Recalls in January 1970

June 17, 2009
Macy's is recalling about 33,000 children's hooded sweatshirts sold under the Epic Threads and Greendog labels. The sweatshirts have a drawstring sewn at the base of the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.

This recall includes boys and girls Epic Threads sweatshirts and girls Greendog sweaters with nonfunctional ties in numerous styles. The Epic Threads sweatshirts are white, gray, maroon, yellow, blue, green, and black, with images on the front and/or back. The girls Greendog sweaters are brown and gray. Only sizes small and medium are subject to the recall.

The sweatshirts were sold at Macys stores nationwide from July 2008 through March 2009 for between $32 and $50. They were made in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately remove the ties from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or return the garment to any Macys for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Macys toll-free at (888) 257-5949 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit Macys website at www.macys.com.

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

February 24, 2009
Aviva Sports is recalling about 14,000 trampolines because of a fall hazard. The metal support legs of the trampoline can bend or break and the bungee cords that secure the mat to the frame of the trampoline can fray or break, posing a fall hazard to the user.

The recall affects Aviva Leaps and Bounds Folding Trampolines with Safety Pad (L&B) and Aviva Pirate Jump N Play Trampolines (Pirate).

Aviva Sports has received 24 reports of the legs on the frame of the trampoline bending or breaking. Aviva also received three reports of injuries including one adult who injured his hand while assembling the product, one child who chipped their tooth after falling off the product and one child that cut his leg on the product.

The recall includes two separate model trampolines. The Leaps & Bounds Trampoline is a 34 inch by 34 inch trampoline with a hold-on handle with model number 12731 printed on the pad that goes around the frame of the product. The Pirate Jump & Play Trampoline has an enclosure and model number 0840525.

The trampolines were sold by sports equipment e-retailers and catalog companies and by Chelsea & Scott through its Web site and the Leaps and Bounds catalog from September 2006 through January 2009 for about $100 to $200. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the trampoline and contact Aviva to receive instructions for returning the trampoline and to receive a full refund.

For additional information, contact Aviva Sports at (888) 352-9763 anytime Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.aviva-trampoline-recall.com.

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

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2002 -- Jade Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling to repair about 7,200 Dynasty gas ranges. The ranges could tip over if a heavy weight is placed on an open oven door, posing a risk of burn injuries from hot food or liquids in cooking containers.

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

The Dynasty gas ranges included in this program are all 30, 36, and 48-inch units with the model number DGRSC. The model number is located on the serial plate that is accessed by lifting the right hand cooking module from the range top. The brand name "Dynasty" appears on the front of the range.

Appliance and retail stores nationwide sold these ranges from January 1996 through December 2001 for between $3,000 and $7,400.

Consumers may continue to use the ranges but are cautioned not to place any objects on the open oven door until an anti-tip bracket has been installed. Consumers should call Jade Products toll-free at (888) 607-5694 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for free installation of an anti-tip bracket.

The installation of the anti-tip brackets will bring the recalled ranges into compliance with the stability test requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z21.1 Standard for Household Gas Cooking Appliances.

Some of these ranges were also involved in a separate March 2001 recall to repair a delayed gas ignition defect.

October 6, 2009
Daiso is recalling wooden toys that have small parts which can break and detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

This recall involves four models of Daiso wooden toys including Penguin Handbell, Pull Doll, Alligator Pull Toy and Rolling Animals. The Penguin Handbell has a small metal bell inside its hollow interior. The Pull Doll's limbs move up and down when the string is pulled. The Alligator Pull Toy is green and yellow will move in an undulating fashion when pulled. The Rolling Animals are in the forms of a dog, rabbit, cat and mice, and their tails are connected to their bodies by metal springs. Daiso is printed on the product's packaging.

The toys, made in China, were sold at Daiso stores in California from December 2008 through May 2009 for between $1 and $4.

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

For more information, contact Daiso toll-free at (888) 580-8841 between 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms' Web site at www.daisorecall.com.

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

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28, 2001 -- Manley Toy Direct is voluntarily recalling about 15,800 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. Additionally, eight firms recalled about 835,000 Zapper toys on March 19, 2001.

The vinyl Zapper toys are about 2- to 3-inches long, and come in the shape of various animals including frogs, dinosaurs and snakes. 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.

