Recalls in October 2010

The carbon top clamp of the seat post can crack, posing a fall hazard to the user.

This recall involves bicycles with 2010 EC90 Zero seat posts. The EC90 Zero seat posts are black with red and gray graphics. "EC90" is printed on the post.

The bicycles, made in China, were sold by Turner Suspension Bicycles, Ibis Cycles and Security Bicycle Accessories retailers nationwide from April 2010 through August 2010 for between $150 and $200.

Consumers should immediately stop riding the bicycles and contact any authorized Easton Sports for a free replacement top seat clamp.

For more information, contact Easton Sports toll-free at (866) 892-6059       between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.eastonbike.com

The Children's Place is recalling about 3,000 girls' ruffle vests. Metal snaps may detach from garment causing a choking hazard.

The girls' ruffle vests are quilted and "chalk" colored with a hood trimmed in fake fur. The vests have a label sewn to the inside side seam of the lining with number #587754 printed on it.

The vests were sold online at The Children's Place Services LLC website, www.childrensplace.com, in September 2010 for about $20. They were made in China.

Customers who purchased the recalled product online will be mailed a postage-paid envelope with instructions for returning the vest(s) for a full refund.

For questions, contact The Children's Place Services Company, LLC at877-752-2387 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit their website at www.childrensplace.com

The company said that due to an incorrect heater controller signal, air flow may change cycle between hot and cold. This could affect defroster performance, possibly causing a crash.

Dealers will inspect the system and, if necessary, replace defective parts.

Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

The company said that three screws that secure the outside rear view mirrors can come loose, causing the mirror to fall off.

Dealers will replace the screws free of charge.  Owners may contact Suzuki at  1-887-697-8985.

Men concerned about their sperm count should steer clear of Bisphenol-A, or BPA, a chemical created in the production of polycarbonated plastics and epoxy resins found in baby bottles, plastic containers, the linings of cans used for food and beverages, and in dental sealants.

A five-year study conducted by Kaiser Permanente concluded that high exposure to BPA was significantly associated with decreased sperm concentration, decreased total sperm count, decreased sperm vitality and decreased sperm motility.

The study, which appears in the Journal ofFertility and Sterility, recruited 514 workers in factories in China and compared workers who had high urine BPA levels with those with low urine BPA.

Men with higher urine BPA levels had 2-4 times the risk of having poor semen quality, including low sperm concentration, low sperm vitality and motility.

Previous studies

Previous studies of BPA and sperm counts found a detrimental association between BPA and male reproductive systems in mice and rats, but this is the first study to report an adverse association between BPA and semen quality in humans.

This study is the third in a series, published by Dr. Li and his colleagues, that examines the effect of BPA in humans.

The first study, published in November 2009 in the Oxford Journals Human Reproduction, found that exposure to high levels of BPA in the workplace increases the risk of reduced sexual function in men.

The second study, published in May 2010 in the Journal of Andrology, found that increasing BPA levels in urine are associated with worsening male sexual function.

Funded by the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, this new study adds to emerging human evidence questioning the safety of BPA.

"Compared with men without detectable urine BPA, those with detectable urine BPA had more than three times the risk of lowered sperm concentration and lower sperm vitality, more than four times the risk of a lower sperm count, and more than twice the risk of lower sperm motility," said the study's lead author. De-Kun Li, MD, PhD, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.

He added that urine BPA was not associated with semen volume or abnormal sperm morphology.

"Similar dose-response associations were observed among participants with only environmental BPA exposure at levels comparable to men in the general United States population," said Li.

Despite a markedly reduced sample size in this group of men exposed only to low environmental BPA sources, the inverse correlation between increased urine BPA level and decreased sperm concentration and total sperm count remain statistically significant, the researchers explained.

"The consistency of the findings between the current and the previous two studies, despite different exposure measurements (urine BPA levels vs. BPA exposure in the workplace) and end points (semen quality vs. sexual function), strengthens the validity of these findings," said Dr. Li. "The finding of the adverse BPA effect on semen quality illustrates two points: first, exposure to BPA now has been linked to changes in semen quality, an objective physiological measure. Second, this association shows BPA potential potency: it could lead to pathological changes of the male reproductive system in addition to the changes of sexual function."

