand name is on a shield in front of the engine. The model and serial numbers are located on the deck behind the left wheel when viewed from the operator's position. The recalled models are the 52063 and 52064 Troy-Bilt brand and the 52067 Garden Way by Troy-Bilt brand. The serial number ranges are:

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2001 -- Child Craft Industries is voluntarily recalling about 4,300 changing tables. Some changing table joints were not properly glued and can separate, presenting a fall hazard to babies.

Child Craft has received six reports of the changing tables falling apart, including one report of a baby starting to fall from a collapsing table when she was caught by her mother. No injuries have been reported.

The changing table is made of beech wood and comes in a variety of colors including white, honey oak, natural and cherry finishes. The table measures about 38 inches high by 35 inches wide by 20 inches deep. There are two labels on one of the rails of the changing table. One label is gold and reads in part "Child Craft Industries" and the other label is stamped in black ink and reads in part "FoppsPedretti, Made in Italy."

Department and specialty stores nationwide, including Sears and Burlington Coat Factory, sold the changing tables from August 1998 through April 2001 for about $150.

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

Consumers should stop using the recalled changing tables immediately and call Child Craft at (866) 423-3114 between 8:30a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive information on participating in this recall. Consumers also can visit the firm's website at www.childcraftind.com.

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2000 --
InSTEP LLC is recalling about 44,000 jogging strollers in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The stroller's brake can fail, causing the stroller to unexpectedly roll away.

InSTEP LLC has received five reports of brakes failing. No injuries have been reported.

Location of manufacturing date & model number

Burlington Coat Factory, J.C. Penney, Healthrider, The Sports Authority and Target stores nationwide, among others, sold the strollers from December 1998 through July 1999 for about $100 for a single jogger and $250 for a double jogger.

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact InSTEP LLC to receive a free, easy-to-install repair kit. To order the repair kit or for more information, call InSTEP LLC at (800) 242-6110 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, or access the company's web site at http://www.instep.net/.

The recall involves InSTEP and HEALTHRIDER brand single and double jogging strollers manufactured from December 1998 through July 1999 with the model numbers: ZS100, ZD200, ZS100WS, ZD200WS, ZS100HR, ZD200HR, PR100 or PR200. The manufacturing date, written as T "month" R "year" I, is located on a sticker on the lower cross tube (for example T01R99I is January 1999). "InSTEP" and the model number also are on the sticker.

InSTEP model numbers ZS100, ZD200, ZS100WS, ZD200WS, PR100 and PR200 have a blue and green seat, and green canopy. "ZII" is on the top and "InSTEP" is on the front of the stroller. HEALTHRIDER model numbers ZS100HR and ZD200HR have a blue and gray seat, and blue canopy. "HEALTHRIDER" is on the top and front of the stroller.

Burlington Coat Factory, J.C. Penney, Healthrider, The Sports Authority and Target stores nationwide, among others, sold the strollers from December 1998 through July 1999 for about $100 for a single jogger and $250 for a double jogger. Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact InSTEP LLC to receive a free, easy-to-install repair kit. To order the repair kit or for more information, call InSTEP LLC at (800) 242-6110 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday, or access the company's web site at www.instep.net.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2002 -- Kent International is voluntarily recalling about 28,000 "Midget Racer" mini-bicycles. The front fork assembly on these mini-bicycles can loosen or break, and cause the rider to lose control and crash.

Kent International has not received any reports of injuries or incidents relating to the front forks on these mini-bicycles breaking. This recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.

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

The "Midget Racer" mini-bicycle is yellow with 8-inch black rubber tires, black seat and black handgrips. The mini-bicycle is about 31- inches long and 23-inches high. "MIDGET RACER" and "KENT" are written in red lettering on the frame of the bicycle.

Discount department, bicycle, wholesale club and toy stores sold these mini-bicycles in New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Minnesota and Massachusetts from October 2001 through November 2001 for about $70.

Consumers should stop using these Midget Racer mini-bicycles immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a refund or to receive a replacement mini- bicycle. For further information, call Kent International at (800) 451-5368 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Kent previously notified many of the consumers who purchased the recalled mini-bicycles about the recall, but about 2,200 of the mini- bicycles still have not been returned.

All Kent mini-bicycles have black plastic caps on the tops of the front-wheel fork. Kent mini-bicycles with black plastic caps covering the chrome portion of the tops and sides of the front-wheel fork are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 1999 -- Perfecto Manufacturing is voluntarily recalling about 23,400 SHOlights aquarium lights. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said sharp edges on the lights could cut the insulation on the wiring. If the wires become exposed, consumers could suffer shocks or electrocution. There is also a risk of fire. In addition, some of these lights could overheat and cause the same problems.

CPSC and Perfecto are not aware of any incidents involving these aquarium lights. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The plastic body of the SHOlights are black or oak-colored, and are 24, 30, 36 or 48 inches in length. All 36-inch SHOlights that hold two bulbs, and all SHOlights lights manufactured in July 1999 or earlier are part of this recall. The manufacturing date is located on a white label on the metal reflector. The label shows a picture of an anchor, and reads "cleaned by" or "built by" followed by the date. If there is no label or the label can't be read, it should be considered part of the recall.

Pet stores nationwide sold these lights from August 1998 through July 1999 for a suggested retail price of between $125 to $175.

Consumers should stop using these aquarium lights, unplug them, and return them to Perfecto for a free replacement. For more information, consumers should call Perfecto at (800) 241-7485 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2001 -- Chick-fil-A is recalling about 3.8 million "Planet Discovery" Kid's Meal toys. The toys were distributed at 800 Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide during January 2001 and during January 1999. The suction cup on the toy can come off, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

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

Chick-fil-A has received seven reports that the suction cup on the toy came off. In one case, a child began choking but the parent removed the suction cup before medical treatment was needed.