Arcades, amusement parks and carnivals sold and distributed these toys from January 2000 through August 2001. They were sold for about $1.

Consumers should immediately take these toys away from young children and return the toy to the place of purchase for a refund, or throw them away. For more information, contact Manley Toy Direct at (800) 767-9998 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday to Friday, or go to the firm's web site at www.manleytoy.com.

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2001 -- Baby Buzz'r International is voluntarily recalling about 8,800 Baby Buzz'r toys. The red, green and blue button covers on the toy can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Baby Buzz'r has received five reports of button covers coming off. No injuries have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

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

Baby Buzz'r is a round plastic baby toy with a face on the front, a red and blue "teethable ear" on each side, and a yellow circular mirror on the back. The Baby Buzz'r toy has three colored buttons (red, green, blue) on the top of the product. When the buttons are depressed the toy vibrates, sounds music, or the eyes light up on the toy.

Juvenile specialty stores nationwide, catalogues and internet sites sold the Baby Buzz'r toys from June 2001 through September 2001 for about $13. Consumers can identify the recalled toys by squeezing the button covers on the top of the toy with pliers. Button covers on toys that are part of the recall can be squeezed out of shape, and button covers on toys not included in the recall can not be squeezed out of shape with pliers.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled Baby Buzz'r toys away from young children and contact Baby Buzz'r International to participate in the recall. Consumers can contact Baby Buzz'r International toll-free at (866) 222-9289 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.babybuzzr.com.

Baby Buzz'r toys currently being sold are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2001 -- Five firms are recalling about 50,500 backpack blowers. The fuel tanks can leak, posing a fire hazard and risk of burn injuries to consumers.

The recall is being conducted by: Husqvarna, John Deere, Makita, Carswell Import & Marketing Associates Inc., and Tilton Equipment Co.

Carswell has received 159 reports of leaking fuel tanks on these blowers. Makita U.S.A has received 55 reports of leaks. John Deere has received five reports of leaks. No injuries have been reported. The other firms have not had reports of leaks.

The recalled blowers all have their brand name, model number and serial number written on the units. Consumers should check with the manufacturer to determine if their blower is part of the recall. Consumers should have their serial number available when they contact the firm.

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

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Reckitt & Colman Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 50,000 cans of EASY-OFF Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner.

The oven cleaner's contents can spew out because of an improperly attached valve assembly that can separate from the can. Direct contact with the contents poses a risk of chemical burns to consumers' skin and eyes.

Reckitt & Colman has received 18 reports of these cans spewing oven cleaner, resulting in 12 reports of chemical burns to consumers' skin and eyes.

The 16-oz. aerosol cans of oven cleaner being recalled are yellow and have a solid yellow plastic cap. "EASY-OFF" is in bold black letters at the top part of the can, "HEAVY DUTY" is written in white letters inside a red block, and "Original" is written in white letters over a blue background.

Only the oven cleaner with lot number B9305-NJ2 printed on the bottom of the can is part of the recall. Supermarkets, mass merchandisers, hardware, drug and other stores nationwide sold the oven cleaner from November 1999 through January 2000 for about $3 to $4. Consumers should not remove the cap of this oven cleaner. Consumers should wrap the recalled can of oven cleaner in several layers of newspaper, take it outside and dispose of it with the regular household trash. The company will send consumers a replacement oven cleaner coupon.

For more information, consumers should call Reckitt & Colman toll-free at (888) 993-3389 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.

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.

In shallow water, children can fall or land on a dive stick and suffer rectal or vaginal impalement. Facial and eye injuries also are possible when children attempt to retrieve the sticks under water. According to CPSC Chairman Ann Brown, these dives sticks are dangerous and should not be used.

CPSC knows of six impalement injuries and one facial injury to children 6 to 9 years old. Although the number of reported incidents is relatively low, the severity of the injuries that have occurred is very significant. Three of the children suffered rectal and three suffered vaginal impalements from dive sticks placed in backyard pools or, in one case, a hot tub.

In four of the six incidents, the injuries that occurred required surgery and hospitalization. The facial injury occurred when a child bobbed down to retrieve a dive stick and lacerated her face just below her eye, requiring stitches.

The dive sticks being recalled are hard plastic and are either cylinder-shaped or shark-shaped. When dropped into water, the dive sticks sink to the bottom of a pool and stand upright so that children can swim or dive down and retrieve them.

