Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2002 -- Hunter Fan Co. is voluntarily recalling about 100,000 humidifiers. The motors in these humidifiers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Hunter Fan has received nine reports of the humidifiers' motors overheating, including one incident involving minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled humidifiers have the following model numbers and date codes, which can be found on a label located on the back of the motor/switch housing (see example of the label below):

Discount, hardware and lighting stores; wholesale clubs; home centers; catalogs; and various online stores sold these humidifiers nationwide from August 2000 through February 2002 for between $50 and $120.

Consumers should stop using these humidifiers and unplug them immediately. Consumers should call Hunter Fan at (800) 207-5982 anytime to arrange for a free repair or replacement. For more information, consumer can log on to the company's website at www.hunterfan.com.

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

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2001 -- Hurricane Products is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 propane regulators, manufactured by Chen Fong Enterprise Co. Ltd., of Taiwan. The regulators are used to regulate the flow of propane from pressurized containers.

The regulators can leak propane, which can result in a fire or explosion. The leak can cause the appliance flame to be larger than expected, possibly causing burns to nearby consumers and cause nearby combustibles to catch fire.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 1999 -- Following the choking death of a four-year-old boy in Europe, IKEA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of 28,000 stacking ring toys.

IKEA U.S. Inc., of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is voluntarily replacing the red ball pieces on top of the wooden stacking rings because of the choking hazard the red ball presents.

The death in Europe is the only confirmed injury reported so far.

The stacking ring toy, called "MULA," is 8.5 inches high. The toy consists of eight brightly colored, wooden rings; a red, top ball; and a pedestal base with a stacking rod. When all the pieces are stacked in order, the toy resembles an inverted cone with the red ball capping it. There is a sticker under the pedestal base with the words, "Design and Quality" and "IKEA of Sweden" written on it.

The toy is packaged in either a white cardboard box with "MULA" printed in orange, or sold shrink-wrapped with "MULA" and "Stacking rings" printed on the plastic wrapping.

IKEA stores nationwide sold these stacking toys from October 1991 through April 1999 for about $6.

Consumers should take the red ball that tops this toy away from children immediately. Consumers can mail the ball to IKEA or take it to any IKEA store to receive a redesigned top piece.

The red ball can be mailed to IKEA U.S. Inc., 496 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Postage costs will be reimbursed. Consumers also can return the stacking ring toy to any IKEA store for a refund.

For more information, consumers should call IKEA at (800) 793-5408 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EDT Monday through Saturday.

March 3, 2005
QSP, Inc., is recalling about 555 toy flying saucers. The units can overheat while charging, resulting in the plastic motor cover starting to melt, creating a risk of burns to children handling the toy.

QSP has received five reports of overheating. There have been no reports of injury.

Flying Saucer battery-powered toys with model numbers 83153 and 3321 consist of a 9-inch diameter foam saucer with a rechargeable motor at its hub with a plastic propeller under the motor. The Flying Saucer is a foam ring with seven ribs or blades between the hub and the outer ring. The propeller rotates inside the circumference of the foam ring. The toy comes with a plastic hand-held thrust transmitter that is used to activate and control the speed of the saucer. Each toy also comes with an AC adapter for recharging the saucers batteries. No other models are affected.

The toys were distributed through school fund-raising programs nationwide from August 2004 through September 2004. None of the recalled units were sold at retail.

Schools and fundraising officials have received notification of this recall. Consumers can return the product for a replacement prize of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For more information, and assistance in identifying the recalled toys, consumers can contact QSP Inc. at (800) 966-4540 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).

April 29, 2005
Atico International USA is recalling about 1.5 million children's folding chairs. The chairs safety lock can fail, allowing the chair to collapse or fold unexpectedly.

Childrens fingers can become caught or entrapped in the hinge and slot areas of the chair, posing a pinch or cut hazard. This can cause severe lacerations and fingertip amputations.

The firm has received four reports of fingertip amputations and seven reports of lacerations to childrens fingers.

The recalled childrens folding chairs are made of metal tubing with a padded seat. They were sold in red, blue, yellow and green colors either individually or as part of a set consisting of a table and four chairs. Each chair is about 22-inches high, 10-inches wide, and about 11-inches deep. IMPORTED BY: ATICO INTERNATIONAL USA, INC. is written on a label located underneath the seat of some of the chairs.

The chairs were sold at hardware, discount department, toy, grocery and drug stores nationwide from September 2002 through April 2005 for about $10 individually and for about $30 for a set.

Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and contact Atico for a full refund.

Consumers should call Atico at (877) 546-4835 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the companys Web site at www.aticousa.com.

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

April 19, 2005
General Motors' best-selling pickup truck -- the Silverado -- is once again the subject of a National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation that could lead to the second recall of the vehicle in less than a year.

