Recalls in January 1970

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2001 -- NBG International Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 100,000 strings of "Rice Light" decorative Christmas lights. The lights have undersize wire and could present electric shock or fire hazards. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

CPSC and NBG International have not received any reports of injuries or incidents associated with these Christmas lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent electric shocks and fires.

The Rice Christmas lights are 21-feet long with 140 non- replaceable mini-bulbs. The lights have a control box that allows for an eight-function, four-way flashing light show. The attached 3-inch control box has a round dial on top numbered "1" through "8." The wires are available in three colors: black, white or green. The lights have a fused plug, and are sold in a green box that included the writing "Rice Light," "140 Mini Bulb String" and "MADE IN CHINA." There is no mark of an independent testing laboratory.

Novelty and holiday stores sold these lights nationwide from June 1998 through November 2001 for between $7 and $10.

Consumers who have the recalled lights should stop using them immediately and contact the firm for a free replacement set of Christmas lights. For more information, contact NBG International at (877) 532- 8949 between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or email the firm at nbgjf@worldnet.att.net.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2000 -- Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is recalling about 4,000 Motocross Competition motorcycles. A frame down tube on these motorcycles can crack below the steering head.

Use of the motorcycle with a cracked down tube can result in failure of the frame, which can cause the rider to lose control of the motorcycle and crash, resulting in injury or death.

Kawasaki has received 60 reports of frames on these motorcycles cracking. Three of these incidents reportedly resulted in the down tube failing, leading to crashes. Injuries to riders included broken bones and abrasions.

These KX65 Model Year 2000 motorcycles have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) located on their frame behind the front fork. Recalled motorcycles carry VIN numbers with the last four digits between 0001 and 6668. The motorcycles are small, two-wheel, off-road motocross competition vehicles designed for rough terrain. The fenders and bodywork are lime green with large "Kawasaki" decals on each side.

Kawasaki dealers nationwide sold these motorcycles from November 1999 through October 2000 for about $2,700.

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

Consumers with the recalled motorcycles should stop using them immediately and call their local Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. For more information about this recall, contact Kawasaki toll-free at (866) 802-9381 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Registered owners of the motorcycles will be notified by mail directly by Kawasaki.

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2000 -- Cycle Express is voluntarily recalling about 9,000 bicycle helmets. The helmets fail impact testing and labeling, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing the helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Cycle Express said they are not aware of any injuries or incidents involving the helmets.

Toys R Us stores sold these helmets with accessories nationwide from October 1999 through April 2000 for about $13.

The recalled girls' helmets are mostly pink mixed with silver glitter. The pink portion of the helmet is bordered by purple tape. Decals on the helmets read "Hearts & Flowers." These helmets are size small, for ages 2 through 5 years. A label inside the helmet reads "DISTRIBUTED BY: CYCLE EXPRESS." The helmets, which were made in China, are packaged in a box that reads, "Hearts and Flowers Helmet Combo Value Pack" and "Item #10235." The helmets were sold with a bike bag-purse combo and hair accessories.

Consumers should stop using these bicycle helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased. They will receive a $7 refund, which is the assessed value of the helmet. For more information, call Cycle Express toll-free at (877) 714-6117 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Cycle Express Inc., 312 Fifth Ave., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2002 -- Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is recalling to inspect and repair about 14,000 All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). A mounting-bracket weld on the rear hub can come loose, resulting in rear brake failure and possible injury to operators.

Yamaha has received reports of weld problems with the mounting brackets. Two of these reports resulted in the ATVs losing their rear brakes. One user suffered a hairline wrist fracture.

These 1997 and 1998 model year ATVs have "350 Electric" written on both sides of the bodywork. The ATVs are either red and white, or gray and blue. The recalled ATVs have the following names and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). The VINs are stamped into the vehicle frames between the front and rear wheels.

Yamaha dealers sold these ATVs nationwide from August 1996 through December 1997 for about $5,000.

Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately and call their local Yamaha ATV dealer to schedule a free appointment to have their units inspected, and repaired if needed. To locate a dealer or for more information, consumers should call (800) 88-YAMAHA anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.yamaha-motor.com

Notification is being sent to registered owners of these vehicles directly by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 1999 -- Kthe Kruse Doll Co., of Troy, N.Y., is recalling about 2,400 Selecta wooden toys. The balls included with these toys are banned because they present a serious risk of choking deaths to young children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Kthe Kruse Doll Co. are not aware of any injuries involving the small balls contained in these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent possible injuries.

