Recalls in January 1970

December 30, 2009
Volkswagen of America is recalling some 2009 Audi Q5 models. The company said A-Pillar trim cover clips may not have been manufactured correctly and could come loose if the sideguard head protection airbags deploy.

A loose trim piece could injure front seat occupants.

Dealers will inspect the clip and replace it free of charge when the recall begins in January 2010.

Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834.

Consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or at www.safercar.gov.

September 25, 2003

About 5,600 Sony VAIO notebook computers are being recalled. Because of a defect in the affected units, users could receive a mild electric shock when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings.

Only Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27 sold from June through July 2003 are part of the recall. These computers will have slow modem speeds, generally below 24K while using the notebook's AC adapter. Consumers unsure of their modem speed can check it at the Sony PC support Web site: www.sony.com/pcsupport.

The computers were sold at electronic and computer stores nationwide from June 2003 through July 2003 for about $1,500.

Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Sony also will extend the current limited warranty for repaired products to 2 years from date of original purchase.

Call Sony at (800) 880-9743 anytime or visit their Web site at www.sony.com/pcsupport.

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

May 19, 2009

The recalled bicycle frames include the following model year and model names: 2007 Team DH, 2008 Team DH, Aline Park, Aline, Atomik, Shore 1,2,3, 2009 Atomik (without gussets). All colors are included in the recall and the model name is printed on a decal on the top tube of each frame/bike.

The bicycles, made in Taiwan, were sold at various bicycle distributors nationwide from September 2006 through February 2009 for between $2,000 and $7,000.

All owners should immediately stop using the bicycle frame and contact a local Norco dealer or Norco directly for information regarding receiving a possible replacement frame.

For additional information, contact your local Norco dealer or call (800) 663-8916 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday PT or visit the firm's Web site at www.norco.com.

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

November 20, 2003

Circuit City is recalling Planet 3 television stands. The stand can tip over when a television is placed on it, possibly causing injuries to nearby consumers or death to young children.

No injuries have been reported.

The recalled stands are "Cherry Bentwood" model television stands. The three-tier stands are made from mahogany wood and have curved glass ends. They are 30 inches high and 45 inches wide, and sold for use with televisions up to 36 inches in diameter. Model number PTT 22018 is written on the packaging and instructions. There is no writing on the stands themselves.

Circuit City stores nationwide sold the stands from July 2003 through September 2003 for about $250.

Consumers should remove televisions from these stands immediately and return the stands to Circuit City for a refund. Contact Planet 3 toll-free at (888) 616-5700 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m CT Monday through Friday for more information.

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

November 2, 2006
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and several toy distributions are recalling about 237,000 flashing pacifiers. The pacifiers failed to meet federal safety standards.

The nipple can separate from the shield easily, posing a choking hazard. Some pacifiers were sold with necklaces that pose a strangulation hazard, and one of the necklaces has beads that can come loose, which poses an aspiration hazard.

Though they are marketed for older children, they could be given to babies, and can cause serious injury or death.

The units involved are flashing pacifiers and flashing pacifiers with whistles. The pacifiers are clear or colored purple, blue, pink or green. The pacifiers have five flashing LED lights that are red and blue, red and light green and orange.

Some pacifiers are sold with a rainbow cord that is attached to handles, and some cords have breakaway connectors. One pacifier has multi-colored beads on the cords in the shapes of barrels, trains, boats and various animals.

Pacifiers were sold in clamshell packages. The packaging has a warning that states they are for "12+ Years" or "6+ Years."

Some of the products have a warning on the packaging that they are not a real pacifier, but a practical joke. The chart below lists additional information about the products sold and what is written on the packaging.

The pacifiers were sold at novelty shops, toy stores, carnivals, amusement parks and by Web retailers nationwide from January 2003 through September 2006 for between $0.55 and $13.

Consumers should take these pacifiers away from young children immediately and dispose of them. Consumers can also return the pacifiers to the retailers for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact the firms listed above.

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

February 18, 2009
GE is recalling about 28,000 dual fuel Profile ranges. GE is aware of 47 reports of overheated wiring, including 33 reports of wiring that caught fire. Of these, one fire caused structural damage to the home and there have been 14 reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves GE Profile 30 Freestanding Duel Fuel ranges. The ranges were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The following model and serial numbers can be found on the left inside corner of the bottom drawer.

