Recalls in June 2010

June 18, 2010
New data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) show that both bicycling and walking trips have increased by 25 percent since 2001.

The FHWA's 2009 National Household Travel Survey, "demonstrates what we've been saying here at the Department," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Americans want and need safe alternatives to driving. And by making biking and walking safer and more accessible, we'll be able to provide Americans with more choices and help foster more active, livable communities."

LaHood recently announced a policy change to promote bicycle and pedestrian opportunities that encourage transportation agencies to go beyond minimum standards and provide safe and convenient facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Biking and walking injuries

In the 1994 National Bicycling and Walking Study, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) established two goals: to reduce the number of bicyclists and pedestrians killed or injured in traffic crashes by 10 percent and to double the percentage of total trips made by bicycling and walking in the United States.

From 1993 to 2008, bicycle fatalities fell by 22.3 percent and injuries were down by 14.7 percent. Pedestrian fatalities dropped by 12 percent and injuries dropped by 17.8 percent, surpassing the goal in the 1994 report.

However, in 2008, there were 4,378 pedestrians and 716 bicyclists killed in roadway crashes which indicates that there is still work to be done to make walking and bicycling safer and more convenient transportation options.

Out of their cars

The number of reported walking trips has more than doubled since the first survey -- from 18 billion in 1990 to 42.5 billion in 2009. Bicycling trips saw a similar increase, from 1.7 billion to four billion during the same period. While percentage increase in bicycle and pedestrian trips didn't fully meet the goal, the report also noted the population increase resulted in a greater number of overall trips and that progress is being made.

"We are proud of the work we've done to integrate walking and bicycling into people's transportation options," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. "But we won't stop working until we find ways to prevent fatalities and create more livable communities across the country."

The National Bicycling and Walking Study: A 15-Year Status Report is a status update to the 1994 National Bicycling and Walking Study. The new report looks at progress toward goals outlined in the original study and outlines federal, state and local programs that promote bicycle and walking throughout the country.

The firm has received two reports of snaps detaching. No injuries have been reported.

The onesies and rompers were sold in eight colors and prints: eggplant with kiwi green binding, floral print with eggplant binding, kiwi green with eggplant binding, pacific blue with kiwi green binding, crisscross print and kiwi green with pacific blue binding. The onesies were sold in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 12 to 18 months. The rompers were sold in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 18 to 24 months. Kiwi industries is printed on a tag sewn inside the garments collar.

The apparel, made in the United States, was sold at childrens specialty stores nationwide from March 2010 through May 2010 for between $24 and $28.

Consumers should immediately stop using the garments and contact Kiwi Industries for an exchange. The firm will provide a postage-free package for the return of the recalled garment.

For additional information, contact Kiwi Industries toll-free at (877) 509-4891 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit the firms website at www.kiwiindustries.com. Consumers can also email the firm at info@kiwiindustries.com.

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

By James Limbach
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 17, 2010

One provision of the healthcare legislation recently signed into law gives most people the right to file an appeal with an independent panel appointed by their state's insurance commissioner if an insurer denies a health-insurance claim.

Denial of claims is a common occurrence, judging from some of the correspondence ConsumerAffairs.com receives.

Robert of Celina, OH, writes that after being a United American Insurance (an Authorized Partner) policyholder since 1998, he made his first claim in 2009. "I had a colonoscopy, an endoscopy and my gallbladder removed -- the latter putting me in the hospital for two full days," he tells us. According to Robert, the total payout from the company was only $200, "barely 1/4 of what I calculated my policy should have paid."

When he asked the insurance company, he says, "They explained that they only pay out $200 annually on the policy, which seems strange since my premiums are almost $600 per year. I believe this company is running a total scam."

"It has been a nightmare!" writes Bonnie of Plano, IL, about her experience with Humana. She tells ConsumerAffairs.com that six months after her father was involved in a motorcycle accident, the company has yet to pay any bills.

"Now my mother is getting collection notices on some of them," she says. "I have called numerous times trying to get some answer as to why Humana has denied payment and all I get is that they need a referral from his doctor." Even though everything was submitted, she says, "I am still getting the same run-around -- they still say that they need a referral. I am at my wits end!!"

