Recalls in January 1970

September 23, 2008
Giftco Inc. is recalling about 36,000 sets of Harry Potter bookends. The paint on the bookends contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves poly-stone bookends painted and shaped in the characters of the Harry Potter book series. Bookend characters include Harry Potter, Hedwig and Hermione, and Crookshank.

The bookends, made in Hong Kong, were sold at elementary school fundraising programs, discount and dollar stores nationwide from June 2004 through January 2006 for between $3 and $28.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled bookends away from children and return them to Giftco for a refund.

For additional information, contact Giftco Inc. toll-free at (888) 448-6728 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at mail.giftcoinc.com.

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

July 6, 2005
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded previous recalls of certain implantable defibrillators manufactured by Guidant Corporation, and recalled June 17, 2005 and June 24, 2005.

FDA has designated as Class I the recalls of the Ventak Prizm, 2 DR (manufactured on or before April 16, 2002) and Contak Renewal1 and 2 devices (manufactured on or before August 26, 2004)

A Class I recall is the highest priority recall. It consisted of a letter to physicians and patients, and was sent out on June 17. This recall is one in which there is a reasonable probability that, if a particular device is malfunctioning, the malfunctioning device will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Malfunctions in these devices can lead to serious consequences and its important for patients to call their doctor for additional information and personalized advice, said Daniel Schultz, MD, Director of FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health. However, its also important to understand that in most cases these defibrillators work well and save lives.

FDA has designated as Class II the previously announced physician communications concerning Ventak Prizm AVT, Vitality AVT, Renewal AVT devices, Renewal 3 and 4, Renewal 3 and 4 AVT, and Renewal RF devices

A Class II recall is one in which the malfunctioning product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, however the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

These recall classifications do not affect Guidants current recommendation to physicians and patients. Guidant recommends that physicians continue with normal follow-up patient visits at three-month intervals.

Neither Guidant nor FDA is making a recommendation as to whether individual patients should have their devices removed. Rather, both believe that decision is best made by consultation between patients and their physicians, based on the specific case history of each patient.

In certain cases, the risks associated with the surgery to explant the device will outweigh the extremely small risk of device malfunction.

March 31, 2005
DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling some 1.3 million Mercedes-Benz cars worldwide to fix problems with their alternators and batteries.

The company said it will check the voltage regulator in the alternator on six- and eight-cylinder models and replace the regulator if needed.

Mercedes also said it would install battery control software on the E-class and CLS-class models built from January 2002 through January 2005. The company also said the braking system on the E, SL and CLS-class made since June 2001 would be updated.

The company has set up a hot line for European customers at 800-1-777-7777. In the United States, customers can call 1-800-FOR-MERC.

May 22, 2009
Gothic Cabinet Craft is recalling about 1,500 bunk beds. The recall affects twin, twin extra-large, and twin over full beds.

The bunk beds do not have sufficient headboards, footboards, or guardrails and have gaps between parts of the upper bunk that could allow a child's body to pass through but not a child's head. These bunk beds pose a fall, entrapment, and strangulation hazard to children and violate the spacing requirements of the federal bunk bed safety standard.

Both metal and wooden bunk beds are being recalled. The bunk bed styles include dark oak and metal, solid pine, others come with six drawers as part of the base.

The beds, made in the U.S., were sold by retail stores in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area from June 2000 through October 2008 for between $225 and $850.

Consumers should immediately stop using these bunk beds and contact Gothic Cabinet Craft Inc. to schedule an appointment and free repair.

For more information, contact Gothic Cabinet Craft Outlet toll free at (877) 946-8442 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.gothiccabinetcraft.com.

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

CPSC Warns Consumers About Faulty Extension Cords, Power Strips and Surge Protectors

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 24, 1999 - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about millions of faulty extension cords, power strips and surge protectors that pose a fire, shock and electrocution danger.

Since 1994, CPSC has announced 25 recalls involving 2 million extension cords, power strips and surge protectors because they have undersized wires, loose connections, faulty components or improper grounding. The defects in these products can result in fires or pose a shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.

Most of these substandard cords were sold at discount stores and small retailers for about $1 to $7. Most were made in China. Many have no identifying marks or model numbers. Some have counterfeit Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification labels.

Extension cords, power strips and surge protectors must be able to handle the amount of current required by the appliance. Defective cords fail to meet current industry safety standards and can be overloaded easily if they are used to plug in even small appliances.

"With computers, VCRs, and a growing number of other appliances in our homes, more consumers are using extension cords, power strips and surge protectors," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Many meet current safety standards, but the poorly constructed models recalled in recent years are a hidden fire and electrocution hazard. You should check your home immediately and make sure you aren't using one of these recalled cords."

