Recalls in January 1970

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 7, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federated Department Stores is recalling up to 50,000 children's robes purchased for use as sleepwear.

The robes fail to meet federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear. The standards require sleepwear, including robes, to be flame resistant, and if the garment ignites, the flame must self-extinguish. Failure to meet the flammability standards presents a risk of serious burn injuries to children.

Federated Department Stores has not received any reports of injuries from these robes. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled robes are made of 100 percent cotton terry cloth sold under the brand names Aegean, Baby Monarch, b kids, Charter Club, Club Room, and Jr. By Monarch. The robes are a wrap style with waist belt, two front patch pockets and a hood. They were sold in boys and girls sizes 12 months to 14 and in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. The robes come in a variety of colors and prints. The brand name, fabric content and size are on sewn-in on labels.

The robes were sold at the following stores from July 1995 through January 2000 for about $25 to $52.

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Master Lock Co. is voluntarily recalling about 752,000 gun locks and providing free replacements to consumers. Due to a manufacturing discrepancy, the two halves of some gun locks can be manually separated without a key, giving children and others unauthorized access to a firearm.

Master Lock reports it has not received any consumer reports of locks being disabled as a result of this discrepancy. This recall is being conducted by Master Lock to prevent the possibility of injury.

The locks being recalled are keyed, trigger gun locks sold separately or in combination with certain Smith & Wesson and Walther handguns. The recalled gun locks were available for sale after June 20, 1999, and are either black or blue metal. Each half of the lock surrounds the trigger with a 1-inch locking post connecting them.

The words, "Master Lock Tough Under Fire" are imprinted on the lock's black rubber pad. Affixed to the lock is a yellow sticker which reads, "Warning! Do Not Use On A Loaded Gun!" Master Lock brand gun locks sold separately were packaged with a green and black cardboard display card and with instruction sheets inside the package. Smith & Wesson gun locks were sold under its own name, and were packaged with blue display cards and instruction sheets inside the package. Model numbers found on the instruction sheets or packaging are 90, 90DSPT, 90KADSPT, 90TSPT, 90DS&W, 90KADS&W or 90TS&W. The words, "Made to exclusive Master Lock specifications in China" are on the back of the packaging.

Stores, such as Walmart, Kmart, Gander Mountain and Sports Authority, sold the gun locks nationwide between June 1999 and July 2000 for between $8 and $12.

Consumers should stop using the recalled locks immediately and call Master Lock at (800) 944-1380 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement lock. As always, consumers are reminded not to use gun locks on loaded guns. Until the replacement lock is received, consumers should not use the recalled gun locks. Master Lock urges consumers to comply with all state and local laws requiring the use of gun locking devices. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.masterlock.com/recall.html.

No other Master Lock gun locks are being recalled. Specifically, Master Lock trigger gun locks which were sold before June 20, 1999, (features to look for include: locks which were not sold with a yellow warning sticker or which state either "Milwaukee, Wis. U.S.A." on the rubber pad or "Made in U.S.A." on the packaging or the instruction sheets) or which have a locking post which measures over 1 1/4 inches in length are not included in this recall. Similarly, Master Lock cable gun locks or gun locks which lock with a combination rather than a key are not subject to this recall.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2002 - Specialty Sales Co. is recalling about 6,000 novelty cigarette lighters. These lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children could ignite the lighters, posing fire and burn hazards.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Specialty Sales Co. Inc. have not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

This recall involves two types of lighters. The first type is a refillable, liquid-fueled lighter with various decals depicting one of the following: a frog with a banjo sitting on a lily, a man in the moon, Tweety Bird, a unicorn, and a skull and crossbones. "Made in China" is written on a label on these lighters. The second type of lighter is a refillable, gas-fueled, piezo-electric lighter with a dolphin molded on the side. The dolphin's head serves as a hinged cover for the ignition button and flame port. There is no writing on these lighters.

Convenience and liquor stores and gas station food markets in northern California sold these lighters from March 1999 through April 2002 for about $4.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Specialty Sales Co. Inc. collect at (510) 581-3869 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2002 -- Young's J.K. Inc. is recalling about 1,800 novelty cigarette lighters. These lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children could ignite the lighters, posing fire and burn hazards.