Appealing denials

Consumer Reports Money Adviser (CRMA) offers the following advice for people whose claims are denied:

• Before you even go to a doctor, read your benefit plan documents to make sure you understand what insurance will and won't cover. If any part of the policy is unclear to you, ask for clarification from your insurance agent, your insurer, or from a Medicare representative.

• Save copies of all paperwork from your doctor and your insurance company in chronological order.

• If your claim is denied, review all the paperwork as soon as possible, noting why the insurer denied the claim and why you think the bill should be covered. Then call your insurance company. Sometimes a simple error causes a denial, which can usually be cleared up quickly with a single phone call. If your insurer denies your claim a second time, it must send you a letter telling you that you have the right to have its decision reviewed by independent professionals. The company must also provide you with contact information for your state's insurance commissioner.

• You will need to submit a request for an external review within four months. Make sure your letter requesting an external appeal clearly explains why your procedure or medication was necessary, and why it should be paid for under your insurance policy.

• Be sure to keep a copy of everything you send to the insurance company for your records. Send letters by certified mail with return receipt requested.

The firm has received three reports of broken buckles. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves CYBEX 2.GO infant carriers. CYBEX is embroidered on the fabric covering on the top of the head support. 2.GO is printed on an orange tag near the head support. They were sold in the following colors: chili, indigo, purple and slate.

The carriers, made in China, were sold at baby furniture and baby product stores nationwide, and on various websites, from August 2009 through April 2010 for about $100.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled carriers and contact Regal Lager to receive a free replacement carrier.

For additional information, contact Regal Lager at (866) 678-8940 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firms website at www.regallager.com/recalls or email the firm at info@regallager.com.

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

Comverge is aware of 10 incidents of the communication module overheating and damaging the thermostat, in at least one incident there was minor smoke damage to the wall. Comverge has not received any reports of injuries.

This recall involves Comverge communication modules inside programmable thermostats sold by TXU Energy with a serial number between 1015857 and 1022518. The serial number can be found on the top of the thermostats plastic housing. The thermostats have TXU Energy and White Rodgers printed on the front faceplate.

Consumers should contact Comverge for a replacement communication module. The company will install a new communication module for consumers free of charge. Consumers should not attempt to disable or replace the communication module. Comverge is directly contacting consumers who own the recalled communication module.

For more information, contact Comverge toll-free at (866) 277-7001 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firms website at www.comverge.com/recall.

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

This recall involves the French Antique Gold, Zen Moss, Tropic Ginger, and Kansas White roll-up blind models. The roll-up shades are gold, green, tan and white and are made from natural fiber-paper, jute, and polyester.

The blinds were sold at online retailers including Overstock.com, Bestwindowtreatments.com, Bedbathstore.com, Unbeatablesale.com, Bonton.com, Linensource.com, and Solutions.com from April 2006 through March 2010. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should immediately stop using the roll-up blinds and contact Chicology to obtain a free retrofit kit.

For additional information, contact the company toll-free at (866) 999-6188 or visit the company's website at www.chicology.com.

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

The firm has received one report of the wax igniting. No injuries or property damage were reported.

This recall involves a set of nine succulent plant-shaped green candles in clay pots that were sold in a black container with a SKU number of 557-806. The SKU numbers are on the bottom of the original packaging.

The candles, made in China, were sold at Crate and Barrel stores and online at www.crateandbarrel.com from February 2010 through April 2010 for about $7.

Consumers should immediately stop using the candles and return the product to any Crate and Barrel store for a full refund. Consumers who purchased the recalled candles through Crate and Barrel's catalog or on the firm's Web site should contact Crate and Barrel to arrange to return the candles for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Crate and Barrel at (800) 451-8217 between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or visit the firm's website at www.crateandbarrel.com.

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

American Signature Inc. has received four reports of the shelf above the television collapsing, causing two injuries. Injuries include a child who was struck on her fingers and an adult who required stitches to his mouth. There were also two reports of minor property damage.

The recalled entertainment centers with model names "Arts and Crafts", "Vineyard Manor", "Lake Cottage", "Studio One", "West Indies" and "Plantation Cove" were sold in various colors including dark brown, natural, black and white with fixed or adjustable shelves.

