Recalls in January 2011

Honda is recalling about 2,277 2010 Accords and CR-Vs because of a problem that could cause engine stalling.

The company said that there is a potential problem with the engine wiring harness connector which could cause intermittent spark plug firing and a subsequent stall.

Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring harness connector free of charge when the recall begins in February 2011.

Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

White-Rodgers is recalling about 188,000 programmable thermostats sold in the United States and Canada.

The thermostats constantly charge the backup AA batteries used to power the thermostat’s clock. This can cause the batteries to leak, resulting in a fire hazard. The firm is aware of three incidents involving minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves all White-Rodgers programmable thermostats with model numbers 1F88-XXX and 1F85RF-275 and date codes beginning with 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 1001 through 1039. The model number is printed on the thermostat’s front pull-down panel door. The date code is located inside the removable front cover. White-Rodgers and/or the utility company’s name and logo are printed on the front of the thermostat. These thermostats were able to be controlled by power companies in homes that took part in energy demand reduction programs.

More than 40 utility companies distributed the thermostats to consumers nationwide who took part in energy conservation programs and the units were also sold by various HVAC wholesalers for about $150. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately remove the two AA batteries from the thermostat and contact White-Rodgers for a free repair kit. If battery removal causes changes in furnace operation, contact White-Rodgers.

For additional information, contact White-Rodgers toll-free at (888) 624-1901 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.regcen.com/Thermostat

Marker Völkl USA and Kästle are recalling about 5,400 Marker and Kästle Twin Cam 12.0 ski bindings. Steel springs in the heel pieces of the bindings could break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

This recall includes the following 2010-2011 model year Marker and Kästle Twin Cam ski bindings with maximum release/retention settings of 12.0.

The bindings were sold at ski and specialty sports retailers nationwide from January 2010 through December 2010 for the Kästle bindings and from July 2010 through December 2010 for the Marker bindings. The bindings sold for between $280 and $340. They were made in the Czech Republic.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled ski bindings and return Marker bindings to a Marker authorized retailer or return Kästle bindings to a Kästle authorized retailer for a free replacement heel binding. Consumers should bring their ski boots to be sure that the replacement bindings are adjusted correctly.

For additional information, contact Marker Völkl at (800) 453-3862 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email Marker at recall@markerusa.com or visit Marker’s website at www.markerusa.com. Call Kästle collect at (970) 390-4498 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email Kästle at jpom73@gmail.com or visit the firm’s website at www.kastle-ski.com

Discovery Toys is recalling about 2,900 Toddler Talk toy mobile phones in the United States and 700 in Canada. The clear plastic antenna can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Discovery Toys has received reports of three incidents in which the toy telephone’s antenna broke off. A child was found mouthing the toy phone’s antennae but it was removed by his mother.

This recall involves a red and blue plastic battery-operated toy mobile phone with a small, clear antennae, buttons numbered “1, 2, 3, 4 and Play,” a screen with a boy’s face and the words “hello! hola! bonjour!” Only model number 1231 is involved in this recall. The model number is printed on the toy’s packaging. “Discovery Toys” is stamped into the red plastic on the back of the toy.

The phones were sold by Discovery Toys Educational Consultants nationwide from September 2010 through November 2010 for about $18. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy mobile phones away from young children and contract Discovery Toys for instructions on how to return them for a replacement toy.

For additional information, contact Discovery Toys at (800) 426-4777 anytime, or visit the firm’s website at www.discoverytoysinc.com

Callison, Inc. is recalling about 7,000 Cool-it Soother Teething Rings by Vulli. If the teething ring is punctured, bacteria and mold can grow inside the teether’s untreated liquid. This poses an ingestion hazard to infants and can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

The Cool-it Soother teething ring is clear and is attached to a green plastic handle in the shape of the character “Gnon.”

The teething rings were sold at small children’s specialty stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.com from January 2008 through November 2010 for about $10. They were made in France.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled teething ring away from children and return it to Calisson for a free replacement teething ring.

For additional information, contact Calisson toll-free at (888) 318-9803 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.sophiegiraffeusa.com (pdf)

Hot Kids is recalling about 18,000 children's hooded sweatshirts and jackets. The drawstrings create a strangulation hazard.

This recall involves children's sweatshirts and jackets sold in sizes 2 through 12. The items are made of various materials and were sold in 13 colors and various prints. The brand names MJC, Hot Kids or MJ Collection are printed on the sewn-in label at the neck.

The garments were sold by Hot Kids Store in Los Angeles and by nationwide wholesalers from June 2002 through January 2010 for between $6 and $15. They were made in China and Vietnam.

Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts and jackets to eliminate the hazard or return the clothing to Hot Kids for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Hot Kids at (888) 946-8546 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at http://www.mejoong.com

Pajamagram is recalling about 800 Hoodie Footie Infant and Toddler Footed Pajamas. The metal snaps that attach the hood to pajamas can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The Hoodie-Footie™ infant and toddler footed pajamas have a front zipper and a detachable hood. The style "Winter Whimsy" is red fleece with multi-colored penguins, snowmen and snowflake designs. They were sold in infant sizes 0 to 18 months and toddler sizes 2T to 5T. "Hoodie Footie," the size and the code GPU#SUNHFH1 or GPU#SUNHFH2 are printed on a label at the neck of the pajamas.

The pajamas were sold through Pajamagram catalogs and on the firm's website www.pajamagram.com from November 2010 through December 2010 for about $30. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled pajamas away from children and contact Pajamagram to receive free replacement pajamas plus a $25 gift card.

For additional information, contact The Vermont Teddy Bear Company/Pajamagram at (800) 262-1162 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.pajamagram.com

Kid O Products is recalling about 1,500 baby rattles. The baby rattle’s beads can come off when the rattle is twisted or pulled forcefully, posing a choking hazard to young children.

This recall involves the Prisma and Duo style wooden baby rattles with multi-colored beads. The Prisma rattle is shaped as a bell with a loop handle and has style number 10331. The rattle measures about 3 ¾- inches long. “Prisma” and the style number can be found on the packaging. The Duo rattle is two interlocked rings with red and blue bead accents. “Duo” and style number 10333 is printed on the packaging.

Specialty children’s stores sold the rattles nationwide from November 2010 through December 2010 for about $12. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from children and return them to the retail store where they purchased it for a full refund. Consumers can also contact Kid O Products for instructions on how to mail the product to receive a full refund.

For additional information, contact Kid O Products collect at (212) 366-5858 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.kidoproducts.com

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, WA, is recalling all of its clover and clover mix products because they have the potential to be contaminated withSalmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected withSalmonellaoften experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection withSalmonellacan result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recall was initiated January 1^stby Sprouters Northwest after learning that a few cases of Salmonella might be linked to sprouts.  Sprouters Northwest, Inc. concluded that this type of cautionary, voluntary action was the appropriate and responsible reaction regardless of the limited information available.

The recalled clover products were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska in retail chains and through wholesale distribution.

The withdrawal includes 4oz. (UPC 8 15098 00201 6) and 5oz. (UPC 0 33383 70235 3) containers of Clover sprouts, 1lb. bags of Clover (UPC 0 79566 12351 5), and 2 lb trays of Clover (UPC 0 79566 12362 1). Also included are Clover Onion sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 0 79566 12361 4) and 5oz. (UPC 0 79566 12361 4) containers, Deli sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 8 79566 12305 4) and 5oz. (UPC 0 33383 70267 4) containers, Spicy sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 8 15098 00202 3) containers, and Brocco sandwich sprouts in 4oz. (UPC 8 15098 00028 9) containers. This affects all of the above products with a “best by” date of 1/16/11 and earlier.

Sprouters Northwest is cooperating fully with state and federal scientists in a comprehensive effort to help compile more information in an effort to better understand the possible source of the contamination.

Production of these products has been suspended while FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased these clover based products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 253-872-0577 Mon-Fri 7AM -11AM

Surtex Foods Co. of Los Angeles is recalling Oaxaca string Cheese La Original in their 17.63 oz/ 500 gr presentation because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Staphylococcus aureus the bacterium responsible for producing toxins in foods, can cause gastrointestinal illness that usually begins 1-6 hours after eating contaminated food. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, headache, muscle cramping, and temporary changes in blood pressure and pulse rate may occur. The illness is usually mild and most patients recover after one to three days. In a small minority of patients the illness may be more severe. In these cases, some people, especially the very young and old, may require medical treatment for dehydration from vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Oaxaca String Cheese “La Original” ( 17.63 /500 gr presentation) was distributed in California through retail stores and distributors.

The recalled product comes in a 17.63 ounce (500 gr), clear plastic package marked- Oaxaca String Cheese, “La Original de Oaxaca” with a UPC code of 8 90512 00104 2, Lot # 1360912 with expiration date 01/09/2011

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem. NO OTHER PRODUCTS OR BATCHES FROM THIS COMPANY AND/OR PRODUCT THAT HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED WERE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.