The ranges, made in Mexico, were sold at department and appliance stores nationwide from June 2002 through December 2005 for between $1,300 and $2,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using the oven and contact GE for a free repair. Consumers can continue to use the cooktop burners.

For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (888) 352-9764 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday ET, or visit the firms Web site at www.geappliances.com

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

July 9, 2009
American Greetings Corp. is recalling about 92,000 sport balls sold in the U.S. and Canada because they violate the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves DesignWare Sport Balls party favors. The package contains four mini sport balls: a basketball, a football, a baseball and a soccer ball. The model number is SPBL 1821 and is printed on the packaging.

The balls, made in China, were sold at various retailers in the U.S. and Canada from August 2004 through April 2009 for about $3.50.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled sport balls away from children and contact American Greetings to receive a coupon for a replacement product.

For additional information, contact American Greetings at (800) 777-4891 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.ag.com.

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

July 7, 2009
Robertstjohn.com has initiated a voluntary recall of its Rich, Rich, Rich Hot Chocolate Mix, after learning equipment used at a suppliers facility may have been contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Plainview, Minnesota supplier, Plainview Milk Products Cooperative announced it had voluntarily recalled its instant non-fat dried milk and whey protein because of potential salmonella bacteria contaminations. This milk product was used in the manufacturing of the hot chocolate mix.

The Robert St.John product under recall is packaged in 13 ounce plastic bags with the lot #20494 printed on the bag. The bag is packaged inside a metal tin can. Approximately 560 tin cans of the mix were sold to stores in Mississippi between November 18, 2008 and December 20, 2008. The stores have been notified and the product has been removed from their shelves.

This Robert St. John brand product has not been identified as contaminated or linked to any illness. The removal of product from store shelves is precautionary in nature and has been done to protect safety of the companys customers.

Consumers who have purchased Rich, Rich, Rich Hot Chocolate Mix should not consume it. They should contact robertstjohn.com for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact robertstjohn.com customer service at 888-315-6774.

March 25, 2009
Zebco is recalling about 2,700 children's fishing rod and reel sets. The paint on the reels contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves Zebco Advanced Youth Fishing Rod & Reel combo sets. The reels are painted orange and have the words Zebco and ZAVS 10 on the reel handle. Only spinning reels are involved in this recall.

The sets, made in China, were sold at discount department and sporting good stores nationwide from August 2007 through December 2008 for about $35.

Consumers should immediately take the fishing poles from children and contact Zebco for information on receiving a receiving a refund.

For additional information, contact Zebco at (800) 588-9030 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.zebco.com.

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

July 23, 2009
Foamorder.com is recalling about 140 Natural Sense Foam Blocks with Cotton Cover (intended to be used as mattresses). They fail to meet the mandatory federal open flame standard for mattresses, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

This recall involves the Natural Sense foam blocks with cotton covers intended to be used as a mattress. The foam block was sold in the following sizes:

• Twin (38"x75")
• Twin Long (38"x80")
• Full (53"x75")
• Full Long (53"x80")
• Queen (60"x80")
• Cal. King (72"x84")
• E. King (76"x80")

Foam mattresses that have a cover with a gold ribbon pattern and a label stating "This mattress meets the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1633 (federal flammability (open flame) standard for mattress sets) when used without a foundation or with foundations" are not included in this recall.

The mattresses, made in the U.S., were sold online at www.foamorder.com from July 2007 through May 2009 for between $225 and $1,420.

Consumers should immediately contact Foamorder.com to determine if their mattress is included in the recall, and if it is, to receive a free additional cover to be placed over their mattress.

For additional information, contact Foamorder.com at 800-256-6162 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm"s Web site at www.foamorder.com.

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

August 6, 2009
Graco is recalling about 2,400 "Jump 'n Jive" doorway jumpers. The jumpers include detachable toys that are attached to the jumper straps with strips of hook and loop fabric. The strips of fabric are not permanently attached to the toys and can become detached during use, posing a choking hazard.