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

CPSC and Young's J.K. Inc. have not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

These are refillable, gas-fueled, piezo-electric lighters in the shape of beverage cans. One lighter is labeled "Coca Cola" and the other lighter is labeled "Budweiser KING OF BEER." They are attached to keyrings.

Grocery, gift, and liquor stores, as well as smoke shops and gas station food marts in Oregon and southwest Washington sold these lighters from October 2001 through February 2002 for about $3.

The radio contains a programming error, which could cause it to fail to recognize certain signals broadcast by the National Weather Service. Consumers could fail to receive some National Weather Service notices advising of a severe weather threat, putting lives and property at risk.

Only model 74-200 radios that have a serial number beginning with 904 or 905 are being recalled. The model and serial numbers are found on the bottom of the unit. The digital radio measures about 7.75 inches long, 5 inches wide and 2 inches high, and is made of black plastic. "MIDLAND SAME DIGITAL WEATHER/HAZARD ALERT MONITOR" is written on the top of the radio. 

This radio has a specific area message encoder (SAME) to sound alerts for an entire weather service broadcast area or for up to 15 selected areas. The radio has a battery backup, antenna, built-in alarm clock, digital message display for 56 types of watches or warnings, and alert status lights for statement, watch, or warning. Electronic, hardware, mass merchandise stores and truck stops nationwide sold the radios from May 1999 through August 1999 for about $70. Other Midland weather radios are not involved in this recall.

Consumer should immediately return the recalled radio to the store where purchased to receive a new model 74-200 radio that has been programmed correctly. Consumers also can return the radio directly to Midland Consumer Radio, 1670 North Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64120 for replacement. For more information, call the company toll-free at (877) 302-1904 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2002 -- Black & Decker is voluntarily recalling to repair about 1,300 reconditioned cordless electric lawn mowers. The clips holding the control cable to the handle may be missing, which could cause the blade control device to fail and keep the mower blade running when it should stop. If the blade control device fails, consumers could suffer serious injuries.

Black & Decker has not received any reports of injuries with these lawn mowers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

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

The recalled cordless electric lawn mowers have an orange deck and a charcoal black motor cover. The reconditioned lawn mowers have the model number CMM1000R and date codes between 0043 M.N.D.C. and 0121 M.N.D.C., both of which are located on a silver and black label on the rear door of the mower. The lawn mower has the words "Black & Decker" and "Cordless" on top of the motor cover.

Black & Decker factory stores nationwide sold these lawn mowers from December 2000 through May 2001 for between $145 and $290.

Consumers should stop using these lawn mowers immediately, and take them to a Black & Decker service center for a free repair. For more information or to locate the nearest service center, call Black & Decker toll-free at (866) 229-5570 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.blackanddecker.com.

Lawn mowers sold at locations other than Black & Decker factory stores are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2000 -- The William Carter Co. (Carter's) is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 girl's nightshirts. The nightshirts, which fail to meet federal children's sleepwear flammability standards, could ignite easily and present a serious risk of burn injuries in violation of the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act.
The recalled nightshirts have long sleeves, and were sold in sizes small (4-5 year), medium (6-7 year), large (8-10 year) and, x-large (12-14 yr). They are made with 100 percent polyester fabric with a pattern of brown bears wearing pink pajamas and the words "p.j. bear" printed on a white background.

Identification code "GPU CF79761" and "Carter's" are printed on a label sewn into the collar. Carter's, department and specialty stores sold these pajamas nationwide from May 2000 through August 2000 for between $10 and $13.

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2002 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced a safety recall of certain Peg Perego infant child seats.

The recall involves 55,162 infant car seats produced from May 20, 2001, through Feb. 15, 2002. The models include Martinelli Primo Viaggio with base, Pliko Travel System, Primo Viaggio System, Atlantico System, and Atlantico Trek System SNG. The seats have a snap in the upholstery directly over the locking belt adjustment mechanism (A-Loc Adjuster).