In 1997, CPSC began an investigation to monitor the extension cords, power strips and surge protectors sold in stores across the country. CPSC investigators inspected products sold through discount stores, mass merchandisers, dollar stores and hardware chains. After collecting suspect samples from 83 locations around the country, investigators found that 72 percent of the samples failed to meet current safety standards. CPSC also worked with U.S. Customs to monitor the extension cords, power strips and surge protectors shipped to U.S. ports. Many of the recent recalls of these cords were the result of this investigation.

In 1996, electrical cords and plugs were involved in about 7,100 fires resulting in 120 deaths or about 32 percent of all deaths associated with residential electrical system fires. In 1997, more than 12,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical burns and shocks and about 2,500 people were treated for injuries associated with extension cords.

CPSC provides these safety tips for consumers:

• Look for a certification label from an independent testing lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories ) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) on the package and on the product itself. Products with this certification label meet current industry safety standards. For extension cords, look for a permanently attached certification label on the cord near the plug. For power strips and surge protectors, inspect the underside of the casing and make certain that it is marked with the manufacturer's name and the testing lab.
• Use electrical cords, power strips and surge protectors that have polarized plugs with one blade slightly wider the other, or grounded three-pronged plugs. These features reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable electric heaters and freezers.
• Extension cords used outside should be specifically designed for such use to guard against shock.
• Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs are exposed when the cord is in use.
• Never cover any part of an extension cord with rugs or other objects while it is in use. If the cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which can result in fire.
• Don't overload cords with too many appliances. Change the cord to a higher-rated one or unplug and relocate appliances to other outlets.
• Make sure cords do not dangle from the counter or table tops where they can be pulled down or tripped over.
• If a cord feels hot to the touch, stop using it and throw it away.
• Replace cracked or worn cords.
• Don't use extension cords to compensate for inadequate home wiring. Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.

CPSC is working with U.S. Customs to identify shipments of substandard cords before they reach store shelves. CPSC investigators are continuing to monitor the cords currently being sold in stores. The Commission also is working with Chinese trade officials to stop exports of substandard cords to the United States.

To view recalls on these products issued by CPSC, please go to our search engine and enter one of the following, depending on your interest, in the search box:

• extension cord*
• power strip*
• surge protector*

(The * ensures getting all items, for example, extension cord and extension cords).

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. Consumers can report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

August 24, 2008
Venmar CES Inc. is recalling about 3,400 light commercial heat recovery ventilators. The motors in these units can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Venmar CES has received three reports of ventilator motors overheating, resulting in fires which caused property damage.

Light Commercial Heat Recovery Ventilators are designed to exchange air between the inside and outside of a building or home in order to provide fresh air. The recall includes the following brand names and model numbers:

The "X" in the model number can be either a letter or a number. The model number is written on a silver or black label on the outside panel.

Heating, plumbing and building supply distributors sold the ventilators nationwide from January 1991 through July 2007 for between $1,700 and $2,000. They were made in Canada.

Consumers should immediately turn off the ventilator, disconnect it from the power supply, and contact Venmar CES to schedule a technician to install a free repair.

For more information, contact Venmar CES toll-free at (866) 698-6283 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET Monday through Sunday or visit the firm's Web site at www.venmarces.com

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

January 17, 2008    Spanish
About 38,000 Cranium Cadoo board games are being recalled because the die included in the games contain excessive levels of lead.

Only the die found in Cranium Cadoo board games with lot numbers 2007195 through 2007244 are included in the recall. The Cranium Cadoo game is packaged in a square cardboard box with an orange background. The seven digit lot number is printed under the plastic tray on the bottom half of the box.

The games were sold at Fred Meyer, Kmart, Shopko, Wal-Mart and specialty game stores nationwide between October 2007 through January 2008 for about $20. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately dispose of the die and contact Cranium Inc. to receive a free replacement die.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cranium Inc. at (877) 272- 6486 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.cranium.com.

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

March 21, 2008
QVC is recalling nearly 200,000 toy puzzle vehicle sets. Surface paints on the puzzle pieces and components contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

The recall includes the 16 piece Puzzle Track Play sets also known as Battery Operated Puzzle Vehicle sets. QVC item number T16876 is printed on the exterior of the brown box packaging. The sets have plastic puzzle pieces that when put together form a track with a battery operated train, fire engine or school bus vehicle designed to run on the track. Miniature street signs, traffic cones, and a battery for the vehicle are also included in the sets.