Highly suspect

The researchers explained that BPA is believed by some to be a highly suspect human endocrine disrupter, likely affecting both male and female reproductive systems. This new epidemiological study of BPA's effects on the male reproductive system provides evidence that has been lacking as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and various other U.S. government panels have explored this controversial topic.

These findings, Dr. Li also points out, may portend adverse BPA effects beyond the male reproductive system. Semen quality and malesexual dysfunction could be more sensitive early indicators for adverse BPA effects than other disease endpoints that are more difficult to study, such as cancer or metabolic diseases.

For this study, workers in participating factories with and without BPA exposure in the workplace were identified and deemed eligible for the study. Among 888 eligible workers, 514 (58 percent) agreed to participate in the study. Of them, 218 participants provided both urine and semen specimens and were included in the final analyses.

Through an in-person interview, participants provided information on demographic characteristics; potential risk factors that may influence semen quality including smoking, alcohol use, chronic diseases, history of sub-fertility, exposure to other chemicals and heavy metals; and recent exposure to heat sources such as a steam bath, as well as occupational history.

Nissan is recalling more than 2 million vehicles in the U.S., Japan, Asia and Europe to fix an ignition problem that may cause the engine to stall, including:.

Dealers will replace the part free of charge. No date has been set for the recall to begin.

This recall involves plastic Halloween-themed lanterns designed to resemble a pumpkin, ghost and skull. The lanterns are about 6 1/2 inches tall and were sold in orange, white and black. Model number 954437-13096-003-1005 is printed on the bottom of the lanterns.

Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Occasions, Deal$ and Dollar Tree Deal$ stores sold the lanterns, which were made in China, nationwide from August 2010 to October 2010 for about $1.

Consumers should take the recalled lanterns away from children immediately, remove and properly discard the batteries and return the lanterns to the store where purchased for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Dollar Tree Stores Inc. at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.dollartree.com

BMW is recalling about 20,800 model-year 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles to replace low- pressure fuel pumps.

The recalled vehicles are equipped with normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engines to replace the low-pressure fuel pump. In this case, should the fuel pump experience a failure, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes although both the steering and the brakes remain operational.

No injuries have been reported, BMW said.

The recall is unrelated to the recall of about 130,000 vehicles to repair problems with the fuel pump in twin-turbo engines.

NHTSA this year started investigations into BMW's

BMW is recalling about 130,000 vehicles in the U.S. for fuel-pump defects that may reduce engine performance or cause a loss of power-assist for the brakes and steering.

Most of the recalled vehicles are equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines. Symptoms include long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of the "Service Engine Soon" light. In certain cases, the driver may experience reduced engine performance in a Safe Mode accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the "Engine Malfunction" light.

Based on the individual service history of the vehicle, the action will entail replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and/or a software update.

Approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump. Affected BMW models include:

· 2007-2010 335i models.
· 2008-2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes
· 2009 - 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i

The shoes, made in China, were sold at Meijer stores nationwide from July 2010 through September 2010 for about $15.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled shoes from children. Consumers can remove and discard the toggles to eliminate the hazard or return the product to any Meijer store for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Meijer at (800) 927-8699 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.meijer.com

The company said that if the wrong brake fluid is used, a part of the rubber seal in the master cylinder may become dry, causing the seal to curl.  That could allow a small amount of brake fluid to leak, possibly degrading brake performance.

Dealers will replace the master cylinder seal free of charge.  Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Colombina says the recall is a precautionary measure and that it believes the product presents no health risk.

Two lots affected

Specific lots of Colombina Brand Mega Pops being recalled are in 14-ounce and 28-ounce cellophane bags containing watermelon, cherry, orange and grape flavored pops.  The affected Mega Pops can be identified by UPC Code numbers 0 14272 10873 9 or 0 14272 10862 3, and are in lots marked as Lot #1240695, Lot #1209708, or Lot #1209796.

The lot number appears in a white square on the lower left hand side of the reverse of each bag. Colombina Mega Pops are distributed nationwide through several different retailers and wholesalers.
Refunds available

Customers who return the product to the store where they purchased the product may receive a refund or store credit for the purchase price of the product. The offer applies to all bags of Mega Pops about which customers may have a concern, regardless of lot number.

"We are always guided by customer safety and satisfaction," said Carlos Gil, Colombina USA Vice President. "Using an abundance of caution, we are working with all our valued retailers to quickly remove the product from the shelves. We've also set up a special 24 hour hotline to answer any questions consumers may have."