When the upholstery is attached by the snap to the cover of the A-Loc Adjuster, it may cause tension in the upholstery due to the weight of the child, which may prevent the complete engagement of the A-Loc Adjuster and allow some slippage in the harness restraints. In the event of a vehicle crash, the child may not be properly restrained.

Peg Perego is notifying its customers and providing instructions on how to remove the plastic cover. Removing the cover will allow the A-Loc Adjuster to function properly. Within 4 to 6 weeks customers will receive a new cover that can be simply snapped into place.

"Parents should follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing the plastic cover and then continue to use the child seat while waiting for the new snap cover," said Dr. Jeffrey Runge, NHTSA Administrator. "Children should ride properly restrained in the back seat, every trip."

NHTSA investigates questions concerning possible defects in child safety seats and requires that defects be remedied, when necessary, by manufacturers' recalls. Child safety seats are the most effective safety devices in cars when used properly, and reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars.

For more information, owners should call Peg Perego toll-free at (877) 737-3468, visit www.perego.com or write to Peg Perego USA, Inc., 3625 Independence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

Consumers with questions about this or any other safety recall campaign should call NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline, (888) 327-4236.

WASHINGTON, D.C. May 20, 2002 -- Dorel Juvenile Group is voluntarily recalling about 26,000 Safety 1st and Beatrix Potter "Designer 22" infant car seats/carriers. When the seat is used as a carrier, the plastic handle can unexpectedly release from the carrying position. When this happens, an unrestrained infant can fall to the ground and suffer injuries.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Dorel Juvenile Group has received four reports of the handle releasing. No injuries were reported.

The recalled car seats/carriers were sold under the Safety 1st and Beatrix Potter "Designer 22" brand names and were manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group in the U.S. The seats were manufactured between January 3, 2002 and February 13, 2002. Only model numbers and color codes 02-621-SAL, 02-620-AZY and 02-620-BEA are included in this recall. The model number and manufacture date are located on the instruction and warning label on the side of the car seat/carrier.

Mass merchandise and department stores nationwide sold the "Designer 22" infant car seats/carriers from January 2002 through April 2002 for between $40 and $70. None of the car seats/carriers was sold in Canada.

Consumers can continue to use the "Designer 22" as a car seat but should stop using it as a carrier immediately and contact Dorel Juvenile Group to receive a repair kit. Consumers can contact Dorel at the firm's web site at www.djgusa.com, fax (800) 207-8182 or call (800) 536-1090 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday.

Consumers with questions about this recall campaign can call the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772. Consumers also can call NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at (888) DASH-2-DOT/(888) 327-4236 (recall number 02E-027) or (202) 366-0123 for more information.

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2000 -- DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Baltimore, Md., is recalling about 755,000 battery packs for its portable power tolls. A defective clip can allow the battery pack to fall off.

The company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said they have received 53 reports of the battery packs falling off. There've been five reports of injuries, including one in which a person was hit on the head.

The recalled DEWALT® 18-volt battery packs are model number DW9095. This model number is located on the name plate on the bottom of the battery. These battery packs have date codes from 9719 to 9810 located on the top of the battery pack. The battery packs are black with "DEWALT," and "18V" in yellow on the sides of the packs.

Major home centers and hardware stores, as well as industrial distributors, sold battery packs nationwide from May 1997 through June 1998 for between $70 and $85.

Consumers should immediately stop using the battery packs, and call DEWALT® for a free repair kit toll-free at (877) 457-0478 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or go to the company's web site at http://www.dewalt.com/pressroom/fullstory.asp?article=27.

Battery packs with an "R" etched after the date code or with a red dot on the name plate already have been repaired and are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Minoura Company is voluntarily recalling about 29,500 bicycle indoor training stands. These stands allow regular bicycles to be used as stationary bicycles. The flywheels, which are red or blue can fracture in use. Metal pieces of broken flywheels can hit riders or bystanders, causing cuts and bruises.

Minoura has received three reports of injuries from pieces of broken flywheels, resulting in lacerations on riders' legs.

This recall only involves Minoura, Schwinn, Performance or Univega brand stands with painted red or blue exposed flywheels. The brand names are written on the stand and the flywheels are about 5 inches in diameter. The company will help consumers determine if their stand is part of this recall.