The Selecta brand toys being recalled are the"Quatrino" wooden shape sorter toys, "Sorting Box" shape sorter toys, "Favola" shape sorter toys, and "Kugelbahn" ball chute toys.

The Selecta Quatrino wooden shape sorter toy has eight sides. There are shapes cut out of the top of the toy for inserting various wooden shaped pieces, including the two small balls. Four brightly colored doors on the side of the toy slide up to open the storage area for the wooden pieces. A sticker on one side of the toy shows a bee, and "with beeswax" is written on the sticker it in various languages.

The Selecta Sorting Box wooden shape sorter toy has four sides. There are shapes cut out of the top of the toy for inserting various wooden-shaped pieces, including two small balls. A brightly colored door on the top of the toy slides out to open the storage area for the wooden pieces, including the two small balls. A sticker on the toy reads, "Selecta Spieizeug," and "Made in Germany."

The Selecta Favola wooden shape sorter toy resembles a medieval castle with four sides and four cylindrical turrets. There is a wooden panel near the top of the toy that opens horizontally, allowing access to shape cut-outs for inserting various wooden pieces, including two small balls. A sticker on the bottom of the toy shows a bee, and "with beeswax" is written in various languages.

The Selecta Kugelbahn wooden ball chute is a toy consisting of a series of four chutes attached to each other in an angled position designed to allow the two small balls included with the toy to descend and sound a number of bells that are attached to the chutes along the way. The toy includes a wooden painted clown attached to the center of the top chute. The "Selecta" brand logo appears on the front of the base of the toy.

Toy stores and web sites sold these toys from January 1997 through November 1999 for $30 to $80. Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. Consumers who purchased the toys from a web site should contact the web site to make arrangements for returning the toys for a refund.

For more information, consumers should call Kthe Kruse Doll Co. at (800) 932-7141 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2000 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said today that Baby's Dream Furniture Inc., of Buena Vista, Ga., agreed to pay a $200,000 civil penalty.

The penalty resolves charges that the company violated the Consumer Product Safety Act by failing to promptly report defects with its "Generation" oak model cribs. CPSC alleges that Baby's Dream Furniture failed to report in a timely manner that its drop gate hinge design (a hinged top rail that folds down, rather than a side rail that slides down, providing access to baby) can trap and sever a baby's fingertips.

Baby's Dream received nine reports of amputation, laceration and crushing of the fingertips associated with this problem before it reported to CPSC.

Eight of the injuries were to babies and one was to an adult. About 13,000 of these cribs were sold nationwide from December 1994 through June 1997 for $500 to $700. The crib can be adapted to a youth or adult bed.

Baby's Dream recalled the Generation oak model crib in February 1998 and offered a free repair kit that contained a new hinge. Consumers using the Generation oak model crib with the original hinge should stop using the crib immediately, and call Baby's Dream toll-free at (800) 835-2742 to order the free repair kit.

The 6-inch, green plastic flashlight has five interchangeable lenses printed with characters from the movie, A Bug's Life. The flashlight casts the outline of the characters on the wall. The flashlight shows an ant character, named "Flik," from the movie. They use two "AA" batteries. "Made in China" is written on the bottom of the flashlight.

Giant Eagle grocery stores in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio distributed about 8,000 of these flashlights from April 1999 through May 1999 in exchange for four UPC symbols from General Mills cereals. About 131,000 were sold nationwide by General Mills through mail order for about $6.

General Mills is contacting the mail customers directly about the recall.

General Mills has received three reports of these flashlights overheating. There have been no reports of injuries.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that consumers should stop using the flashlights immediately, remove and discard the batteries, and mail the flashlights to: General Mills, P.O. Box 2141, Milaca, MN 56353-2141. 

Consumers who purchased flashlights from Giant Eagle will receive coupons for free boxes of cereal and reimbursement for postage. Consumers who purchased their flashlights by mail order will be notified directly about the procedure for obtaining a refund.

For more information, call General Mills at (800) 249-0562 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.

CPSC is not aware of any incidents or injuries with this product. This recall is being conducted to help prevent injuries.

