Recalls in January 1970

July 18, 2005
AAFES is expanding its recall of Soldier Bear brand toy sets that are contaminated by lead paint.

The latest recall involves about 13,000 sets (about 3,000 Invincibles Transport Converter Toy Sets were recalled on May 23, 2007).

The toy sets were imported from Hong Kong by AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service), of Dallas, Texas

Surface paints on the toy action figures, dinosaurs and animals contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

This recall involves toy sets with various action figures, dinosaurs, animals and vehicles. The style number, Universal Product Code and Soldier Bear logo are printed on the products packaging.

The toys were sold at AAFES stores worldwide from August 2005 through April 2007 for between $5 and $15.

Consumers should immediately take the toys away from children and return the product to the nearest AAFES store for full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call AAFES at (800) 866-3605 anytime or visit the firms Web site at www.aafes.com.

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

August 8, 2007
Stubben Steeltec SEQ stirrups are being recalled. The stirrupus hinges can break, posing a fall hazard to riders.

Stubben has received two reports of the stirrups breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled stirrups are attached by straps to a saddle and are used by horseback riders to help them mount a horse or for support while riding. They are made of stainless steel and have a hinge on each side. "Stubben STEELtec" is printed on the stirrups.

The stirrups were sold at Stubben authorized dealers nationwide from August 2006 through May 2007 for about $100 per pair.

They were manufactured in Pakistan.

Consumers should stop using the stirrups immediately and return them to Stubben to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Stubben North America, Inc. at (800) 550-1110 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.stubbennorthamerica.com.

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

October 17, 2007      Spanish
R.L. Albert & Son is recalling about 55,000 skull pails filled with Halloween candy. The surface paint on the eyes, nose, and teeth of the skull contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

This recall involves the Alberts Halloween skull pails filled with candy mix. The skull-shaped pail is white with green eyes, nose and teeth. The pail has a clear lid with a label in which Alberts and Skull Pails Filled with Halloween Candy Mix is printed. The pail measures about 5 1/2 inches high.

The pails were sold at retail stores nationwide from September 2007 through October 2007 for $2. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled product away from children and take it to the retailer where it was purchased to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Alberts toll-free at (866) 796-6110 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).

July 17, 2007
Payless ShoeSource is expanding its recall of children's clog shoes because of a choking hazard.

The latest recall affects about 270,000 pairs of shoes; about 690,000 clogs were recalled on May 2.

Plastic rivets used to attach the strap to the shoe can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

This recall involves the following character-themed clog styles: Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants, Hello Kitty, Coasters Lighted Car Compel, and Cambridge Mary-Jane. The shoes were sold in toddler sizes 5 through 10. The flexible shoes have air ventilation holes on the top and/or side, and plastic rivets attached to the strap. Shoe sizes are printed on the sole of the shoe. No other sizes, styles or models are included in the recall.

The shoes were sold at Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide and Payless.com from January 2006 through June 2007 for between $15 and $20. They were made in China.

Consumers should take the shoes away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Payless at (800) 654-0697 between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at www.payless.com.

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

October 31, 2006
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling 29,542 2005 and 2006 model year Scion TC Toyotas because the side and curtain airbags may deploy if the car door is closed with too much force.

NHTSA warns that the airbags "could cause personal injury if an occupant is seated on the same side of the vehicle as that door that is closed with a high rate of force."

The airbags are so sensitive that NHTSA is advising Scion TC owners to use "minimal force to close the driver and passenger doors."

The danger of airbags inadvertently deploying can occur when the door is slammed shut with the ignition in the on position or "within 90 seconds of turning the ignition key from the on position to the off position."

Toyota dealers will replace the two side airbag sensors and install a urethane pad in the front doors free of charge.

The recall begins in November and owners can call Toyota at 1-866-548-1851. The recall number is SSC 60H.

October 11, 2006
Ford Motor Co. is recalling over 145,000 cars, minivans and SUVs according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall involves 139,537 2005 model-year Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and 2005-2006 model-year Freestar minivans because the side door latches may leak, NHTSA reported.