The cylinder-shaped plastic sticks measure about 4 to 8 inches long and about 1 inch or less in diameter. The shark-shaped plastic sticks measure about 7 inches long and have an egg-shaped bottom. The sticks come in a variety of colors. Most are packaged in kits of three to six sticks, and some are packaged with other pool diving games.

These dive sticks have been sold at grocery, drug, pool and discount department stores nationwide for about $4 to $7 per set under numerous brand names, most of which do not appear on the dive stick itself. Consumers should stop using dive sticks immediately and throw them out.

Depending on the sticks owned, consumers can receive a refund, replacement or repair.

CPSC urges anyone who is aware of injuries with dive sticks or who has questions about the recall to call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772.

The CPSC staff is recommending to the Commission that it ban the future production and importation of these products.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2002 -- Oriental International Trading Company, of Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 3,500 baby walkers. The walkers will fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these walkers can be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.

Oriental International Trading has not received any reports of injuries involving these walkers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

This recall includes the "Honey" model baby walker. The walkers are intended for a baby 5 months and older. They were sold in blue, yellow or pink with a padded seat and an activity tray. Model numbers included in the recall are 820, 860, 862 and 802. The model numbers are printed on the seat backs. A warning label on the walker reads in part, "WARNING: Suitable for babies between five and ten months old."

Independent discount stores located in Arizona, California, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina and New York sold these baby walkers from May 2001 through June 2002 for between $18 and $22.

Consumers should stop using these walkers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can contact Oriental International Trading Company at (866) 666-9868 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also visit the firm's web site at www.bike-stroller.com.

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

CPSC worked with industry to revise the voluntary standard for baby walkers to address injuries from falls down stairs. The revised standard was published in 1997. Children falling down stairs in walkers have accounted for most baby walker-related injuries. New walkers that meet the voluntary standard have special features that stop the walker at the top step. Baby walker-related injuries to children under 15 months old have declined over 60 percent from an estimated 20,100 in 1995 to 7400 in 2000.

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kellogg Company is recalling 837,000 toy cars that were packed inside some Kellogg's cereal boxes. The tires can detach from the wheels of these cars, posing a choking hazard for young children.

Kellogg has received two reports of the tires detaching from the wheels of these toy cars. No injuries have been reported.

The cars were distributed inside boxes of Kellogg cereals from March 2000 through June 2000 in specially marked packages of Kellogg's Tri-Fun-Pak 40-ounce box, Kellogg's Froot Loops 43.6-ounce box, Kellogg's Mini-Wheats Frosted Bite Size 58.8-ounce box, and Kellogg's Crispix 31.4-ounce box.

These Nascar Pull'N Go Hot Wheels style toy cars are red and yellow with a white hood. Pulling the car backwards a few inches on a surface causes it to go forward. "Kellogg's," is written on the hood, and the number "5" and "Terry Labonte" is written on the roof. The words "China" and "MFG. FOR KELLOGG CO.;, © 2000" are molded into the plastic underframe. No other Kellogg's Pull'N Go cars or Hot Wheels cars are part of this recall.

Consumers should take these toy cars away from young children immediately, and send the cars to Kellogg to get a free replacement item and reimbursement for postage. Send the car, along with your name and address to Kellogg Company, P.O. Box 185654, Battle Creek MI 49018-5654. For more information, visit Kellogg's web site or call Kellogg Co. at (800) 962-0037 anytime.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2000 -- Playskool is voluntarily expanding its recall program for its Busy Poppin' Pals toys to include 170,000 Sesame Street Busy Poppin' Pals toys. Small springs inside these toys can break loose, posing a choking and laceration hazard to young children.

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

On August 16, 2000, Playskool and CPSC announced the recall of 420,000 Busy Poppin' Pals toys with model number 5415, featuring animal characters, for the same problem.

Playskool has received eight reports relating to the springs in its Sesame Street Busy Poppin' Pals toys, including one report that a child put the broken spring in his mouth. No injuries were reported. Playskool received 16 reports of springs breaking in the Busy Poppin' Pals toy recalled earlier. This resulted in five children putting the broken springs in their mouths, and two of these children suffering lacerations.

