Recalls in January 1970

October 2, 2008    
BRP U.S. Inc. is recalling about 1,200 2008-2009 Can-Am youth ATVs.

If the rider is ejected and the cord strap is pulled, the shutoff switch can fail to disable the engine. The ATV can operate uncontrolled, until the engine returns to idle, and cause a collision with bystanders, vehicles or other objects. This poses a serious risk of injury.

The recall involves Model Year 2008-2009 Can-Am DS 90 X ATVs. The model name can be located on the side panels. The ATV is black with yellow and orange trim.

The ATVs, made in Vietnam, were sold at authorized Can-Am dealers nationwide from August 2007 through September 2008 for about $3,400.

Parents should stop children from using these vehicles immediately and contact any Can-Am dealer to schedule a free repair. Consumers are being sent a direct notice from BRP.

For additional information, call BRP toll-free at (888) 638-5397 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.can-am.brp.com.

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

May 22, 2008
West Music is recalling about 6,500 'Basic Beat Shaker' Guiro instruments. Surface paint on the recalled shaker guiro instrument contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

The recalled shaker guiro is a ridged, cylinder-shaped percussion instrument that contains beads and is played by scraping a stick along the surface. The shaker guiro measures about 2' wide x 5' long. One end of the instrument is painted red and the other end is painted blue. The center section and stick are natural wood. 'Basic Beat 5' Guiro/Shaker,' 'SHBB5,' and 'Recommended for Ages 6+' are printed on the packaging.

The instruments, made in Taiwan, were sold by West Music retail stores in Iowa and Illinois, the West Music catalog, online at www.westmusic.com, and West Music booths at conventions and workshops nationwide, the Music Together Catalog, and www.musictogether.com from November 2001 through March 2008 for between $9 and $11.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled shaker guiro instrument away from children and contact West Music to arrange to receive a replacement instrument.

For additional information, contact West Music at (800) 397-9378 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, or email the firm at service@westmusic.com.

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

July 24, 2008    
Reebok International Ltd. is recalling about 20,000 exercise cycles. The alloy cranks on the exercise cycles can break during use, posing a laceration and abrasion hazard to users.

Reebok International Ltd. has received five reports of cranks breaking and causing lacerations. Three consumers required stitches.

The Reebok Studio Cycle is an upright exercise bike used primarily in fitness centers and other institutional settings. The recalled bicycle is black with silver cranks. The unit has an internal belt drive. The base of the bicycle is a single piece that is welded to the frame. The legs are two straight horizontal bars with rounded edges. There is a logo located on the side of the exercise cycle that shows a person riding a bicycle.

The cycles were sold to health clubs and specialty fitness dealers nationwide from 1997 through 2000. The bicycles were not sold directly to consumers. They were made in the United States.

Consumers should stop using the recalled Studio Cycle immediately, and owners should contact Reebok International Ltd. to receive a discount on a model currently made by a licensee of Reebok.

For additional information, contact Reebok International Ltd. at (800) 382-3823 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.reebok.com.

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

August 19, 2008
Hobbico Inc. is recalling about 11,000 batteries used in Electrifly radio-controlled helicopter kits.

The rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging, igniting nearby combustible materials. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.

Hobbico has received 28 reports of batteries overheating and/or melting, including 27 reports of flames and minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Electrifly lithium-polymer batteries (part #GPMP0401) sold individually or with the Heli-Max Axe CP-L radio-controlled helicopter kits. The kit includes a 23-inch long plastic helicopter, a battery, a radio transmitter, a balance charger, a car adapter, an AC wall adapter, decals that read HMX, AXE and Heli-Max and training gear. Electrifly and GPMP0401 are printed on the battery.

The kits were sold at hobby stores nationwide and online from November 2007 through March 2008 for about $35. The helicopter kits were sold for $200. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled batteries and contact Hobbico for instructions on returning their battery for a free replacement battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobbico toll-free at (866) 462-2426 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the companys recall Web sites at www.helimaxrc.com or www.electrifly.com to register for the recall.

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

October 16, 2008   
Playkids U.S.A. is recalling about 2,000 convertible cribs after a 5-month-old child died in Brooklyn, N.Y. after becoming trapped between the mattress and the drop side rail of the crib.

The sides of the convertible crib are made of a mesh that expands, creating a gap between the mattress and the side through which an infant can slip. This poses suffocation and entrapment hazards for young children.

The recall involves the Playkids U.S.A. convertible crib/playpen/bassinet/bed with model number PLK-909. Playkids U.S.A. can be found on the packaging and on a label sewn into the side of the crib. The model number can be found on the packaging.