The leak may cause the latch mechanism to freeze in cold weather and the door could open while the vehicle is moving, according to the NHTSA recall notice.

Ford is also recalling 6,164 Escape hybrid SUVs from 2006 model year because a drive shaft may fracture and break.

The fracture could cause the Escape to inadvertently move even while the transmission is in the park position, according to NHTSA.

Ford dealers will inspect the Escape hybrid drivetrain and replace parts as necessary.

March 30, 2006
"Primary Sounds" toy cars are being recalled. The hubcaps on the plastic wheels can detach posing a choking hazard to young children.

The distributor, Kids Preferred LLC, has received one report of an incident in which the wheel and hubcap detached from the toy while a child was playing with it. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled toys are soft, stuffed yellow taxis, black and white police cars and red fire engines, each with four plastic wheels. They measure about 6 inches in length and 5 inches in width. The toys have a silver-colored button on top that makes sounds when pushed. The police car and the fire engine make a siren sound. The taxi makes engine and horn sounds. "Kids Preferred" is printed on an attached fabric tag.

The toyrs were sold at Kohl's Department Stores and specialty retailers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2006 for about $12.

Consumers should stop using the recalled toy immediately and contact Kids Preferred LLC for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Kids Preferred LLC toll-free at (866) 763-8869.

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

August 8, 2006
About 1,500 ElectroPlasma lamps sold by Spencer Gifts LLC, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J., are being recalled. Arcing between an object and the removable cover of the lamp can pose a fire hazard.

Spencer Gifts has experienced two fire incidents at two of their stores. One of these fires caused fire, smoke, and water damage.

The recall involves the Mars Lightning 7001 dome electroplasma lamp, which simulates lightning bolts inside. It has a glass dome glued to a black base. Writing under the base includes the SKU number of 00473421, "MARS LIGHTNING7001" and "LIGHTNING 2000."

The lamps were sold at Spencer Gifts stores exclusively nationwide during December 2004 for about $30.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to any Spencer Gifts for a store credit.

Consumer Contact: Call Spencer Gifts at (800) 762-0419 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or for more information, visit their Web site at www.spencersonline.com.

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

July 13, 2006
Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tubes are being withdrawn from the market after repoprts of at least two deaths and a number of serious injuries. The company, based in Omaha, says it has been unable to determine the cause of the deaths and injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said it is aware of 39 injuries, 29 of them serious enjough to require medical treatment. The injuries include a broken neck, punctured lung, chest and back injuries and facial injuries.

Sportsstuff has received reports of two deaths in the United States and a variety of serious injuries.

The Sportsstuff Wego Kite Tube is a 10-foot-wide, circular, yellow inflatable watercraft designed to be towed behind a power boat. A rider in the tube becomes airborne by pulling on handles attached to the floor of the tube.

Model 53-5000 is printed on the tube near the product valve. The floor of the tube has black caution warning stripes. The cover for the product bears a skull and crossbones and the statement "Never Kite higher than you are willing to fall." The tubes were imported and sold through marine distributors, mail order catalogs, and various retailers from approximately October 1, 2005 to July 11, 2006 for about $500 to $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the kite tubes and contact Sportsstuff at (866) 831-5524 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Monday through Friday to learn how to obtain free replacement products. Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at www.sportsstuff.com for more information.

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

May 4, 2006
Daisy Manufacturing is recalling about 104,000 "Natural" slingshots. If the slingshot band slips out of its frame during use, the ball at the end of the tubing can strike the user, resulting in serious facial injuries.

Daisy has received at least three reports of injuries: a 12-year-old boy who was blinded in one eye; a 16-year-old boy who has decreased vision; and an 11-year old boy who has three broken teeth.

The two metal frame slingshots being recalled are the Daisy Models ERG-100 and ERG-300, marketed under the name "The Natural."