The 16-ounce aerosol cans are red, orange, yellow, black and white with a red plastic cap and red aerosol button. Wording on the front of the can reads in part, "FIRE CAP...FIRE and SMOKE SUPPRESSANT." "FOR USE ON SMALL SPOT FIRES..." is on the back of the can along with drawings of the product being used on a trash can fire, a stove fire, a car fire and a camp fire. "Manufactured by the Colbra Group" is written on the back of the can.

Snap-On Tools dealers, Home Shopping Network, and direct market distributors, including Mid-State Fire Systems, and Contract Filling Inc., sold the product nationwide from February 1996 through September 1999 for about $10.

Consumers should stop using this product immediately. Consumers should either throw out the can or return it to the place where purchased for a full refund. Consumers should call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772 for instructions on returning the product to the place of purchase.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2002 -- Damo Plus Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 26,000 10-piece school supply sets. The sets contain razor knives, which pose a laceration hazard to children.

Damo Plus has not received any reports of injuries from these pencil sets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The school supply sets were sold in 8-inch plastic cases. The sets included the razor knife, pencils, scissors, a ruler, an eraser, a compass, and a tube of glue. Writing on the plastic cases includes "LITTLE WHITE," "LITTLE ARTIST," "GOOD FRIENDS," or "ZHONG BAIO REN." The cases are blue, pink yellow or purple and have pictures of children or animals. These sets were sold in plastic bags with cardboard headers marked "10 PCS SET PENCIL CASE & PENCIL HOLDER," and "MADE IN CHINA."

Discount and dollar stores in California, Texas, Washington, and Maryland sold the sets between June and October 2002 for about $1.

Consumers should immediately take these razor knives away from children and return the pencil sets to the store where they purchased them for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Damo Plus Corp. collect at (323) 583-8484 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can write to the company at Damo Plus Corp., 4535 E. 48th St., Vernon, CA 90058.

WASHINGTON, May 18, 2001 -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning caregivers about the dangers of loose or oversized sheets in babies' cribs. Since 1984, CPSC has learned of the deaths of 17 babies, most under 12 months old, who suffocated or strangled when they became entangled in sheets in their cribs or beds. Two of these deaths were with fitted crib sheets.

CPSC has worked to strengthen safety requirements for fitted crib sheets. An industry standard requires crib sheets to have a warning label that says "Prevent suffocation or entanglement. Never use crib sheet unless it fits securely on crib mattress." CPSC also has pushed industry to improve the fit of crib sheets on mattresses.

CPSC has issued a safety alert on this hidden hazard and is working to distribute this information to pediatrician's offices through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The information will be published in the June issue of the Academy's membership newsmagazine, AAP News, which reaches 55,000 pediatricians nationwide. Starting today, the safety alert will be posted on the AAP News' Web site, www.aapnews.org.

"This is a hidden hazard that even the best caregiver may not know about," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "We are pleased the American Academy of Pediatrics is helping us get the word out to parents."

CPSC offers the following tips on ensuring a safer sleeping environment for babies:

• Make sure the crib sheet fits snugly on a crib mattress and overlaps the mattress so it cannot be dislodged by pulling on the corner of the sheet.
• Never use an adult sheet on a crib mattress; it can come loose and present an entanglement hazard to young children.
• Place a baby on his/her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib meeting current safety standards.
• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, and sheepskins from the crib.

To get a free copy of the crib sheet safety alert, write to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207 or click here.

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2001 -- Equity Marketing Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 4,300 remote controlled race cars. Problems with the circuits are rendering some of the cars inoperable. The cars can overheat and emit smoke and may pose a potential burn hazard.

The company has received three reports of the toy cars emitting smoke. No injuries have been reported.

The remote controlled race cars are black with the number 28 printed in red on the doors and roof and the Texaco logo printed on the hood of the car. The cars are about 8-inches long by 3-inches wide and 2-inches high. A black cordless remote control is sold with the cars and reads in part " FORWARD," and "REVERSE" in yellow print. Participating Texaco gas stations nationwide sold the cars under the "Need for Speed" promotion from May 2001 through June 1, 2001 for about $12 with any $10 purchase.

Consumers should stop using these cars immediately, remove the batteries from the remote controlled race cars and the remote controls and return the remote controlled race cars and remote controls to the Texaco station where purchased for a full refund. Consumers also may return the items for a full refund by obtaining a prepaid shipping label by calling Equity Marketing Inc. at (888) 747-4355 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or by writing to Remote Controlled Car Recall, Equity Marketing, Inc. at 6330 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. For more information, consumers may also visit the firm's web site at www.equity-marketing.com.