The investigation centers around galvanized steel cables that support the trucks' tailgate. Customers say the cables can corrode and snap, dropping payloads or people to the ground.

A total of 3.1 million vehicles are covered by the investigation, including 1.67 million Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups after reports of at least 35 more injuries due to broken support cables, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site Monday. That study covers 1998, 1999 and some 2000 vehicles.

The tailgates on GM's smaller Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma pickups are also being looked at, the agency said. That investigation covers as many as 1.43 million trucks from the 1998 through 2004 model years.

In the current investigation, NHTSA has logged 29 injuries involving the smaller S-10 and Sonoma pickups for the 1998-2004 model years, and 54 tailgate injuries involving Silverados and Sierras sold in 1998, 1999 and part of the 2000 model year.

The tailgates could be prone to the same tailgate failures that led to a recall of 3.66 million vehicles last year. NHTSA points out that the S-10 and the Sonoma cables used similar sheathing material as the larger pickups recalled last year.

Last year's recall covered 4.1 million Silverado and Sierra pickups to fix a similar problem. Customers have been informed via mail that they can take their trucks to a dealer for new rust-resistant stainless steel cables.

NHTSA reports that its has documented nearly 13,000 consumer complaints and warranty claims for Chevrolet Silverado, Sierra, S-10 and Sonoma pickup trucks. They were not covered by a previous tailgate cable recall in March 2004.

June 10, 2005
Murrys, Inc., a Lebanon, Penn. firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 63,850 pounds of frozen ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

All of the products subject to recall contain the production code 40104 and bear the establishment number EST. 516A inside the USDA seal of inspection.

Products subject to recall include:

• Packages of MURRYS 100% PURE BEEF Jumbo Beef Patties. Each package contains 6-6.4 ounce patties. The item code, 06716 is listed on the label. The patties were produced on April 1, 2004, and were distributed to retail customers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
• 20-ounce packages of MURRYS Family of Fine Foods Gourmet Meatballs, Oven Ready, Cooks in 15 Minutes. The item code, 63101 is listed on the label. The meatballs were produced on April 1, 2004, and were distributed to retail customers in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.
• 10-pound boxes of MURRYS Steaks and Other Fine Foods, 01357, 4B WIDE 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES, NET WT. 10 LBS. The patties were produced on April 1, 2004, and were distributed to foodservice customers in Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
• 10-pound boxes of MURRYS Steaks and Other Fine Foods, 01340, 2 OUNCE 100% ALL BEEF PATTIES, NET WT. 10 LBS. The patties were produced on April 1, 2004, and were distributed to retail customers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The recall was prompted by epidemiological evidence provided to FSIS by the state of New Jersey related to an illness linked to consumption of this product.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Senior Vice-President-Food Store Division Gary Gold at (301) 420-6400, ext. 825.

Consumers with food safety questions can phone the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

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

April 11, 2005
Chrysler has recalled 70,384 model year 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans to replace the liftgate control at the rear of the vehicle.

The voluntary recall is caused by a liftgate latch which could become stuck. If the latch does not close properly, the rear liftgate could open.

"People have had the experience of starting up their vehicles and their liftgate opened up," a Chrysler spokesman said. "Typically it happens at low speed."

Chrysler has no reports of crashes or injuries because of the problem.

Chrysler is notifying owners to take their minivans to a dealer to have the control module replaced at no charge.

February 25, 2005
Tiffany is recalling its Farm Teether Rattle. A metal bar on the rattle can break off during use, releasing small round beads and small farm animal figures that roll off the crossbar when the soldered joints break. The beads can pose an aspiration hazard to young children.

The breakage also can create ragged edges on the ring, posing a laceration hazard.

The company has received one report of a farm animal figure that was found in the mouth of a 7-month-old child. The child was not injured.

The recalled rattle is designed for children ages 3 months and up. The Farm Teether Rattle is a hollow, sterling silver ring approximately 3 inches in diameter with a bar across its center. The bar is attached to the interior of the ring at two points and has three farm animals (sheep, duck and cow) and two beads that rotate on the bar. Small plastic beads inside the ring rattle when the product is shaken. Inscribed on the rattle is 2002 TIFFANY & CO. 925.

Tiffany and Company sold these rattles in its retail stores and from its catalogs and Web site from November 2002 through early March 2004 for about $150.

Consumers can return the product to Tiffany and Company for a full refund, credit or a new rattle.

Consumer Contact: For more information, customers can contact Tiffany and Company at (800) 464-5000 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Tiffany and Company also is contacting customers about the recall.

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

September 8, 2005
Pottery Barn Kids is recalling about 7,600 spindle cribs. The spindles on the cribs front rail can loosen and detach from the rail. This can allow the child to fall from the crib and poses a risk of entrapment.