The model number is written on the packaging. These slingshots have an offset fork design, a sling made of bright green tubing with a black leather ammunition pouch and small balls inside the tubing where it connects to the frame. Both models have black plastic handles. The smaller ERG-100 model has the words "Powerline Daisy Mfg. Rogers, AR" on the handle while the same words are found on the adjustable wrist brace of the larger ERG-300 model. This voluntary recall does not apply to Daisy's Powerline Slingshots models F16, B52 and P51, which have yellow tubing.

The slingshots were sold at discount department and sporting goods stores nationwide from June 2004 through March 2006. The ERG-100 model sold for about $9, while the ERG-300 model sold for about $17.

Customers should immediately stop using the slingshots and contact Daisy for free pickup and either a full refund or replacement with a comparable slingshot model.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Daisy Manufacturing Company at (800) 713-2479 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit Daisy's Web site at www.daisy.com.

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

May 25, 2006
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has notified General Motors that a preliminary investigation is underway of the Chevrolet Impala to determine if consumer complaints describing headlight failure with the Impala justify a recall of the vehicle.

The Office of Defect Investigation at NHTSA has received 15 complaints claiming that the headlights on Impalas failed without warning while the cars were operating.

Some consumers reported to NHTSA that they were able to restore the headlights by manipulating a malfunction switch on the Impala steering wheel.

November 2, 2006
RC2 Brands is recalling about 275,000 "Learning Curve" and "The First Years" toy keys. The colored top portion of the keys can crack, resulting in the release of small parts, which poses a choking hazard to young children.

RC2 has received four reports of cracking. No injuries have been reported.

"Shake "n Jingle Keys," "Shake & Jingle Keys," "My Jingle Keys" all by The First Years and the John Deere "Real Keys" are toy keys, with three colored keys attached to a blue, red or green remote control with electronic features. Various colored buttons on the remote activate sounds.

Only toy keys with the letter "F" in the date code stamp listed between date codes 2015F01 through 2636F04 on the packaging and product are involved in the recall. The date code can be found on the back of the remote control. Toy keys with "TE" in the date code or yellow sides on the remote are not included in this recall.

The keys were sold at department stores and independent toy stores nationwide from August 2005 through October 2006 for about $6.

Consumers should stop using the recalled toy keys immediately and contact RC2 for a free replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 at (800) 704-8697 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the Learning Curve's Web site at www.learningcurve.com.

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

November 8, 2006
WMH Tool Group Inc. is recalling about 38,000 Wilton Mitre Saws because of safety hazard.

The aluminum cast pivot joint that connects the base of the saw to the head assembly (which contains the saw blade) can crack under extreme pressure or force, causing the blade assembly to unexpectedly break free from the stationary base. This poses a laceration hazard to consumers.

WMH is aware of four reports of cracked pivot housings, one of which resulted in the separation of the saw blade from the base. No injuries have been reported relating to this hazard.

The recall involves all Wilton-brand, 10-inch Compound Mitre Saws, including models with the Laser Line feature with model numbers 99164 and 99192. The model number is written on a black label on the motor housing.

The saws were sold at home and hardware stores nationwide from January 2002 through October 2006 for between $100 and $140.

Consumers should immediately stop using these saws and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. No repair is available.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact WMH Customer Service toll-free at (877) 328-7200 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET any day of the week, or go to the firm's Web site at www.wmhtoolgroup.com.

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

September 19, 2006
Regal Lager Inc. is recalling about 1,000 Phil & Ted's T2 travel cots. The plastic cap on the corner connectors can come loose, posing a small parts choking hazard to young children.

Regal Lager has received one report of a cap found in a child's mouth. No injuries were reported.

The recalled travel cot consists of an aluminum frame with for legs that holds a fabric enclosure for a small child with mesh windows on all sides and a zippered mesh opening on the top. The cot has big black labels on each long side with a white T in a red circle, as well as phil & teds logos on each short end.

The cots were sold by Baby Furniture and baby product stores nationwide and through Web retailers from June 2005 through August 2006 for about $150.