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

WASHINGTON, June 27, 2000 -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Apollo Presentation Products, of Ronkonkoma, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 portable light boxes, used to view film, slides and transparencies. The light boxes have loose wires and lack adequate grounding, presenting fire, electrocution and shock hazards to consumers.

CPSC has received two reports of loose wires, one in which the light box caught fire, resulting in $5,000 property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled Apollo light boxes are models LB100, LB101, LB102 and LB110. The model number is located on a sticker affixed to the unit's side. The sticker also reads in part, "Portable Light Box...CSA." The light box consists of a white metal box, containing a fluorescent light, and a Plexiglas viewing plate that slides into two black metal guides on top of the metal box. The light box has a folding handle and tilt stand, and it can be wall mounted.

The light boxes were sold in a box labeled in part, "APOLLO PRESENTATION PRODUCTS, GLOWPRO PORTABLE LIGHT BOX, Made in China." A photo of the product and the model number are on the box.

Office supply stores nationwide sold the light boxes from June 1997 through April 2000 for $66 to $115.

Consumers should stop using the recalled light boxes immediately, and call Apollo for instructions on returning the projectors to the company for a refund. Consumers should call Apollo toll-free at (800) 352-6853 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or access the firm's website.

Apollo light boxes that are marked with a UL logo are not part of this recall.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2001 -- Kids II is voluntarily recalling about 21,000 Carter's butterfly baby toys. The antennae on the butterfly toys contain wire that can pass through the fabric, causing cuts and scratches to babies.

Kids II has received 27 reports of wires passing through the fabric on the antennae of these toys, resulting in four babies getting cuts to the hand or face, and five babies receiving scratches.

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

The recall involves Carter's Activity Butterflies with 3-inch long bendable antennae. The body of the stuffed butterfly toy is green and purple and the wings are multi-colored. The toy makes various "fun sounds" when squeezed.

The stuffed stars on the ends of the antennae contain a squeaker and a rattle. The lower wings make a crinkle sound and one of the upper wings contains a mirror. The toy has model number 50052 written on a small tag behind one of its wings. A date code on the opposite side of this tag ends with, "00433," "00856," "01003," or "01148

Mass merchandise and juvenile specialty stores nationwide sold these butterfly toys from February 2001 through August 2001 for between $15 and $20.

Consumers should take these toys away from babies immediately, and return the toy to the store where purchased or contact Kids II for a free replacement butterfly toy. For more information, consumers should call Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 between 7:30 a.m. and 4: 30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's web site at www.kidsii.com.

Butterfly toys with short antennae, about 1-inches long, do not contain wire, and are not part of the recall.

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2002 -- Fitness Quest Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 310,000 Total Gym exercise machines. The handles can detach during use and the cable attached to the handles can break, resulting in injury to the user.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC and Fitness Quest have received about 400 reports of the handles and cables on these exercise machines breaking, resulting in 30 reports of injuries, including lacerations and abrasions.

The recall involves the Total Gym 1000 and the Total Gym Pro model exercisers with serial numbers DK000001 through DK129350, models with the serial number prefixes XO or SM, and models without serial numbers. The serial number is located on the underside of the machine's glide board. The glide board rolls on an inclined track as the user pulls the hand cords or pushes at the base. These exercisers were manufactured in Taiwan, Thailand, and China.

Sporting good stores, web sites, catalogs, and direct sales sold this exercise machine nationwide from June 1997 through October 2001 for between $180 and $200.

Consumers should stop using these exercisers immediately and contact Fitness Quest to order a free repair kit. For more information, contact Fitness Quest at (800) 321-9236 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Total Gym models sold on television infomercials are not included in this recall.

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2001 -- Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 6,000 electric wrenches. The wrenches have power cords that can release from the handle, posing an injury or electrocution hazard to consumers.

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

Milwaukee and CPSC have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled impact wrenches are shaped like drills, but use a forward/reverse (impact) action to tighten/loosen bolts. The wrenches have a red handle, a red and gray body, and the name "Milwaukee" printed on the drill. The model and serial numbers included in this recall can be found on the nameplate located on the body of the tool.