Pottery Barn Kids has received six reports of incidents involving spindles detaching from the crib. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Spindle Crib, model number 4825402. The product name and model number are printed on a label affixed to the base of the crib. Sold in white, pink and blue, the cribs are made of hardwood and measure 30.5 x 54.5 x 45 high.

The cribs were sold at Pottery Barn Kids retail stores, the Pottery Barn Kids catalog and PotteryBarnKids.com nationwide from January 2004 through July 2005 for between $300 and $500.

Consumers should immediately stop using these cribs and contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a free replacement front rail or a full refund (including shipping).

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids at (800) 330-6905 between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET daily or visit the firms Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com.

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

October 6, 2005
Greenheck Fan Corp. is recalling about 4,200 Greenheck Sidewall, Rooftop and Centrifugal Inline Ventilation Units. LUX 3/8-inch spinlock bolts supplied with these units may not have been properly heat treated, which can result in the bolts breaking.

Bolt failure during lifting for rooftop installation or after installation could cause the unit or components to fall and injure bystanders.

Greenheck is aware that 309 LUX bolts that have failed in the field. There are no reports of ventilation units falling or any injuries.

Affected units are Sidewall, Rooftop and Centrifugal Inline ventilation units built between August 11, 2004 and April 29, 2005 containing 16 thread-per-inch 3/8-inch by -inch spinlock bolts with LUX head markings. Affected model numbers are RBU, RBUMO, RDU, RB/R, SB/S, and BSU 360-420 with serial numbers 04HXXXXX through 05DXXXXX. The model and serial numbers are found on metal identification plate on the units.

The units were sold by independent sales representatives and original equipment manufacturers from August 2004 through July 2005.

LUX spinlock bolts in affected units will be replaced at no cost to the end user.

Consumer Contact: Affected sales representatives and original equipment manufacturers are being contacted directly. For additional information, contact Greenheck at (800) 931-6579 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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

September 15, 2005
Pier 1 Imports is recalling about 10,000 glass candle holders. The candle holder can unexpectedly break, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

There have been eight reports of the candle holders breaking. No injuries or property damage has been reported.

This recall includes clear, Glass Floater Bowl candle holders. The candleholders measure 3-inches high, 10 inches in diameter and have a 3-inch diameter base. A sticker on the bottom of the candle holder has model number SKU 2040310 printed on it.

The candle holders were sold at Pier 1 Stores nationwide from February 2005 through August 2005 for about $15.

Consumers should stop using these candle holders and return them to their nearest Pier 1 store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pier 1 Imports at (800) 245-4595 between 9 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Sunday. Consumers also can visit the firms Web site at www.pier1.com.

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

February 9, 2005
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. is recalling about 1,500 2005 Mach Z 995 and Summit 995 Ski-Doo Snowmobiles without functional electric starter.

Inappropriate clutch ring gear installed on some units. This may cause ring gear fragmentation at high speeds and debris could act as projectiles. A projectile could cause serious injury or death.

The recalled models are:

The units were sold by Ski-Doo dealers nationwide from Sept. 2004 through Jan. 2005 for $10,599 to $11,599 depending on model.

Owners of affected units will be notified directly. Consumers should stop using the snowmobile immediately and contact an authorized Ski-Doo dealer to schedule an appointment for repair, free of charge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact BRP at (888) 864-2002 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET

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

September 23, 2005
Monogram International Inc. is recalling about 145,000 Disney Princess Bracelet Keyrings. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The Bracelet Keyring is a pink plastic keyring attached to a bracelet which consists of pink and white beads or red and white beads, a metal pendant and metal dividers between the beads. It was sold under the brand Disney Princess. Item #24405 and Made In China are printed on the back of the packaging.

The items were sold at various retailers including Walgreen and Wal-Mart nationwide from November 2003 through June 2005 for about $3.

Consumers should take these recalled bracelet keyrings away from children immediately and return them to Monogram International for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact Monogram International at (800) 736-1941 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their Web site at www.monogramdirect.com to receive instructions for returning the keyrings.

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2001 -- An auto accessories ecommerce site will pay a $15,000 fine for charging a "cancellation" fee to consumers whose shipments were delayed.

The Federal Trade Commission said that Salesco of San Dimas, Calif., violated the FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule by making unsubstantiated shipment representations and failing to provide consumers with timely and complete delay notices.

The Commission also alleged that the defendants violated the Rule by substituting merchandise that was materially different from what consumers ordered without the consumers' prior consent, and by charging consumers a 20 percent "cancellation" fee when consumers cancelled because of delayed shipment.

Besides the fine, Salesco will pay refunds to consumers who were illegally charged for cancelling a delayed order.