Consumers should stop using these cots immediately, and contact Regal Lager for a free replacement plastic hinge set for the handlebar.

Consumer Contact: Call Regal Lager Inc. at (800) 593-5522 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at info@regallager.com. This recall information also can be found on the firms Web site at www.regallager.com.

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

September 20, 2006
"Candie's" brand children's hooded sweatshirts with drawstricks are being recalled. They sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children, in violation of federal safety standards.

The recalled hoodie style zip front hooded sweatshirts were sold in four youth sizes S (7-8), M (9-12), L (14) and XL (16.) The sweatshirts have drawstrings through the hood and were available in two colors, Blue Bell and Demitasse. A tag sewn on the inside of the garment reads, "Candie's."

The sweatshirts were sold at Kohl's department stores and on Kohls.com from August 2006 through September 2006 for between $20 and $36.

Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard, or contact The Cayre Group to return the merchandise for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Cayre Group at (800) 284-3023 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site www.cayre.com.

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

June 6, 2006
Hewlett-Packard Company is recalling nearly 700,000 of its HP Photosmart R707 Digital Cameras sold worldwide. The camera can cause certain non-rechargeable batteries, such as the Duracell CP-1, to overheat when the camera is connected to an AC adapter or docking station, posing a fire hazard.

HP has received one report of a camera catching fire, damaging the camera and its docking station, and causing minor smoke damage to the room. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera. The HP logo and the model name and number are printed on the front of the camera.

The cameras were sold at electronic, computer and camera stores, as well as Web retailers nationwide from August 2004 through April 2006 for between $250 and $400.

Consumers should stop using the recalled cameras and contact HP as they have developed a firmware update that prevents the camera from applying a charge to a non-rechargeable battery. Consumers can download this update at www.hp.com or contact HP directly. Do not use single-use, non-rechargeable batteries until the firmware has been updated. Consumers are encouraged to update the firmware even if they do not use or intend to use a non-rechargeable battery.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit HPs Web site at www.hp.com or call HP toll-free at (866) 304-7117 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. MT Monday through Friday.

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

May 31, 2006
Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling nearly 1 million vehicles around the world to replace faulty parts that could cause drivers to lose control of the steering wheel.

Included in the recall are 170,000 Prius models in the U.S. and 113,000 of the hybrids in Japan.

The recall affects vehicles across 10 models, including the popular Prius. The intermediate shafts and sliding yokes in the recalled cars lack the necessary strength and could distort or crack under strong pressure, causing drivers to lose control of the steering wheel, according to Toyota.

Toyota is recalling roughly 170,000 Prius models in the U.S. because the steering shaft assembly could become loose or crack.

Toyota said there have been no reported crashes or injuries connected to the problem in the United States. Owners are expected to be notified of the recall in mid-June.

In Japan, the recall involves a total of 565,756 vehicles manufactured under the Wish, Isis, Prius, Corolla, Corolla Runx, Corolla Fielder, Corolla Spacio, Allex and Ractis brands between September 2002 and November 2005, according to the recall notice.

The number in Japan included more than 300,000 Wish cars and more than 113,000 Prius cars.

The recall involves about 240,000 vehicles in Europe, including the Prius, Corolla and Avensis. An additional 10,000 vehicles were being recalled in other parts of the world, including China and New Zealand.

January 24, 2006
Porter-Cable is recalling about 70,000 of its 890 series routers. The motor coil insulation can be worn away by vibration from the motor, which could pose a shock hazard.

The recalled Porter-Cable routers are tools used in conjunction with various bits to cut and shape wood. The model and serial numbers are printed on the nameplate on the top of the router. Routers marked with a T above PORTER+CABLE on the nameplate are not included in this recall.

The units were sold at major home improvement stores and hardware stores nationwide from September 2003 through December 2005 for between $180 and $269.

Consumers should stop using the recalled routers immediately and contact Porter-Cable for a free inspection, and repair if necessary.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Porter-Cable toll-free at (800) 949-6348 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms Web site at www.porter-cable.com.

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