The company has received one report of a child removing the fabric strip and placing it in his mouth. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled doorway jumper includes an interactive musical dance mat and two detachable toys. The model number, 1755544, appears on the carton UPC label and on the underside of the jumper tray. The doorway jumpers were sold from April 2009 through July 2009.

The jumpers, made in China, were sold at Babies R Us and other childrens speciality retail stores nationwide and online from Amazon.com for about $55.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and remove and discard the detachable toys and the attaching fabric strips and call the manufacturer for a replacement set of toys. After the toys and fabric strips are removed, consumers can continue to use the jumper and interactive musical dance mat.

For more information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.gracobaby.com.

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

September 1, 2009
Wal-Mart is expanding its recall of Durabrand DVD players to include another 4.2 million players. On August 20, the company recalled about 1.5 million silver players. The expanded recall includes pink and purple versions of the player.

The DVD players circuit board can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Wal-Mart has received 14 reports of DVD players overheating, seven of which have resulted in fires that caused property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves a single DVD player with a remote control. The device was sold in three colorssilver, pink and purple and has a U-shaped opening at the top to insert the DVD. The DVD players were sold under the following UPC codes and model numbers:

• Silver: UPC 1799901002, Model No. 1002
• Pink: UPC 1799934100, Model No. 1002 PINK
• Purple: UPC 1799932100, Model No. 1002 PUR

The players were sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from January 2006 through July 2009 for about $29. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the nearest Wal-Mart for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Wal-Mart Stores at (800) 925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.walmartstores.com.

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

Feb. 20, 2003

Playnation Play Systems of Kennesaw, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 1,400 "Fun Buckets," a vinyl bucket attached to a rope used to lift small items up to backyard play sets' forts. As children play on the play set's slide or platform, the 6- to 8-ft free- hanging rope can become entangled around the child's neck. This presents a strangulation hazard to young children.

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

Playnation is aware of two incidents where the bucket's rope became entangled around the necks of two 4-year-olds. Both of the children were freed without injury. However, CPSC knows of 135 children who have died in the last 10 years from all types of ropes, leashes or jump ropes that were attached to backyard play sets.

This recall involves "Fun Buckets" sold as an add-on option for backyard play sets. The 14-inch-deep buckets are either yellow or green vinyl and have a black nylon strap attached to the rope. The "Fun Bucket" was sold with a heavy wood bracket to attach it to the roof of a play set fort.

Distributors of backyard play sets nationwide sold the fun buckets from February 1998 through February 2003 for about $25.

Consumers should take down the "Fun Buckets" immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or a credit toward another product. For more information, consumers can contact Playnation at (770) 792-9300 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.playset.com.

CPSC warns consumers never to allow free-hanging ropes on play sets because of the serious potential for strangulation to children. Any free-hanging rope should be taken down immediately. Consumers should contact CPSC about any such items purchased from a retailer.

October 27, 2009
Hanover Direct, also known as Domestications, is recalling about 90,000 sets of Roman Shades after a near-strangulation incident.

Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

In March 2008, a 2-year-old boy from Ocean View, Delaware climbed up on a toy chest to look out of a window and became entangled in the inner cords of the Roman shade. His parents removed the cord which left a temporary red mark around his neck. No permanent injuries were sustained.

This recall involves all Faux Suede room darkening Roman shades with style number 12810A. The shades were sold in Ivory, Taupe, Gold, Plum, Wine Red, Midnight Blue, Moss Green and Dark Brown and have a head rail that measures 23, 27, 31, 35, 39 43 or 48 inches. The shades have a sticker on the head rail with the letters 'WS' and 'style 12810A' is printed on the packaging box.

The shades, made in China, were sold by Hanover Direct/Domestications via internet at www.domestications.com and through catalog sales nationwide from January 2004 through December 2008 for between $20 and $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact Hanover Direct/Domestications for a free retrofit kit that removes both the operating cords and the exposed inner cords from the shades.

For information, contact Hanover Direct/Domestications toll-free at (800) 524-0597 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET daily, or visit the firm's Web site at www.domestications.com.

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

December 23, 2009
Dollar Tree is recalling about 200,000 Tool Bench utility knives. The utility knifes blade can slide past the blade support during use, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Dollar Tree has received one report of a laceration with the utility knife.