Playskool's Sesame Street Busy Poppin' Pals toy is a 13-inch long white plastic toy with blue, yellow and green buttons, levers and knobs of various shapes that, when activated, make Sesame Street characters pop up from under the toy's base. The characters -- Elmo, Ernie, Big Bird, Bert, and Cookie Monster -- are hidden under corresponding blue, yellow or green lids that have the numbers one through five imprinted on top. The toy has a white carry handle and features the Playskool and Sesame Street logos on the front. The model number, "5446," "MADE IN CHINA" and "C-023B" are imprinted on the bottom of the toy.

Mass merchandise stores and toy stores sold these toys (Playskool model 5446 made in China) nationwide from November 1994 through 1996 for about $10.

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately, and contact Playskool at (877) 518-9743 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.hasbro.com to get information about how to receive a free, redesigned replacement toy.

Busy Poppin' Pals toys with model 6205 have different springs and are not part of this recall. Any Busy Poppin' Pals toy that have "Made in Mexico" imprinted on the toy's bottom are not part of this recall.

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2000 -- S-B Power Tool Co. is recalling about 920 BOSCH Angle Grinders, which are often used to sand or polish marble or metal. Some grinders were shipped without the side handle, which is used to control and guide the tool. Use of the grinder without the side handle can cause consumers to lose control of the tool and be injured.

No injuries have been reported.

The recalled grinders bear model 1752G7. The model number is on the side of the grinder, near the BOSCH name. The grinder is mainly teal blue and gray with a black power cord. The grinder was made in Germany. Mass merchandise, hardware and home center stores nationwide sold the grinder from February 2000 through April 2000 for about $150.

Consumers should stop using the grinders immediately and check to see if the side handle is missing. If so, call S-B Power Tool at (800) 241-3848 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to get the free side handle for the grinder.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2000 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase or consume various canned soups imported from Canada because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death.

Consumers should not use the products even if they do not look or smell spoiled. Les Produits Freddy Inc., a Canadian firm, has begun a voluntary recall of the products.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

All lots on the market are under recall. However, the volume of the product's distribution is not known at this time. The soups were distributed nationwide to retail stores. They were distributed to the following stores but may have been distributed elsewhere as well.

The Stop & Shop brand soups were sold at Stop & Shop Stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island and at Edwards Stores in New Jersey and New York.

The Tasty Classics brand soups were sold at Hy-Vee Food and Drug Stores in Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri; in Fareway Stores in Iowa and Illinois; and in Canned Foods Grocery Outlets stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii.

The Wegmans brand soups were sold at Wegmans Stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The Baron brand soups were sold nationwide at varous grocery stores.

The soups, manufactured by Les Produits Freddy, Inc., are sold in 10 3/4 fl.oz. cans. All codes are affected by this recall. They can be identified by the following brand names (may not be inclusive):

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  Wegmans brand Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup
  Stop & Shop brand Condensed Soup Cream of Mushroom
  Tasty Classics brand Cream of Mushroom Condensed Soup
  Baron Brand Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  
• Cream of Chicken Soup
  Wegmans brand Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup
  Stop & Shop brand Condensed Soup Cream of Chicken
  Tasty Classics brand Cream of Chicken Condensed Soup
  Baron Brand Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
  
• Cream of Celery Soup
  Wegmans brand Cream of Celery Condensed Soup
  Stop & Shop brand Condensed Soup Cream of Celery
  Tasty Classics Cream of Celery Condensed Soup
  

No illnesses have been reported to date.

FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are continuing to investigate this matter.

Consumers who have purchased any of the above products should not eat them, but instead return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Those who have consumed these products and have experienced symptoms of botulism should seek medical attention. Consumers with questions may contact the manufacturer, Les Produits Freddy Inc., at 1-888-797-3210.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Williams-Sonoma is voluntarily recalling about 950 portable propane gas grills, called the Suitcase Grill. The grills can be difficult or impossible to turn off and the temperature control can malfunction. This poses fire, burn, and explosion hazards.

Williams-Sonoma and CPSC have received two reports of consumers being unable to shut off the propane gas flow. No injuries have been reported.

The grill is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and folds like a suitcase, with built-in handles. It measures 23 inches long by 8 inches high. The grill has a 20,000-BTU propane-gas burner with adjustable temperature controls. The control is a black round knob with white writing that reads in part "HIGH, LOW, MED, OFF". A label on the grill reads "Model #15-3597291, READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE LIGHTING, and MADE IN CHINA."