Home centers, hardware stores, and industrial distributors nationwide sold these wrenches from March 2001 to July 2001 for between $180 and $280.

Consumers should stop using these electric wrenches immediately and return them to the nearest Milwaukee Factory Service Center or authorized power tool service center for a free repair. Consumers also can call Milwaukee toll-free at (866) 473-2288 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Consumers can locate the nearest service facility by visiting the company's website at www.mil-electric-tool.com.

Wrenches that have a "X" stamped or etched on the nameplate next to the serial number have already been repaired

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2001 -- Chicco USA is recalling about 6,000 Build-A-Ball preschool toys. The Build-A-Ball toy consists of five multi-colored and various-sized plastic balls that can be taken apart to be stacked on top of each other or placed inside each other. Some of the larger-sized ball halves can become stuck on a young child's face, covering the nose and mouth, and causing suffocation.

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

CPSC received a report of a 2-year-old boy who had a ball-half stuck on his face, covering his nose and mouth. A nearby adult was able to pull the toy from his face. No injury to the child was reported.

The five balls in the toy set range in size from about 2-inches to 4-inches in diameter. One-half of the balls are white, green, blue, red or yellow, and the other half is clear. "chicco" is written inside the balls. The balls are packaged in a box labeled "chicco," "Build-a-Ball," "Cod. 66167," and "Made in China." The packaging also indicated the toy is for children ages 1-3 years or 1-4 years. The text on the packaging is written in 11 languages.

Amazon.com, Army & Air Force Exchanges and other toy stores nationwide sold these toys from January 1999 through April 2001 for about $6.

Parents and caregivers should take these balls away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers should call Chicco USA Inc., toll-free at (866) 242-0643 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company's web site.

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2001 -- Jade Products Inc. is recalling about 3,300 Dynasty gas ranges. The igniters are too far from the burners, which can cause a delayed ignition of gas. The large amount of gas released can cause fire to escape from the oven, putting consumers at risk of burn injuries and house fires.

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

Jade Products has received three reports of minor burn injuries when consumers have opened the oven door just as the gas ignited and flames escaped from the oven.

The recalled Dynasty gas ranges are model numbers DGRSC and DGR(c), with serial numbers from 050198-A through 280200-Z. The serial plate, which contains the model and serial numbers, is located under the right burner grate support on model DGRSC, and under the left burner grate (on the left side wall) on model DGR(c). Consumers must remove the burner grill to see the serial plate. The range is 30-, 36-, 48-, or 60-inches wide. "Dynasty" is printed on the lower right corner of the oven door.



Department and appliance stores sold these ranges nationwide from January 1998 through February 2000 for between $2,900 and $8,900.

Consumers should stop using these ranges immediately and call Jade Products toll-free at (888) 607-5694 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2002 -- Ames True Temper is voluntarily recalling about 647,000 wheelbarrows. The plastic wheel assemblies on the wheelbarrows, manufactured by a predecessor company, can break when being inflated with high-pressure air hoses. This can result in plastic pieces exploding from the rims of the wheels, possibly causing lacerations and other injuries.

Ames True Temper has received eight reports of plastic rims fracturing, seven of which involve lacerations to consumers' hands, face, chest or arms. Some of the lacerations were severe, and required numerous stitches. One report involved nasal and other facial bone fractures, three reports involved finger or knuckle fractures, and one report included torn wrist ligaments caused by the force of the pieces striking a consumer.

The wheel assemblies on these wheelbarrows have a black plastic rim and have an approximately 14-inch diameter wheel. They have red, green or orange tubs or trays made of steel or plastic. The recalled Ames wheelbarrows were sold under the brand name "Mustang" or "Douglas." The brand name was printed on the label attached to the tray at the time of purchase. Wheelbarrows with metal wheel assemblies are not part of this recall. Also, no "True Temper" wheelbarrow is part of this recall.

Hardware stores and home centers nationwide sold the recalled wheelbarrows from January 1993 through December 2000 for between $20 and $30.

Consumers should not inflate the tires on these wheelbarrows. Consumers should contact Ames True Temper to receive a free replacement steel wheel assembly. For more information, call Ames True Temper toll-free at (866) 239- 2281 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The recalled wheelbarrow wheels were manufactured and sold by O. Ames Company, a predecessor company of Ames True Temper.