The convertible cribs have a drop side rail, a stationary side rail, a canopy assembly, and a bassinet. The sides of the convertible crib, the mattress support, the bassinet, the canopy and the bedskirt are covered in fabric and mesh. The fabric and the mesh come in a variety of colors and patterns.

The cribs, which were made in China, were sold in juvenile product retailers in New York from March 2007 through September 2008 for about $100.

Consumers should stop using the recalled convertible cribs immediately and contact Playkids USA to receive a full refund.

For additional information, consumers should contact Playkids USA collect at (718) 797-0302 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

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

August 28, 2008
Ford Motor Company is recalling 2,811 heavy duty diesel trucks and motor homes equipped with Caterpiller engines. The trucks could be in danger of catching fire because fuel could spray from a defective fuel pump.

The recall involves the 2008 to 2009 F-650 SD and F-750 SD trucks.

"The fuel pump outlet check plug may be cracked which could cause fuel to spray and leak," the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned.

Ford will work with Caterpiller, the engine supplier, to remedy the defect. Caterpiller will replace the fuel pump at no charge.

Owners of the Ford trucks can contact Caterpiller at 1-800-447-4986 or Ford at 1-800-343-5338 (Fleet Owners) OR 1-866-906-9811 (Motor Home Owners).

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2002 -- As children nationwide head outdoors to practice their shots, more than two and a half million portable basketball hoops are being recalled.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lifetime Products Inc. and Escalade Sports are voluntarily recalling about 1.7 million portable basketball hoops. There are about 1.7 million Lifetime portable basketball hoops and about 16,000 Escalade Sports basketball hoops being recalled.

The hoops may have a sharp protruding bolt on the players' side of the pole that can cause serious leg or body lacerations.

CPSC and Lifetime Products Inc. have received 27 reports of injuries and Escalade Sports has received one report of injury from the basketball hoop bolt. Injuries include scrapes, deep lacerations and bruises. Several consumers required stitches for their injuries. Players have been cut when they bump into the pole as they drive toward the basket.

All Lifetime portable basketball system models, except the "Quick Court" are included in the recall. The Escalade Sports basketball hoop models included in the recall are the Harvard, The Big Easy, B3100, B3301, B3302, B3303, B3304, B3305, B3306, B3403, B3500, Spalding, The Big Easy B3402 and Apex B9995, Mini Court, Alley Court.

The hoops come unassembled with a flat plastic base that is weighted down by either sand or water that is added during assembly. The basketball poles are made of black metal. The brand names or model names may appear on the backboard, main pole or the flat plastic base of the basketball hoops.

Sporting goods, department and toy stores including Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target and Toys R Us nationwide sold the Lifetime basketball hoops between January 1994 and July 2000 and the Escalade Sports basketball hoops between March 1994 and December 2001 for between $80 and $500.

Consumers should stop using the basketball hoops immediately and contact Lifetime Products or Escalade Sports to receive free cap nuts to cover the bolts. Consumers should call and get a cap nut regardless of whether their bolt protrudes or not. Consumers can contact Lifetime Products Inc. at (800) 225-3865 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT or 9 a.m and 6 p.m CT Monday through Friday or the firm's web site at www.lifetime.com. Escalade Sports can be reached at (800) 467-1397 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or the firm's web site at www.escaladesports.com.

February 13, 2006
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling some Spartan Chassis Fire Trucks because of front suspension problems that could lead to the fire truck crashing.

Some of the trucks equipped with the Timoney 22 independent front suspension carry a kingpin ball pin that can fracture near the top of the ball pin.

NHTSA warns that the driver will lose control of the fire truck if the suspension fails which could lead to a serious crash.

Dealers will replace the upper and lower kingpins for affected fire trucks.

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2002 -- Aroma Housewares Co. is recalling about 117,000 more juice extractors or juicers. The juicer's filter and lid can break apart and project metal and plastic into the air, causing injuries to those standing nearby.

The firm previously recalled 40,000 juicers in June 1999. This recall includes redesigned juicers used as replacements for the original recall. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Aroma Housewares has received two additional reports of the redesigned juicer's filter and lid breaking apart, resulting in two consumers suffering minor injuries. There have been 32 reports of the original juicer breaking, and 32 reports of injuries. Seven of these injuries required stitches and one required surgery for lacerated arteries.

All model ACJ-250 Aroma Juice Extractors are included in the recall. "ACJ-250" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the bottom of the juicer on a silver label. The juice extractor is made of white and clear plastic and has a metal filter. "Aroma" is printed on the front of the unit.

Discount specialty and department stores sold the recalled juice extractors from March 1996 through July 2002 for about $25.