Williams-Sonoma stores, in addition to the Williams-Sonoma catalog and web site, sold the grills nationwide from March 2000 through July 2000 for about $200.

Consumers should stop using the grills immediately, and return them to Williams-Sonoma for a full refund and a $50 gift certificate. The firm will reimburse consumers for shipping, and will retrieve the grills from consumers' homes, upon request. For additional information, contact Williams-Sonoma toll free at (888) 779-5173 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Saturday.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2001 -- Battat Inc. is recalling about 1,500 Parents magazine-brand Soft Landing Beanbag cushions. This product is an infant cushion manufactured by Battat for Parents magazine. Infant pillows and cushions have been banned under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act since 1992 because they pose a suffocation hazard to infants.

In addition, two 8- to 9-inch cords, which attach toys to the cushions, pose strangulation hazards. Battat has received one report of the cord attached to the rattle on one of these cushions becoming wrapped around the neck of a 7-month-old baby boy, causing red marks.

The airplane-shaped cushions, measuring approximately 27 inches long by 21 inches wide, are covered in various solid-colored cloth panels, and are filled with plastic foam pellets. They have a "smiley face" on the front with a propeller that spins and makes clicking sounds, and a plush nose. The back of the cushion has a circular target design. Side pockets on the wings have a "My First Passport" book with circle teether and a heart-shaped rattle attached. The cushions' hang tag reads in part, "Parent's PLAY + LEARN ...Fun and safe for all ages...Battat Inc... Made in Thailand." Writing on the packaging states that the product can be used for infants 6 months and up to nap, and that the cushions are "not considered a safe sleeping area for babies."

Target stores nationwide sold the cushions from September 2000 through May 2001 for about $24.

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

Consumers should take the cushions away from children immediately and return the cushions to a Target store for a refund. Consumers also can send their cushions to Battat Incorporated, Attention: Valinda Cayetano, Quality Assurance, 44 Martina Circle, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 for a refund plus mailing costs. For more information, consumers should call Battat Incorporated at (800) 247-6144 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the Battat web site at www.battat-toys.com or the Target web site at www.target.com.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2000 -- Century Products is recalling about 4 million infant car seat-carriers. The problem is that the handle can break when the seat is used as an infant carrier, throwing the infant to the ground.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "The break can happen unexpectedly and the seat can drop to the ground,"said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Century is providing parents with new handles for their carriers. Installing the new handle will help keep your baby safe and secure."

Century has received more than 2,700 reports of handle-related problems, including handles breaking, cracking or possibly not being locked while the seat is being used as a carrier. In addition to these reports, Century has also received over 200 reports of injury, including concussions, skull fractures, lacerations, broken bones, bruises, and scratches as a result of such handle-related problems.

"Riding in a child safety seat on the car's rear seat for every trip is the safest way to transport young children in a motor vehicle," said NHTSA Administrator Dr. Sue Bailey. "The recall announced today is only related to using the seat as a carrier(not how the seat performs while in a car. Parents should continue using these carriers as car seats."

The recall involves all Century rear-facing infant car seats/carriers with one-piece handles manufactured from January 1991 through July 1997. The date of manufacture, written as month, day, year (010191 through 073197), can be found on a label on the side of the seat. The recalled car seats/carriers have a molded, one-piece, one-color plastic handle colored white, gray, or tan.

Juvenile product, mass merchandise and major discount stores nationwide sold the car seats/carriers for about $40 when sold alone to about $130 when sold with a stroller.

Century will provide consumers a free easy-to-install replacement handle. Consumers should not carry the seat by the handle until it has been replaced. Consumers can continue to use the product as a car seat. CPSC, NHTSA and Century remind parents and caregivers to always restrain infants according to instructions when in the car seat/carrier. Always be sure the handle is locked in the carry position before picking up the carrier.

To receive a free replacement handle, call Century toll-free at (800) 865-1419 anytime, or visit Century's Web site. Consumers should have the car seat in front of them when they call.

Consumers with questions about this recall campaign should call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or visit CPSC's web site www.cpsc.gov. Information also is available at the NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (888) DASH-2-DOT (327-4236) or visit NHTSA's web site www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The NHTSA number to call in the Washington, DC area is (202) 366-0123.

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.