Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2001 -- Kawasaki Motors Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 3,000 ASTRON and TMC backpack blowers. The engine exhaust can emit flames, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

ASTRON and TMC dealers nationwide sold the backpack blowers to lawn and garden companies from October 2000 through February 2001 for about $500. The recalled backpack blowers were manufactured under two different model names; though, each uses a TEX54D Kawasaki engine:

• The ASTRON KB-541, which was distributed by Star Garden Supply, model has a red fan case, with a white fuel tank and black frame. The words, "Astron Backpack Blower" and the model number are on a label on the gas tank and on a cap right above the tank.
• The TMC KTBL-5600XA, which was distributed by TMC Power Equipment, has a white fan case and fuel tank, with a black frame. The model name, "TMC," and the model number are on a label on the fuel tank, and the name "Kawasaki" is on a cap right above the tank.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2000 -- The skateboard keychains attached to Z.Z. Jamboarder Teddy Bears sold by Zany Brainy are being recalled because they represent a choking hazard.

The skateboard wheels can come off, presenting a choking hazard to small children. Two incidents have been reported, but there were no injuries in either one.

The recall was announced i

n cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Vermont Teddy Bear Co., and Zany Brainy.

The skateboard keychain is about 3.75 inches long with red wheels. Z.Z. Jamboarder is a light brown teddy bear, about 15 inches long and wears a white shirt, jeans, a purple hat and sunglasses. The shirt and skateboard have matching emblems showing a bear head inside a red circle.

The skateboard keychain is attached to a loop on the right side of the bear's jeans. A sewn-in tag under the left arm of the bear reads, "Z.Z. JamboarderTM" and, on the back, "Limited Edition 1999."

Zany Brainy sold the teddy bears with keychains nationwide through their stores, website and catalog from November 1999 through December 1999 for $10 to $13 with the purchase of $50 of other merchandise.

Consumers should take these skateboard keychains away from young children immediately, and return them to any Zany Brainy store to receive a Zooolennium bean-filled plush baby animal toy. Consumers also can return the teddy bear and skateboard keychain set to receive a refund. For more information, consumers can call their local Zany Brainy store or visit the web site at www.zanybrainy.com.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2001 -- Maya Wrap is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 infant carriers/slings in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The welds of the metal rings that support the slings can break, posing a fall hazard to young children.

Maya Wrap has received 20 reports of the rings breaking. The company received a report that one child fell to the ground but no injuries were reported.

The recalled slings are made of 100-percent cotton fabric with two metal support rings. The rings measure 1/8-inch in width. They were sold in a variety of colors, prints, and sizes. A large white label sewn in the slings reads in part, "MAYA WRAP" and "ECHO EN GUATEMALA".

Web sites and individual distributors nationwide sold the slings from January 2001 through July 2001 for between $30 and $40. Also, eight children's boutiques in various states sold these carrier/slings.

Consumers should stop using the slings immediately and call Maya Wrap at (800) 501-9979 anytime, for instructions on how to have the carriers/slings repaired.

Carriers/slings with -inch width rings are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2001 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Creative Consumer Concepts Inc. and Whataburger Inc. are voluntarily recalling about 330,000 "Whatagear" compass toys. Creative Consumer Concepts Inc. manufactured these toys, which were distributed with kids' meals at Whataburger Restaurants. The clear, plastic lens covers on these compass toys can come off and pose a choking hazard to young children.

Creative Consumer Concepts, Inc. has received four reports of the lens covers of the compass toys coming off. No injuries have been reported.

The "Whatagear" compass is a plastic toy with a compass in its center. The toys have varied features, such as flashlights, magnifying lenses or tools. They come in various solid colors. The back of the compass reads, "WHATAGEAR" and "WHATABURGER."

Whataburger Restaurants in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas distributed the toys from March 2001 through April 2001.

Parents should take these toys away from children immediately, and return the toy to any Whataburger Restaurant for a free replacement toy. For more information, call Creative Consumer Concepts toll-free at (866) 327-2216 anytime; write to: Creative Consumer Concepts Inc., ATTN: Compass, 10955 Granada Lane, Overland Park, KS 66211; or go to the firm's web site at www.c3.to.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2001 -- Candlewick Press of Cambridge, Mass., is recalling about 78,670 "Bunny My Honey" children's board books printed in Italy. The plastic lamination on the board book may peel off, posing a choking hazard for young children.