Colombina is coordinating efforts with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as with U.S. retailers, and says it will continue to do so until the matter has been resolved.

Until the situation is resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved, Mega Pops will be temporarily unavailable in the U.S.

Customers with questions can call 1-888-317-3686 toll-free.

• 8-ounce packages of "MARKET PANTRY BEEF STICKS, ORIGINAL."

Kohler is recalling Kohler and Sterling Frameless by-pass bath doors. The glass doors can shatter, posing a laceration hazard.

The recall involves Kohler and Sterling frameless by-pass bath doors. By-pass doors consist of two panels that slide on a track and overlap one another. They can be identified by the tempering date located on the bath door glass panel, which reads "080410" or by the SAU (serial) number on the manufacturer's box. SAU numbers can be found on the white bar code label on the spine of the box below the retail label. The affected door models and SAU numbers are as follows:

The doors were sold at four Lowes and three Home Depot stores from August 2010 through September 2010 for about $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the doors and contact Kohler for a free replacement door.

For more information, contact Kohler Co. at(866) 782-6329 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at:http://www.kohler.com/corp/pr/newscurrent.html

Claire-Sprayway is recalling about 73,000 cans of spray-on fabric protector. Overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist from the product can pose a serious respiratory hazard.

The recall involves fabric protector which is an aerosol coating used to protect fabric. The fabric protector was sold under the following brand names: Sprayway® No. 980 Industrial Fabric Protector; 3D Fabric Protector; Auto Brite Fabric Protector Guardatela; Auto Magic® Fabric Protector No. 91-S; Crystal Aire Products #680 Fabric Protector; Falcon Labs® Spotless Fabric Protector; Quiltprotect™ Spray; Robbie's™ Fabric Shield; Showcar Fabric Protector and Simoniz® System 5 Stain Sentry Fabric Protector. The can size is 13.5 oz., and the product code is located on the bottom of the can.

The products, made in the U.S., were sold at utomotive supply, auto detailing, upholstery, textiles, furniture and fabric stores nationwide from January 2005 through August 2010 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact Claire-Sprayway to receive a full refund.

For additional information, contact Claire-Sprayway toll-free at(877) 416-7324 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's websites at www.clairemfg.com or www.spraywayinc.com

Ethan Allen is recalling about 3,250 drop-side cribs.

The crib's drop-side rail hardware can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side rail to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler's body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and with age-related wear and tear.

Ethan Allen has received five reports of incidents involving the crib's drop-side detaching, resulting in bumps and bruises to three children. One child became entrapped and two children fell out of the crib after the drop side detached, one child received a pinched hand and one child received an unspecified injury.

This recall involves Ethan Allen brand cribs with item numbers 14-5650, 15-5650, 16-5650, 26-5650, 35-5622, 36-5620, 36-5622 and 38-5622. "Ethan Allen" and the item number are printed on a label on the crib's headboard or footboard. The cribs were sold in a variety of colors.

The cribs, made in the U.S. And China, were sold at Ethan Allen stores from January 2002 through December 2008 for between $550 and $900.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and contact any Ethan Allen store to receive a free repair kit that will immobilize the drop-side rail. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child's age.

For additional information, contact Ethan Allen toll-free at(888) 339-9398 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, contact the local Ethan Allen store or visit the firm's website at www.ethanallen.com

Angel Line is recalling about 3,400 Longwood Forest and Angel Line drop-side cribs.

The crib’s drop-side rail hardware can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop-side rail to detach from the crib. When the drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents also can occur due to age-related wear and tear.

This recall involves the following models of Longwood Forest drop-side cribs with plastic drop-side hardware: 6103S, 6105S, 6106S, 6108S, 6109S, 8025P, and 8029P. They were sold in white, brown, natural and oak colors. “Longwood Forest” or “Angel Line” and the model number are printed on a label on the crib’s headboard. The firm’s fixed-side cribs and drop-side cribs with metal rod-type hardware are not included in this recall.

The cribs, made in China, were sold on the Web at Ababy.com, Babyage.com and other Web retailers from December 2004 through January 2009 for about $140.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Angel Line to receive for a free repair kit that will immobilize the drop-side rail. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

For additional information, contact Angel Line at(800) 889-8158anytime, visit the firm’s website at visit www.angelline.com or email the firm at parts@angelline.com