The utility knife is black or gray and measures about 6 inches long and about 1 inches wide. The package includes an extra blade. Tool Bench Utility Knife is printed on the front of the products packaging. 975942, date code 93 and UPC 639277759429 are printed on the back of the packaging.

The knives were sold at Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Greenbacks and Deal$ stores nationwide from April 2009 through October 2009 for about $1. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled utility knife and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Dollar Tree Stores at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.dollartree.com.

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

August 20, 2009
About 1,300 Pensi ceiling fans are being recalled. The internal coupler that connects the down rod assembly to the motor can break and cause the fan to fall from the ceiling.

The firm received four reports of incidents where the fan fell from the ceiling while operating. No injuries were reported.

The recalled Pensi fans have model numbers beginning with or containing PEN-AA- or PEN-GW- and have an Aluminum/Anthracite or a Gloss White finish.

The fans were sold at Internet retailers, lighting showrooms, fan specialty stores and electrical distributors nationwide from August 2008 through July 2009 for between $400 and $530. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately turn off the power to the fan to stop use and contact The Modern Fan Co. for assistance with model identification and a replacement coupler. Consumers are also advised to not allow anyone underneath the fan. In the event that a fan falls, consumers should immediately turn off the circuit breaker due to the possibility of exposed electrical wires.

For more information, consumers can contact The Modern Fan Co. toll-free at (888) 588-3267 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit the company's Web site at www.modernfan.com.

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

September 25, 2003

About 12,000 Eddie Bauer propane lanterns are being recalled. They The lanterns could produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), posing a risk of CO poisoning if the lantern is used indoors.

The Eddie Bauer lantern, sold exclusively at Target stores, is ocean blue with two mantles. It has a glass globe, electronic ignition, and an extra-large hood and handle. When assembled, the lantern sits on a plastic base that houses the propane fuel cylinder.

The "Eddie Bauer" name appears on the front of the product on an oval panel immediately below a black on/off switch. The Wenzel Company produces the lantern under license with Eddie Bauer.

The lanterns were sold at Target stores nationwide from February 2003 through July 2003 for between $38 and $50.

Consumers should return these lanterns to any Target store or contact The Wenzel Co. for a refund. Consumers should detach the lantern from the propane cylinder and should return only the lantern itself to the Target store.

Call Wenzel toll-free at (800) 972-3151 anytime, or visit Wenzel's Web site at www.wenzelco.com.

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

June 11, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting patients to the Class I recall of certain Medtronic Kappa and Sigma pacemakers. These devices may fail due to a separation of wires that connect the electronic circuit to other pacemaker components, such as the battery.

Patients with malfunctioning pacemakers may experience a return of symptoms associated with abnormal heart rate, such as fainting or lightheadedness. In rare cases, pacemaker-dependent patients may experience serious injury or even death.

There are more than 1.7 million Kappa or Sigma pacemakers implanted in patients throughout the world. Of those, only about 21,000 pacemakers are affected by this recall, most of which have been implanted in patients for five years or longer.

Medtronic Inc. issued a letter to physicians alerting them to this problem on May 18. The company communicated with patients via letter on May 27.

The affected pacemakers are Kappa Series 600/700/900 and Sigma Series 100/200/300. Patients with these models of Kappa and Sigma pacemakers should determine if their pacemaker is part of this recall by contacting Medtronic at 800-505-4636 or going to their Web site at www.KappaSigmaSNList.medtronic.com.

Patients who have these recalled pacemakers and those who are unsure if their pacemakers are affected should follow up with their primary care physician or cardiologist.

Through standard medical device reporting requirements, the FDA became aware of possible problems and worked with the company to address them. The FDA classified this voluntary recall as Class I, indicating reasonable probability that the use of the device will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

January 13, 2009
TDI International is recalling about 150 pull-back toy cars. Surface paint on the toy cars contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

The recalled pull back toy car is yellow with PROWL printed on the side, VICTOR printed on the hood, and a blue and red police warning light on the top.

The toys were sold by small retail stores in Houston and Hidalgo, Texas from June 2008 through July 2008 for about $2. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact TDI International for a full refund or a replacement toy.

For additional information, contact TDI International toll-free at (877) 834-8088 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

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