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

CPSC and Candlewick Press have not received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these board books. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The board books have thick, cardboard-like pages covered with a thin plastic laminate. The title "Bunny My Honey" is printed on the front cover of the books. Only books with "Printed in Italy" on the back cover are included in this recall. Books printed in Mexico are not included in this recall.

Bookstores, children's specialty stores and gift shops nationwide sold these books from December 2000 through September 2001 for about $7.

Consumers should take the recalled "Bunny My Honey" board books away from young children immediately and discard them. Consumers can visit the firm's web site at www.candlewick.com to receive a free replacement book or contact Candlewick Press at (800) 883-0009 (or in the 617 and 781 area codes at (617) 661-3330) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2001 -- Wysco is voluntarily recalling about 95,000 "Runt" brand mini-bicycles because they do not have any brakes, which are required by federal standard for bicycles of this type. The standard also requires that bicycles have chain guards to prevent riders from getting fingers, toes and clothing caught in the gears.

Wysco has not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these mini-bicycles. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Bicycle, toy, discount department, convenience, and specialty stores nationwide, and mail order catalogs and web sites sold these mini-bicycles from January 2001 through July 2001 for about $100.

Consumers should stop using these Runt bicycles immediately and get a free repair kit. To order a free repair kit and for more information, call Wysco toll-free at (866) 868-7868 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their web site at www.JustGoScooters.com.

The "Runt" mini-bicycles are about 24-inches long and 26-inches high with 6-inch wheels. They have adjustable seat and handlebars with quick release levers. The bicycles are red, blue, black or chrome in color with black seats and handle grips. The word "RUNT" and the Runt logo of a dog's face are on the front of the steering column.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2000 -- Kent International Inc. and Kash 'N Gold Ltd. are voluntarily recalling about 97,500 scooters.

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

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2002 -- STK International is voluntarily recalling about 190,000 extension cords. The cords have undersized wires, presenting a shock hazard to consumers.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and STK International have not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these extension cords. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled extension cords were sold in brown (model EC-222) or white (model EC-221) and are approximately 5-feet 3-inches long. The model numbers are printed in the upper right corner of the packaging. The cords were packaged in a mustard and orange color sleeve with the words, "5 Household Extension Cords" and "Made in China" printed on the front. The "Volt Master" logo is printed in the left corner of the packaging. "YWC-981 8 CHINA E157848" is printed on the cord.

Discount stores sold the extension cords nationwide from October 1998 to March 2002 for about $1.

Consumers should stop using and unplug these extension cords immediately and return them to STK International for a refund, including postage. Consumers should mail their extension cords to the attention of EC-221/ EC-222 Recall, STK International, Inc., 5500 East Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90022. For more information, call STK International at (800) 536-7855 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2000 -- Small Small World is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 plush rabbit toys sold under The Boyds Collection label. The eyes on these toys could detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Small Small World has not received any reports of injuries associated with these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

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

The recall involves two styles of plush rabbit toys: Natalie Nibblenose and Nickie Nibblenose. They are both about 6 inches tall with movable joints, and have bows around their necks. Sewn-on tags on these toys read, "THE BOYDS COLLECTION" and "MADE IN CHINA." Natalie Nibblenose is a white chenille hare. A cardboard tag attached to her with string reads, "NATALIE NIBBLENOSE" and "STYLE # 573300-01." Nickie Nibblenose is a French vanilla and white hare. A cardboard tag attached to him with string reads, "NICKIE NIBBLENOSE" and STYLE #573303-03." Specialty stores sold these toys nationwide from December 1999 through September 2000 for about $6.

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a free replacement toy. For more information, call Small Small World at (800) 485-7211 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2002 -- W.C. Wood Company is voluntarily recalling about 2,500 dehumidifiers. Internal wiring can abrade on metal parts, presenting a risk of electric shock to consumers if the insulation wears through.

W.C. Wood discovered the problem through routine testing. No injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall is being done to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recall includes Wood's and Edison model 40-pint capacity dehumidifiers. The dehumidifiers were sold in white (Wood's) and beige (Edison) plastic with the word "Wood's" or "Edison" printed across the control panel. Both models have control knobs for fan speed and humidity level, and a "bucket full" light. The model and serial numbers are written on a label behind the removable water bucket on the front of the unit. The label reads in part, "Wood's" or "Edison" and "Made in Canada."

Independent retailers sold the dehumidifiers nationwide from March 2002 through June 2002 for between $160 and $190.