Bicycle stores and catalogs, including Performance, sold the stands nationwide from January 1989 through December 1994 for between $120 and $180.

Consumers should stop using these stands immediately, and call Minoura to receive a free repair kit. Call Minoura at (800) 601-9592 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday PT or go to Minoura's web site at

Stands with flywheels that have a plastic cover are not recalled.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), General Binding Corp. (GBC) is recalling about 3,000 paper shredders.

These paper shredders do not have a protective shield to guard against exposure to the cutting blades. Consumers could lift the paper shredder lid while it is running and come into contact with the turning blades. Consumers could suffer cuts or amputations of finger tips if they touch the turning blades.

GBC is not aware of any injuries.

The GBC Shredmaster 75X-2 paper shredders being recalled have serial numbers starting with "MS" or "MT". The serial numbers are found on the boxes and on the rating plate on the bottom of the paper shredder. These shredders are light gray, and have "GBC Shredmaster" and "75X Cross Cut" written on the top. "75X-2" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on a label on the bottom of the paper shredder.

Office supply stores nationwide sold these paper shredders from August 2000 through September 2000 for about $139.

Consumers should stop using the recalled paper shredders immediately, and call GBC to receive a free replacement paper shredder or a refund. Consumers should call GBC toll-free at (888) 247-4135 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday, or go to the firm's web site.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2002 -- OshKosh B'Gosh is voluntarily recalling about 21,800 OshKosh B'Gosh newborn girls' garments. The fabric, heat-sealed flowers on the front of the garments can detach after washing, posing a choking hazard to young children.

OshKosh B'Gosh has received one report of a 6-month-old child who began to choke on one of the detached flowers that had separated from the garment. It was removed from the child's throat without injury.

The recall includes two separate garments sold as sets. One garment is a lavender colored velour jumpsuit with a floral printed rib knit top. The other garment is a lavender colored French terry and velour top with printed rib knit bottom. Only jumpsuits with style numbers 516-8240 and 516-8340 and top and bottom sets with style numbers 516-8241 and 516-8341 are included in the recall. Both garments have felt fabric flowers on the front bodice. The jumpsuit has one large purple flower and two teal colored leaves on the front. The top has one large purple flower and two small blue flowers on each side. A label sewn on the inside neck of the garments reads in part "Baby OshKosh B'Gosh," and "Made in Malaysia." Both garments were sold in sizes 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 months.

OshKosh B'Gosh and department stores nationwide sold these garments from August 2001 through December 2001 for about $38.

Consumers should stop using these garments immediately and return them to OshKosh B'Gosh for a refund. Contact OshKosh B'Gosh at (800) 282-4674 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for return instructions. Consumers can also visit the OshKosh B'Gosh web site at www.oshkoshbgosh.com.

WASHINGTON, May 18, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 99 Cents Only Store, in City of Commerce, Calif., is voluntarily recalling 26,000 "Firestopper" fire extinguishers. Because of the high-pressure contents of these fire extinguishers, they can explode and expose consumers to flying debris, causing puncture wounds and blast injuries.

CPSC and the firm have received five reports of the fire extinguisher exploding in consumers' homes. One consumer was hit by flying debris, but was not injured. The explosions have resulted in property damage.

The fire extinguisher is yellow with a black top and a red spout. "FIRESTOPPER" is written on the side of the extinguisher in orange. The "I" in the name is written to resemble a flame. Other writing on the unit includes "ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE," "NON-TOXIC," "The Portable Liquid Fire Extinguisher," and "MADE IN THE USA." The extinguisher is about 10 inches high and the net weight is 12 ounces. The product was originally marketed by Bombay Productions Inc. in California.

Dollar-type discount stores, including Only Deals and Bargain Wholesale, and wholesalers sold these fire extinguishers nationwide from January 1999 through February 2000 for between $.99 and $4.

Consumers should discharge these fire extinguishers into a plastic garbage bag or similar container outside, in an open area. Consumers can return the discharged units to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call 99 Cents Only Stores at (888) 289-3325 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.