The units were sold at Value City Furniture, Rooms Today and American Signature Furniture stores from October 2002 through December 2009 for about $1,650. The individual shelf was also sold separately for about $70. They were made in China, Malaysia and Thailand.

American Signature Inc. is sending free repair kits to consumers who purchased the recalled entertainment centers. Consumers should not move the entertainment centers until they install the free repair kit. If the entertainment center must be moved, remove the center shelf above the television first. Consumers should contact the store where they purchased the entertainment center if they do not receive the repair kit.

For more information, contact the store where the entertainment center was purchased. Consumers can find the location of American Signature Furniture stores at (866) 274-6631 or Value City Furniture stores at (866) 823-7867, contact American Signature toll-free at (877) 793-3423 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms' websites at www.vcf.com or www.asfurniture.com.

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

The company said the tension adjuster pulley on the pump's drive belt could break, cuasing the drive belt to come off and disabling the power steering.

Dealers will repair the problem at no charge. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934 about Recall No. SB.

Consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or at www.safercar.gov.

Dealers will inspect the wiring and, if necessary, make repairs.

Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 about Recall No. 9758/T7.

Consumers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or at www.safercar.gov.

Dritz is recalling about 12,000 electric scissors because they can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

Prym Consumer USA has received two reports of the electric scissors igniting causing minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The electric scissors are white and blue, about 10" long and include an AC adaptor. "Dritz" is written on the handle on the blue grip.

The scissors, made in China, were sold at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and other craft stores nationwide from September 2009 through February 2010 for about $50.

Consumers should return the scissors to store where purchased or mail directly to Prym Consumer USA for a refund. If mailing to Prym, please include the product, your complete name, mailing address and phone number in the package and mail to Prym Consumer USA Recall Center, 950 Brisack Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

For additional information, contact the firm at 800-255-7796 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, by e-mail at customer.service@prym-consumer-usa.com or on the firm's website at www.prym-consumer-usa.com.

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

This recall involves the Beado hand-held beaded play toy with model number 1501 and date code 02910 04323A. The product measures six inches in diameter and is composed of four blue plastic "hubs", six white plastic "wires" and twelve multi-colored beads that slide along the wires. The model number and date code are printed on the bottom of the packaging and the date code is also inside of the blue hubs (see picture below).

Beados that have a date code different than 02910 or have a date code of 02910 and an inspection sticker on the bottom of the packaging and a black mark by the date code inside the blue hub (see picture below) are not included in this recall.

The toys, made in China, were sold at specialty toy and juvenile retailers from March 2010 through May 2010 for about $12.

Consumers should immediately stop using this recalled toy and return it to the store where it was purchased to receive a full refund or a replacement Beado hand-held beaded toy.

For additional information, please contact Rhino Toys toll free at (877) 887-4433 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.rhinotoys.com.

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

This recall involves roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the bead chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds.

The blinds were sold at IKEA stores nationwide from January 1998 through June 2009 for between $5 and $55. They were made in India, Estonia, China, and Poland.

Consumers should immediately stop using the roller blinds that do not have a tension device attached to the chain, all Roman blinds and all roll-up blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund. In a previous recall, IKEA reminded consumers who have roller blinds with a tension device attached to the bead chain to make sure the tension device is installed into the wall or floor. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact IKEA for additional information.

For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's website at www.ikea-usa.com.

Safety regulators urge consumers to examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.

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

Federal safety regulators received one report of a 4 year-old boy whose head became entrapped in the opening of the storage bin. He sustained bruises on the back of his left and right ears.

This recall involves the Bayside youth bed: the Pirates of the Caribbean Twin Trundle Bed. The preassembled headboard has a brown wood base with decorative carvings, three open storage compartments, a storage bin and a mast. The storage bin located in the headboard, measures approximately 39 inches long, 6 1/2 inches wide and 24 inches deep. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" trademark is embossed on a metal plate inside the headboard. The name and address of the manufacturer, model number, manufacture date and "Made in China" is printed on a label affixed to the inside of the mattress frame side rails.

The beds, made in China, were sold at Costco stores nationwide from January 2006 through January 2010 for between $700 and $1,400.