Consumers should stop using and unplug the recalled dehumidifiers immediately. To arrange for a free repair, consumers can call W.C. Wood at (800) 826-8578 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. For more information, consumers can visit the firm's web site at www.wcwood.com.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), TSI Prime Inc., of Coppell, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 126,000 ceiling-mounted light fixtures. The light fixtures can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.

TSI Prime has received three reports of these light fixtures short circuiting, resulting in scorch marks on ceilings. No injuries have been reported.

The recall involves a four-bulb, flush-mount ceiling light fixture. The fixture has an eight-sided glass and brass enclosure. A sticker on the fixture near the base of one of the light sockets reads, "MADE IN CHINA," and "E181045." If the light fixture has the E181045 number, call TSI Prime for information to determine if it is part of the recall.

Wal-Mart and Lowe's stores nationwide sold the light fixtures for between $16 and $25. Wal-Mart sold the fixtures individually packaged from February 1998 through March 1999. Lowe's sold the fixtures in two- packs from January 1998 through January 2000.

Consumers should stop using these lights immediately, and call TSI Prime to arrange for a free replacement. For more information, call TSI Prime toll-free at (877) 317-9237 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2000 -- Eddie Bauer is recalling about 2,000 men's sweatshirts.

The sweatshirts, which fail to meet federal mandatory standards for fabric flammability, could ignite readily and present a serious risk of burn injuries in violation of the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act. Fabrics that do not comply with the standard typically burn faster than newspaper.

No injuries were reported as of the recall date.

The long-sleeved, fleece sweatshirts sold only in the color gray, bear the phrase "Made in USA" on the neckline label, and have item number 1313 or 1249 printed on the side seam label. These sweatshirts are labeled as being 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester. Eddie Bauer stores sold these sweatshirts nationwide from March 1999 through May 1999 for about $38. Sweatshirts made in Singapore are not included in this recall.

Consumers should stop wearing the sweatshirts and return them to any Eddie Bauer store for a refund. For more information, call Eddie Bauer at (800) 426-6253 between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. PT any day of the week.

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2001 -- UnionTools, Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 32,000 P-Handle hand trucks. The hand trucks are made of steel and painted red with two inflatable tires. "China" is stamped across the back crossbar of the handle and "Made in China" appears on the tires. Sears stores exclusively sold these hand trucks from February 2001 through May 2001 for about $30.

If the tires of the hand trucks are substantially over-inflated beyond the recommended maximum 30 P.S.I., the rims of the tire can separate under the intense pressure and strike the user or bystanders.

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

UnionTools has received two reports of the tire rims separating due to over inflation of tires. Two adult males received serious hand lacerations and bruises as a result of the tire rims blowing apart.

Consumers should contact UnionTools, Inc. at (888) 808-6657 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free repair kit. Consumers should only use a hand pump to inflate the tires. Additional information may be obtained at www.uniontools.com.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 1999 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tecumseh Products Co., of Grafton, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 118,000 engines equipped with a fuel shut-off valve on various brands of outdoor power equipment. Fuel can leak from a small hole in the engine's fuel line, presenting fire and explosion hazards to consumers.

Tecumseh Products Co. has received two reports of fuel lines leaking. No injuries have been reported.

The Tecumseh engines with fuel shut-off valves that are being recalled have D.O.M. numbers from 9121 through 9233. The D.O.M. number is located on the engine's label. The Tecumseh name is found on the engine and on the engine's label. These engines are primarily on snow blowers. Augers and post hole diggers, log splitters, shredders, irrigators and ventilating fans also have been equipped with these engines.

Mass merchandise stores nationwide sold power equipment with the recalled engines from June 1999 to September 1999 for about $800 to $2,000. The products were also sold through authorized factory dealerships.

Consumers should stop using the equipment immediately and call Tecumseh toll-free at (888) 271-4048 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday to arrange for a free repair.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shopko Stores Inc. of Green Bay, Wis., is recalling approximately 9,800 Peek-A-Babe baby garments. The rose-shaped buttons on these garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

CPSC and Shopko Stores have received one report of a button found in a child's mouth. No injuries were reported.

These are one-piece coveralls, and two-piece, babydoll-style top and legging sets. These 100 percent cotton garments were sold in sizes 0-3M to 24M. Writing on the collar labels includes, "MADE IN CHINA" and "Peek-A-Babe."