"The Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule guarantees that consumers get what they ordered -- and get it when it was promised," said FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Howard Beales. "The FTC expects catalog, telephone, and Internet retailers to deliver the goods as required by law, not only because it's good business, but because it enhances consumer confidence."

The FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers - in addition to orders by mail - orders by any "direct or indirect" use of the telephone, including orders by Facsimile or the Internet.

Salesco sells automobile accessories including audio equipment, seat belt extensions, canopies, chrome plated wheels, dashboards, seats, carpet kits, and car covers to consumers throughout the United States via mail order, telephone, and the Internet.

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2002 -- Seismic Safety Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 600 Earthquake gas shut-off valves. The gas valves could stick in the open position allowing gas to flow freely, which poses a risk of serious injury to consumers from fire and explosion during an earthquake.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Seismic Safety Products has not received any reports of incidents.

The recalled Northridge 2000 Earthquake Valves are about 3-1/2 inches wide by 2-1/2 inches high by 2 inches deep. The valves' bodies are made of aluminum and are coated with a blue color. The recalled valves have a white reset knob in the front that reads, "Northridge 2000 Valve" and a white label on the back that reads in part, "Models M75 [or M100], ASCE 25-97, RR#5370, CSA-OSA, 2 PSI Max Gas Flow." These valves were manufactured in the United States.

Seismic Safety Products sold the valves to plumbers in the Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle, Wash. areas from February 2001 through April 2001 for between $200 and $300.

Consumers should contact Seismic Safety Products immediately at (800) 948-3782 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to have their shut-off valve replaced free of charge. For more information, consumers also can write to : Pacific Aerospace & Electronics Inc., 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2001 -- Safety 1st is voluntarily recalling about 1.7 million packages of safety latches used to prevent children from opening cabinets and drawers. If the safety latch breaks, a small spring could be released. Young children could choke on the small spring or gain access to a cabinet or drawer where dangerous items are stored.

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

CPSC and Safety 1st are aware of 27 incidents with these latches breaking. There have been two injuries reported. A 13-month-old girl placed the broken spring from one of these latches in her mouth and suffered a minor abrasion inside her mouth. Also, a 2-year-old girl was able to open a cabinet protected by a safety latch, gained access to a bathroom cabinet and sprayed tile cleaner into her mouth. She received chemical burns to her throat.

The latches are made of white plastic with a spring which holds the latch closed. "SAFETY 1 st" is written on the top of the latches. Their packaging reads, in part, "SAFETY 1ST" and "CABINET & DRAWER SPRING LATCHES." They were sold in a package of three or four latches. The straight ends of the metal springs are uncovered on the recalled latches. The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the short, straight end of the metal spring.

The springs are uncovered on the recalled latches (left). The replacement latches have a plastic tab over the spring (right).

Toy, hardware and department stores nationwide sold the set of three or four latches from January 1993 through December 1999 for about $7.

Consumers should contact Safety 1st for free replacement latches immediately. For more information, call Safety 1st at (800) 366-1282 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to he firm's web site at www.safety1st.com.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2002 -- The Carlisle Co. Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 snake lights. The circuit board in the lamps can overheat and melt the plastic housing, posing a fire or thermal burn hazard to consumers.

The Carlisle Co. has received one report of the plastic base melting, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled lights were made in China and have the model number 8311, which can be found on the package. The blue, red, green, or multi-colored lights are about 17 inches in height and have a curved, colored piece of glass (the bulb) that inserts into a black base. When the snake light is turned on it gives off the appearance of "lightning" running through the lamp and into the bulb. "Snake Light" is written on the bottom of the light.

Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants nationwide provided the lights as a redemption prize from July 2002 through September 2002.

Consumers should stop using these lights immediately, unplug them, and return them to any Chuck E. Cheese restaurant for a replacement prize of the same value. Consumers also can call the Carlisle Co. at (800) 233-3931 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2000 -- Small Beginnings Inc. is recalling about 16,000 pacifiers. The pacifiers failed federal testing standards and present a choking hazard to infants.

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

CPSC and Small Beginnings are not aware of any injuries involving these pacifiers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The "Pacee" pacifiers are aqua blue with a soft, butterfly- shaped shield and semi-circle tab handle. "Pacee" and "Small Beginnings" are imprinted on the shield along with the firm's toll-free number. They are packaged in a plastic bag and labeled "Small Beginnings" and "pacee." Also on the bag is a picture of a baby sleeping with a teddy bear.

Various hospitals and medical supply distributors sold these pacifiers nationwide from October 1999 through April 2000 for about $1.

Consumers should take the pacifiers away from infants immediately, and return them to the firm for a refund. For more information, consumers should call Small Beginnings at (800) 676-0462 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.