Consumers should stop using the recalled juice extractors immediately, and call the company for information on receiving a refund. Even if consumers previously received a replacement juicer as part of the original recall, they should contact Aroma Housewares for a refund. Consumers should call Aroma Housewares at (800) 276-6286 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Aroma reported to CPSC the recent incidents of the redesigned juicer breaking. See CPSC's July 2, 2002 press release

March 6, 2008    
Combi USA is voluntarily recalling 67,000 child car seats because federal tests show the seats might separate from their bases in front-end collisions.

The company says the recall involves its Centre, Centre ARB and Shuttle seats, as well as the travel systems containing the Centre and Shuttle seats. The seats were produced between October 2005 and December 2007.

No injuries involving the defect have been reported.

Consumers are being asked to contact the company to obtain a free retrofit kit on its Web site -- www.combi-intl.com/ -- or by calling 1-800-543-7734.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2002 -- Valor Heating Ltd., of Birmingham, United Kingdom, is voluntarily recalling about 730 direct vent wall mount gas fireplaces. A design defect in the gas control assembly can allow main burner gas to prematurely enter the firebox during lighting. The ignition of this excess gas can cause the glass window to shatter, presenting the risk of burns or cuts from broken glass.

Valor has received one report of cuts to the consumer's face when the glass front of the fireplace shattered after excess gas ignited. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

This recall includes model 837AN (natural gas) and 837AP (propane) direct vent wall mount fireplaces made in the United Kingdom. The fireplaces have a glass front and an imitation wooden log set. The "Valor" logo is printed on the bottom front of the fireplace. The model number is printed on a plate in the lower control area.

Specialty fireplace dealers sold these fireplaces nationwide from September 1997 through January 2002 for between $1,700 and $2,400. Consumers should stop using these fireplaces and shut off the gas immediately. To arrange for a free repair, consumers should contact Valor at (866) 541-0930 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.valorflame.com

November 9, 2006
Better check your medicine cabinet. Perrigo Company of Allegan, Michigan is recalling 383 lots of acetaminophen 500mg caplets manufactured and distributed under various store brands as a result of small metal fragments found in a small number of these caplets.

Approximately 11 million bottles containing varying quantities of acetaminophen 500mg caplets are affected by this recall.

Perrigo refused to identify the brand names under which the contaminated caplets wre sold. However, public filings indicate the company makes drugs for Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreen and Costco, among others.

Consumers can determine if they are in possession of a recalled product by locating the batch number printed on the container label. A list of stores that carry store-brands potentially affected by this recall is located on Food and Drug Administration's website at www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/perrigo/perrigocustlist.html.

To date, there have been no illness or injuries received related to this problem and no consumer complaints have been reported to the FDA or to Perrigo.

Based on information currently available, the FDA said it believes the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote; however if a consumer were to swallow an affected caplet, it could result in minor stomach discomfort and/or possible cuts to the mouth or throat.

Consumers should consult their physician if they suspect they've been harmed by use of this product.

Consumers who believe they are in possession of the affected products should discontinue use immediately and call Perrigo's Consumer Affairs Department, 877-546-0454 for further instructions.

FDA said it is currently investigating the cause of the metal particles found in the acetaminophen 500 mg. caplets. Perrigo originally informed FDA of this problem after discovering through their own regulatory quality control procedures that their tableting equipment was wearing down prematurely.

The company is also investigating the cause of the problem. The ongoing investigations have revealed the presence of the metal fragments in caplets of acetaminophen, 500 mg.

Perrigo reported to the FDA that 70 million caplets were passed through a metal detector; resulting in the discovery of approximately 200 caplets containing metal fragments.

August 28, 2008
About 44,000 Phil & Teds strollers are being recalled. The recall affects Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers (an additional 425 e3 Twin Buggy Strollers were recalled on May 5, 2006).

The strollers hinge locking mechanism poses a laceration hazard to the user folding and unfolding the strollers

Regal Lager has received nine reports from consumers who injured their fingers in the strollers hinge locking mechanism.

The recalled single strollers all have metal frames with three wheels, a cloth seat and canopy. The twin strollers have a metal frame with four wheels, side-by-side cloth seats and double sun canopies. The strollers were sold in a variety of colors including red, orange, green, black, charcoal and navy. The Phil & Teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness.

The strollers, made in China, were sold at baby furniture and baby products stores nationwide from August 2003 through August 2008 for between $400 and $650.

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Regal Lager to obtain a free hinge cover repair kit and instructions.

For more information, consumers can Regal Lager toll-free at (877) 242-5676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms Web site at www.regallager.com.

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

February 6, 2008    
eeBoo Corp. is recalling about 80,000 childrens sketchbooks. The paint on the sketchbooks colored spiral metal bindings contains excessive levels of lead violating the federal lead paint standard.