The "Planet Discovery" toys are plastic disks (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) with a suction cup (about 1.5 inch in diameter) on the back. The toys depict all of the planets plus the moon and the sun. Each toy comes in a plastic bag labeled "Planets: Collect Them All!"

A paragraph on the bag also says: "Parents: This toy has been safety- tested for children of all ages." The planet toy itself says "Chick- fil-A Inc. 1999," "1998 Namkung Promotions Inc," and "China."

Parents should immediately take away the toy from young children. Throw away the toy or return the planet toys to a Chick-fil-A restaurant for a free replacement premium or a small Icedream®. For questions about this recall, contact Chick-fil-A toll-free at (866) 736-5914.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28, 2001 -- Aqua-Leisure Industries Inc.is voluntarily recalling about 90,000 "SunSmart" baby floats. The leg holes in the seat of the float can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown.

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

Aqua-Leisure and CPSC have received 12 reports of the floats' seats tearing and causing children to fall into the water. There were four incidents of children becoming completely submerged before a caregiver was able to reach them. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled floats are packaged as "SunSmart" Baby Adjustable Sunshade Boats. The baby floats are blue and white circular tubes with a seat in the middle, and a detachable protective sunshade. The vinyl floats, intended for ages 6 months to 18 months, have pictures of purple crabs and various colored fish along the top. The word, "SunSmart" is printed across the front of the float. The recalled boats can be identified by the lettering "C/S" molded on the valve.

Juvenile products, specialty and discount department stores nationwide, including Target, K-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond and Baby Central, sold the baby floats from August 2000 through September 2001 for between $10 and $13.

Consumers should stop using these recalled floats immediately and contact Aqua-Leisure for a free replacement. Consumers can contact Aqua-Leisure at (866) 807-3998 between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.aqualeisure.com.

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shelcore Inc., of Somerset, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 124,000 "Stand-Up 'N Play Tables" to replace the xylophone mallets. The mallet that comes as part of this table set can be lodged into the throats of young children, posing a choking hazard.

Shelcore received a report of the mallet being jammed into the throat of a 13-month old boy after he fell while teething on the ball end of the mallet. Lacerations in the throat resulted when an adult had to forcibly remove the mallet to prevent choking.

The "Stand-Up 'N Play Table" measures 14 inches long, 14 inches wide and 13 inches high. The multi-colored play table includes a telephone, clicking dial, spinner, push-button squeaker, rolling ball, spinning gears, xylophone and mallet, three colorful shapes, and a shape sorter. The tray of the table is white, and the legs are red with yellow caps at the base. Writing on the box reads, "Ages 9-36 Months," and "Encourages Child to Pull-Up and Stand."

Toy stores nationwide sold these play tables from March 1996 through March 1999 for between $18 and $20.

Consumers should immediately throw the recalled mallets in the trash, and call Shelcore for a free replacement mallet. For more information, call Shelcore at (800) 777-0453 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Shelcore Inc., 347 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873-1101.

WASHINGTON, August 2, 2000 -- Rashti & Rashti Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 12,700 pacifier clips. The metal clip and the small rivet that attaches the clip to a small, stuffed animal on the pacifier holder can break apart easily, exposing babies to small parts. This poses a choking and aspiration hazard to babies.

Rashti & Rashti has received one report of a pacifier clip breaking apart. No injuries have been reported.

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

Gift and specialty stores sold the pacifier clips from September 1999 through June 2000. The pacifier clips sold individually for about $3, and the bib/pacifier clip sets sold for about $5.

The recalled Magic Years® Novelty Pacifier Buddy Clips were sold individually, and also as part of a set with a matching bib. The pacifier clip has a small, stuffed animal attached -- including a purple cat, yellow chick, blue dog, pink bunny, green bear and white sheep. The bib sold with the bib set has a large, sewn-on animal patch that matches the design of the pacifier animal.The clips and bib/clip sets are packaged on a yellow cardboard hangtag. "Magic Years®" and "PACIFIER CLIP" are written on the individual clip packaging. "Magic Years®", "Novelty bib and pacifier clip set" and "ALL ITEMS MADE IN CHINA" are written on the bib/clip set packaging. There is no writing on the pacifier clips or bibs.

Consumers should take these pacifier clips away from babies immediately, and call Rashti & Rashti at (800) 4-RASHTI between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for information on receiving a refund.

Northern Bedroom's Bunk Beds Recalled

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 1999 - Northern Bedroom's Inc., of Oxford, Maine, is recalling about 2,800 wooden bunk beds. The top bunk does not have guardrails on both sides. A child could fall or become entrapped between the wall and the mattress if there are not guardrails on the top bunk.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which said it was not aware of any deaths associated with the beds being recalled. 

However, since 1990, CPSC has received reports of seven children who died from becoming entrapped between the bed and the wall in upper bunks of bunk beds without guardrails.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standard for bunk beds requires that bunk beds have guardrails on both sides of the top bunk. A new CPSC mandatory standard will go into effect in July 2000.

The recalled wooden bunk beds are made out of Northern White Ash and have natural, cherry, honey or golden finishes. They were sold under the model names Prestige, Spindle, and Cottage. There is no identifying information on the beds.

Furniture and specialty bedroom stores throughout the New England states sold the beds from May 1995 through February 1998 for about $300 to $550.

Consumers should stop using the recalled beds immediately and call the company toll-free at (888) 800-7708 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive free guardrails for the top bunk.