The tops of the coveralls are made of plush, peach-colored knit fabric, with cream-colored collars and sleeve edges. The coverall tops have three cream-colored, rose-shaped buttons attached to the center front, from the neck to the waist, and are embroidered with a cream-colored rose. The bottoms of the coveralls have eight snaps at the crotch, and are printed with peach- and purple-colored roses, and peach-colored dots, on a cream-colored knit fabric.

The babydoll tops are made of plush, cream-colored knit fabric, with peach-colored collars and sleeve edges. The tops have three peach- colored, rose-shaped buttons attached to the center front, from the neck to the waist, and are decorated with six peach-colored rosettes along the front waist. Leggings sold with these tops have purple, lavender and peach stripes on a cream-colored knit fabric.

Shopko stores nationwide sold these garments from June 1999 through October 1999 for between $8 and $15.

Consumers should immediately stop using these garments, and return them to Shopko for a refund. For more information, call Shopko at (800) 791- 7333 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday CT, or visit the Shopko website at www.shopko.com.

About 4,000 bicycles are affected.  The recall was announced by the manufacturer, Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., of  Morgan Hill, Calif., in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The model "Allez" bicycles are blue and the model "Allez Sport" bicycles are orange. These bikes were sold through authorized Specialized dealers from October 1998 through June 1999 for between $1,000 and $2,000.

Specialized said it has received one report of a consumer suffering serious injuries, including a concussion, when the handlebar pulled out of the handlebar stem.

Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately and take them to an authorized Specialized dealer for a free inspection and replacement of the handlebar stem if needed.

For more information, call Specialized at (800) 214-1468 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday, or go to their website at www.specialized.com.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2001 -- Racing Champions Ertl Inc. (RCE) is voluntarily recalling about 11,600 John Deere Kids Toolboxes. The toy's carrying handle can break, creating small parts and a sharp plastic edge that pose a choking and laceration hazard to young children.

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

The children's toolbox is a soft-shelled, plastic, green box with a yellow handle and yellow raised letters that read "John Deere." A John Deere Kids logo with a fawn inside a red oval is imprinted on the front of the toolbox. The toolbox is sold with a green and yellow plastic ratchet wrench and pliers inside. Stamped on the bottom of the product is "JOHN DEERE LICENSED PRODUCT" and "MADE IN CHINA." All yellow-handled toolboxes are included in this recall.

John Deere dealers and other farm supply retail stores nationwide sold the toys from June 2001 through September 2001 for about $13.

Parents and caregivers should take the toy away from young children immediately and contact RCE at (866) 898-4999 anytime for instructions on returning these toys and receiving a free replacement toolbox.

John Deere Toolboxes with green handles are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Nordstrom Inc., of Seattle, Wash., is recalling about 5,300 infant and girls' sweatshirts.



Zipper pulls on these sweatshirts can detach from the garments, posing a choking hazard to young children. Nordstrom is aware of one incident in which an infant choked on the zipper pull, but suffered no permanent injuries.

The recalled garments are cotton/polyester blend, long-sleeve, half-zipper sweatshirts with a heart-shaped zipper pull. They are pink or blue, and sold in infant size 6 months through big girl size 16. These sweatshirts have collar labels reading, "Baby N" or "N Kids."

Nordstrom stores nationwide sold these sweatshirts in December 1999 for between $22 and $28.

Consumers should stop wearing these sweatshirts immediately, and return them to any Nordstrom store for a refund. For more information, call Nordstrom at (800) 695-8000 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. any day of the week.

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2002 -- Rose Art Industries Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 124,400 Soap Making Kits. The soap may get too hot when heated in the microwave oven and leak from the plastic container, posing a burn hazard to children.

The U.S. Consumer Producer Safety Commission (CPSC) and Rose Art have received 10 reports of children being burned by the hot soap while removing the plastic container from the microwave oven.

The soap making kit is sold in a cardboard box with model number 4054 or a plastic case with model number 4121 on the packaging. The model number is located on the upper right hand corner on the front of the packaging. Each kit includes bars of soap, molds, and a plastic cup to melt soap chunks.

Toy and discount stores, including Toys R Us, Wal Mart, Kaybee Toys, Target and Value City, sold these kits nationwide between August 1997 through December 2001 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using these kits immediately and contact Rose Art at (800) 272-9667 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.roseart.com for information on how to receive a full refund and an additional Rose Art product item at no charge.