Consumers should immediately stop using the headboard storage bin and contact the firm to receive a free repair kit that will permanently close the headboard storage bin. The repair kits will be mailed to consumers in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

For additional information, call Bayside toll-free at (877) 494-2536 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT or visit the firm's website at www.baysidefurnishings.com.

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

This recall involves IKEA Sultan Heidal spring mattresses sold in sizes twin, full, queen and king. Mattresses included in this recall are date stamped 0725 through 1014 (YYWW). Sultan Heidal, supplier number and date stamp are located on a label attached to the mattress. Article and supplier numbers included in the recall are:

The mattresses were sold at IKEA stores nationwide from June 2007 through April 2010 for between $500 and $1,000. They were made in Mexico.

Consumers should immediately stop using the mattresses and contact their local IKEA store for instructions on returning the mattress for a replacement of full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firms website at www.ikea-usa.com

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

Maytag has received 12 reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in fires and dishwasher damage, including one report of extensive kitchen damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

The recall includes Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial numbers. The affected dishwashers were manufactured with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front panels. The brand name is printed on the front of the dishwasher. The model and serial numbers are printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the left side of the door opening. Serial numbers will start or end with one of the following sequences:

The dishwashers were sold at department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from February 2006 through April 2010 for between $250 and $900. They were manufactured in the United States.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire and contact Maytag to verify if their dishwasher is included in the recall.

If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel tub dishwashers. The rebate is $150 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979; or $250 if the consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809 or MDB7709.

Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to the retailer where they were purchased as retailers are not prepared to take the units back.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 anytime, or visit the firms website at www.repair.maytag.com

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

The firm has received one report of a 10-month-old child mouthing the toys foam material. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Animal Crackers Giant Stacking Toys. The multi-colored toy has five plush stacking rings that stack and rest on a stationary turtle base. The rings represent different animals including a frog, dog, cat, rabbit, mouse and chick. A fish is on top of the center pole. Each ring makes a different sound: rattle, jingle, crinkle and squeak. One Step Ahead is printed on a white tag attached to the toy. The toy measures about 19 inches high and 10 inches wide when assembled.

The toys were sold through One Step Aheads catalog and on the firms website at www.onestepahead.com from October 2008 through April 2010 for about $35. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and return the toys center pole to One Step Ahead for a $50 merchandise certificate to be applied toward the purchase of another product(s) sold in the One Step Ahead catalog or online at www.onestepahead.com. The firm is directly contacting consumers who purchased the recalled toy.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact One Step Ahead toll-free at (866) 271-4536 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firms website at www.onestepahead.com.

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

The firm has received two reports of clasps failing. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the nylon carrying case sold with Night Train guitar amplifiers. The black carrying case has metal clasps and a nylon arm strap. VOX is printed on the front pocket of the carrying case. The carrying cases were sold with amplifiers with model number NT15H. Model numbers can be found on the rear panel of the amplifier.

The units were sold by music instrument stores nationwide and on the Internet from April 2009 to April 2010 for about $700 for the amplifier. The carrying case was sold with the amplifier. They were made in Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately remove and stop using the carrying case with the strap. Consumers should contact VOX Amplification for a free replacement strap with a new clasp.

For additional information, contact VOX Amplification at (800) 645-3188 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firms web site at www.voxamps.com. Consumers can also write to VOX Amplification at 316 South Service Road, Melville, N.Y. 11747.

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

BRP has received six reports of fuel leaks, three of which resulted in vehicle fires. One of the incidents involved a rider suffering superficial burns.

This recall involves the Ski-Doo snowmobiles model year 2010 Expedition TUV 1200 and model year 2010 Expedition TUV SE 1200. The model year and name are displayed on each side of the snowmobile and on a decal on the right side of the snowmobile.

The snowmobiles were sold at Ski-Doo dealerships nationwide from March 2009 through April 2010 for between $8,000 and $9,000. They were made in Finland.

Consumers should stop using these snowmobiles immediately and contact their local Ski-Doo snowmobile dealer to schedule a free repair. Registered owners have been directly notified about this recall by mail.

For additional information, call BRP at (800) 366-6992 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.brp.com.

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