The recalled childrens sketchbooks have colored spiral metal bindings, drawing paper, and cardboard covers in the following styles. eeBoo and the style name are printed on a sticker on the back cover.

Other styles of sketchbooks with colored or plain metal spiral bindings are not included in this recall.

The items were sold at specialty and gift stores nationwide from September 2005 through January 2008 for about $6. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled sketchbooks away from children and contact eeBoo Corp. to receive a free replacement sketchbook with a plain metal spiral.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact eeBoo Corp. at (800) 791-5619 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.eeBoo.com

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

September 23, 2008
About 6,000 wooden abacus toys are being recalled by LTD Commodities LLC and ABC Distributing, of Bannockburn, Ill. The wooden rods on the abacus can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

LTD Commodities has received four reports of small parts detaching from the wood abacus. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled wood abacus is a multi-sided activity center that has a chalkboard, movable block letters with pictures, sliding shapes, a fun maze with gears, and a blue and yellow clock on the side of the activity center with two pink moving hands. Product code E7A is printed on the packaging near the UPC bar code.

The abacus toys were sold by LTD Commodities and ABC Distributing catalogs nationwide and Web site from December 2006 through February 2008 for about $12. They were made in China.

Consumers should take the abacus away from children immediately and contact LTD Commodities for instructions on receiving a product credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LTD Commodities toll-free at (866) 736-3654 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ltdcommodities.com or www.abcdistributing.com.

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

January 31, 2008
Kids II Inc. is recalling about 15,000 crib toys -- the Baby Einstein, Baby Neptune and Soothing Seascape toy turtles.

The anchors that hold the straps to the back of the turtle can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Kids II has received 23 reports of anchors breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The Baby Einstein, Baby Neptune, Soothing Seascape crib toy is a plastic molded turtle with a toy aquarium body that has woven fabric straps that attach to the side rails of a crib. The toy turtle has a stuffed fabric head and feet. Model number 30858 is printed on the label on the leg of the turtle. Only crib toys manufactured in October 2007 with date code BJ7 printed on the back of the battery compartment, are included in the recall.

The toys, made in China, were sold at discount department stores and on-line retailers nationwide from November 2007 through January 2008 for between $25 and $30.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled crib toys and contact Kids II to receive a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kids II toll-free at (866) 203-6788 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.kidsii.com.

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

October 29, 2008
Cybex is recalling about 19,000 treadmills because they can speed up unexpectedly due to a malfunction with the lower control board, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Cybex International has received 24 reports of incidents involving the treadmill unexpectedly increasing speed, including six reports of consumers falling. Three of those incidents resulted in minor injuries.

The recall involves the Cybex 445T, 455T, 530T, 450T, 500T, 515T, and 520T treadmill models. The treadmills are black and gray with rectangular uprights. The 530T style treadmill is 81 inches long by 32 inches wide. The 445T style treadmill is 72 inches long by 32 inches wide. The treadmills have a display panel on a console as wide as the treadmill. 'Cybex' and the model number are written on the console.

Cybex International and Cybex dealers nationwide sold the treadmills from January 2001 through September 2008 for between $5,500 and $7,000. They were made in the United States.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled treadmills. Contact Cybex to receive a free replacement fuse. If requested, a Cybex technician can install the fuse free of charge. Cybex is directly contacting known purchasers.

For additional information, contact Cybex toll free at (866) 897-9199 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.Cybexintl.com.

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

March 19, 2008
Progress Lighting is recalling about 1,000 outdoor ceiling light fixtures. A weld that affixes a mounting bracket to the ceiling pan can fail, which can cause the fixture to fall and injure nearby persons.

Progress Lighting has received six reports of fixtures falling. No property damage or injuries have been reported.

Only Progress Lighting ceiling-mounted outdoor light fixtures with model numbers P5526-20 and P5526-44 are included in the recall. The light fixtures have three flame-shaped lights inside a beveled glass and solid frame. The fixtures require (3) 60-watt light bulbs. 'Made in/Hecho En/Fabrique Aux China' and the model numbers are written on the packaging of the product.

The fixtures were sold at electrical and lighting distributors nationwide from January 2007 through November 2007 for about $200. They were made in China.

Consumers should contact Progress Lighting to schedule a free repair of the lighting fixture.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Progress Lighting toll-free at (866) 418-5543 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.progresslighting.com.

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

December 2, 2008
Mercedes-Benz is recalling about 1,500 of its S-class vehicles from the 2007 model year to fix a problem with the radial knuckle of the front strut.

The knuckle flaw may occur after significant mileage accumulation combined with exposure to high stress driving on rough roads, the company said.

If a knuckle fails, steering control could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will check the front strut when the recall begins this month. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

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.