The sets, made in China, were sold by QVC televised shopping programs, Web page, toll-free number, and Studio store from September 2002 through December 2007 for about $20.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy puzzle sets away from children and return to QVC for a full refund including shipping and handling. Consumers who purchased the recalled set from QVCs television program or at QVC.com were sent a package by mail containing return information. Consumers who purchased the recalled set at the QVC Studio store should return the product to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact QVC at (800) 367-9444 between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m. ET or visit the firms Web site at www.qvc.com.

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

April 29, 2008
Hammocks sold by LivingXL are being recalled because they represent a fall hazard.

The metal frame of the Multi Texteline Hammocks and Striped Quilted Hammocks can crack and break, causing a consumer to fall to the ground.

LivingXL has received three reports of injuries, including lower back pain and broken ribs, when the hammock collapsed after the frame broke or cracked.

The recalled hammocks are Model X1010 multi texteline hammock and Model X1011 striped quilted hammock. They consist of a metal frame and cloth hammock. The metal frame is made of steel, is beige in color, and has five pieces, including two foot brackets. The model number is located on the hammocks packaging and/or instruction sheet.

The hammocks were sold by LivingXLs catalog or at www.LivingXL.com from May 2007 through October 2007 for between $170 and $200. They were made in India.

Consumers should immediately stop using the hammocks and contact LivingXL for instructions on returning the hammock to receive a full refund. LivingXL is directly notifying consumers who purchased the hammock about the recall.

For additional information, contact LivingXL at (800) 535-7639 extension 7777 anytime, or visit the companys Web site at www.LivingXL.com.

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

June 21, 2005
Harley-Davidson is voluntarily recalling 13,400 Dyna series motorcycles because of a faulty transmission indicator.

The 2006 model year Dyna cycles have transmissions with a defect that may allow them to go into a false neutral position, even though the neutral indicator light is illuminated.

The motorcycle manufacturer said that it is providing owners with free pick-up and delivery as part of the Initial Care Program being rolled out for the 2006 Dyna motorcycles. The service will commence and recall kits will be available at dealerships beginning the week of Dec. 12.

Harley-Davidson estimates that the total costs to the company for the recall will be less than $5 million.

Harley-Davidson also said that it expects to meet its previously announced wholesale shipment target of 329,000 units for 2005.

October 6, 2009
Lowe's Stores is recalling about 84,000 folding directors chairs. The chair back supports can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Lowe's and the importer, White Tiger, have received 10 reports of chairs breaking. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves red and blue folding director's chairs with white frames. 'Garden Treasures' is printed on the chair's packaging.

The chairs, made in Indonesia, were sold at Lowe's stores nationwide from June 2009 through July 2009 for about $40.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and return them to any Lowe's store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact White Tiger at (877) 251-5558 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT, or visit www.lowes.com.

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

May 7, 2009
KTM is recalling about 550 off-road motorcycles because the front fork inner tube on the off-road motorcycles can crack and separate from the fork axle, posing a risk of injury or death to the operator.

This recall involves model year 2009 KTM off-road motorcycles. The model name and KTM™ logo are located on the right and left shrouds. The following models are included in this recall:

The motorcycles, made in Austria, were sold by KTM dealers nationwide from December 2008 through April 2009 for between $6,000 and $8,000.

Consumers should immediately stop using these vehicles and contact their local KTM dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners the recalled off-road motorcycles are being sent a direct notice.

For additional information, contact KTM toll-free at (888) 985-6090 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ktmnorthamerica.com.

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

March 11, 2005
Montrail Inc. is recalling about 970 pairs of crampons, used for ice climbing and mountaineering. The vertical rails at the front of these crampons can break, which could result in falls and injuries.

Montrail has received three reports of crampons breaking. No injuries were reported.

The recall includes models I354, I356, and K364 sold under brand names I.C.E. 9 and Khumbu. The recall includes products with UPC numbers beginning with 619120036 and ending with 204, 211, 464, or 457. These model and UPC numbers are listed only on the packaging, but not on the products themselves.

The crampons were sold at outdoor equipment retailers nationwide from September 2003 through Feb. 1, 2005 for between $135 and $185.

Consumers should stop using these crampons immediately and contact Montrail to find out how to return them and for further recall details.

Consumer Contact: Contact Montrail toll-free at (800) 826-1598 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.

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

May 21, 2008
American Flame is recalling about 12,000 gas fireplace valves. Gas can continue to flow into the fireplace pilot light area after the switch has been turned 'off,' posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.

American Flame has received two reports of incidents involving valve failure and continuous gas flow. No injuries or fires have been reported.

The recall involves American Flame AF-4000 series fireplace gas valves installed in residential fireplaces made by twelve manufacturers under the following brand names: Pacific Energy, Travis Industries, CFM Corporation, Canadian Heating Products, Portland Willamette, Rasmussen, Chimeneas de Columbia, Twin Eagles, FDM, Inca Metals (Savannah Heating), Even Temp, and Valley Comfort. The valves were installed in some but not all fireplaces. Date codes included in the recall include 0622 through 0718. The gas valve model number is located on a label on the bottom of each gas valve. The date code is located above the label.

The valves were sold by retailers and distributors nationwide from September 2006 through July 2007 for between $500 and $2,000 for the fireplaces, with additional costs for installation. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fireplaces and contact their dealer for a free repair. The repair involves replacing the fireplace's valve if it leaks gas in the 'off' position when tested by a qualified service technician.

For additional information, contact American Flame toll-free at (888) 672-8929 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET to determine if your fireplace is included in the recall and to arrange for a free repair, or visit the firm's Web site at www.skytechsystem.com.

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

September 1, 2009

OfficeMax has received about 35 reports of the chair backs or posts breaking, including 15 reports of injuries involving lacerations, muscle strains, contusions and concussions.

The recall involves OfficeMax Task Chairs with model numbers OM182 and OM96614. The model number is located under the chairs seat on a white UPC label. The chairs are charcoal or dark charcoal in color and have black plastic arms and a rolling plastic and metal base.

The chairs, made in China, were sold at OfficeMax stores nationwide, on the firms Web site www.officemax.com, in OfficeMax catalogs, and through direct commercial sales to businesses from September 2003 through July 2008 for between $40 and $65.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and return them to any OfficeMax store for a full refund or a $55 gift card if the consumer does not have a receipt.

For additional information, contact OfficeMax at (800) 283-7674 anytime, or visit the firms Web site at www.officemax.com.

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

May 23, 2005
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 7,191 of its 2006 model-year Mercedes M-class sport-utility vehicles because a clamp that secures the power steering fluid cooling hose may be defective and could cause a loss of the fluid.

This could diminish power steering and lead to a crash, the NHTSA said.

In another safety action, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is recalling 14,967 2005 model-year Element wagons because the trailer harness kit has an incorrectly wired connector.

"As a result, the trailer brake lamps and turn signal lamps could operate incorrectly, or a fuse could blow causing a sudden loss of brake and turn signal lamp function," the NHTSA said.

October 8, 2008   
Backyard Play Systems LLC is recalling about 500 outdoor playset gliders. Some of the gliders were shipped with assembly instructions that did not inform consumers to tighten all lock nuts during assembly, including those attached by the manufacturer. As a result, some lock nuts were not fully fastened during assembly which could cause the glider to detach, posing a fall hazard to children.

Backyard Play Systems has received one report of a lock nut falling off. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves outdoor play set gliders designed to hang from home play equipment. The green plastic gliders were sold as an accessory to home play equipment marketed under the brand names Heartland Play Systems, Yardline Play Systems and Backyard Play Systems.

The gliders, made in China, were sold by Backyard Buildings and More and Lowes stores nationwide, and online at Costco.com, BettyMills.com, and BackyardBuildings.com from February 2008 through July 2008 for about $100.

Consumers should immediately stop using the gliders until all lock nuts are securely fastened. Backyard Play Systems is notifying all customers directly and is providing written instructions indicating the location of all lock nuts that must be securely fastened.

For additional information, contact Backyard Play Systems at (866) 890-2211 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Saturday, or visit the firms Web site at BackyardBuildings.com..

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

April 10, 2008
FUNTASTIC is recalling about 26,000 sets of "Hillbilly Teeth." The gray surface paint on the teeth contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves a 2-pack fake Hillbilly Teeth with item # 2657. The item number is printed on the packaging. The gums are brown and the teeth are yellow.

The false teeth were sold at grocery, drug, convenience, and mass retailers nationwide from March 2005 through March 2008 for about $2. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact FUNTASTIC for information on receiving a refund.

For additional information, contact FUNTASTIC at (800) 434-5207 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company's Web site at www.funtastictoy.com.

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

January 24, 2005
Carlton Cards Retail, Inc. is recalling about 5,000 Roasting Marshmallow Tealight Candle Holders.

During normal use, the decorative marshmallows or decorative campfire flames may catch fire.

The candle holder is a Christmas decoration designed to hold a tealight candle. The candle holder includes three figures (penguin, moose, snowman) dressed in red and green sweaters, scarves and hats, roasting marshmallows on a stick over a small fire. Model numbers 4-01-427, 231279-4 and UPC code 90000 08741 are printed on the bottom of the candle holder.

The units were sold at card stores nationwide from October 2004 through December 2004 for about $13.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the store where purchased or other stores where Carlton Cards are sold for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Carlton Cards at (800) 955-1244 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.carltoncards.com.

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