Consumers who have purchased “Oaxaca String Cheese “La Original” ( 17.63 /500 gr presentation), UPC code of 8 90512 00104 2, Lot # 1360912 with expiration date 01/09/2011, are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (323) 357-5900 Monday through Friday, 8am through 3pm PST.

Foria is recalling about 21,000 men's fleece sherpa shirts. The shirts fail to meet the federal flammability standard for wearing apparel and pose a risk of burn injury.

The firm received two reports from consumers stating that the shirts quickly caught on fire. No injuries were reported.

The recalled men's pullover Sherpa shirts have a four-snap placket and long sleeves with rib-knit cuffs. The shirts are made from 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester blend brushed Sherpa fleece in olive and burgundy. A "Norm Thompson" woven label is located at the center back neckline of the garments.

The shirts were sold through Norm Thompson catalogs and website and at Norm Thompson Stores in Lake Oswego, Lincoln City, Troutdale, Portland, and Portland Airport, all in Oregon; and in North Conway, N.H. and Kearneysville, W.V. from September 2003 through November 2009 for about $45.00. They were made in India.

Consumers should stop using the recalled shirts immediately and contact Foria International for information on returning the shirts for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Foria International toll free at (888) 999-6568 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.foria.com

Ariens is recalling about 1,000 SnoThro 30LE Deluxe Snow Throwers. Users trying to clear the collector or discharge chute while the machine is operating could be at risk of a finger or hand injury hazard.

The snow thrower is painted orange and black. The model number is 921020 and serial numbers range from 000101 to 001229 and are located on a label at the rear of the unit next to the right tire. The Ariens logo is placed on the front of the control panel.

Home Depot and local Ariens authorized dealerships sold the devices from October 2009 to January 2010 for about $1,500. They were made in the United States.

Ariens Company has fixed about 600 of these units prior to their sale. To determine if your unit has been repaired contact Ariens. If your unit has not been repaired, Ariens will assist you in scheduling an appointment for a free repair with an Ariens authorized dealer in your area.

For more information, contact Ariens Company toll free at (888) 927-4367 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company's website at www.ariens.com

Have you bought something that was later recalled by the manufacturer or the government? Are you sure?

A recent poll by Consumer Reports (CR) finds only one-fifth of U.S. adults were aware of having purchased food, medication or a product (other than a car) that was recalled in the past three years.

The nationally representative survey, conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center found that half of consumers were not confident that manufacturers and retailers provided safety information to government agencies. Two-fifths lacked confidence that manufacturers and retailers gave consumers with appropriate product recall information.

Full survey results appear in the magazine's February issue, now on sale.

Among the survey’s other findings:

• Of the 20 percent of the population who believe they purchased a recalled product, nearly 40 percent responded that it was for food, almost 40 percent for a medication, and 24 percent for a product.
• Less than one quarter of Americans researched a product they purchased to see if it was recalled.
• More than half of Americans said they never or rarely filled out the registration cards that come with products.

Dangerous products

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 124.7 million products were recalled last year and overall, recalled products were associated with 26 deaths. Tens of millions of children each year are needlessly exposed to unsafe products, toys, and foods that have been recalled, according to CR.

“Time and time again we’ve seen incidents of recalled products including bassinets, window blind cords and toys, killing or injuring children,” said Don Mays, senior director, product safety, Consumer Reports.  “Among the most effective steps to protect yourself is to get your name on manufacturer’s recall contact lists so that you can be notified when something you purchased is recalled. You can do that by mailing in product registration cards that come with many products or registering online. ”

Many miss out

Regardless of their skepticism regarding the sources of safety information, a large majority of U.S. adults felt that it was extremely important that consumers receive appropriate recall notices for medications and food. They appeared to be less concerned with notices connected to clothing and sporting equipment recalls.

However, when it comes to recalls of children’s sporting equipment, people were nearly as concerned that parents get accurate safety information, as they were for children’s food and medication recalls.

While only 20 percent of consumers were concerned that they personally missed a recall announcement in the past three years, some groups were more concerned than others. For example, concern appears to decrease with age.

More than a quarter of 18 to 24-year-old consumers were concerned they missed a product recall notice. This compares with less than a sixth of all consumers 65 and older. Parents of school and/or pre-school age children were also slightly more apt to be worried about missing such announcements than were other adults (26 percent vs. 19 percent).

In the loop

Consumers were more likely to find out about product recalls from the news than any other source. Nearly two-thirds of those who had experienced a recent food recall and a slight majority of those who purchased a recalled medication found out about the recall from a news report.

Finding out about product recalls was somewhat more varied. While a plurality of those who purchased a recalled product were informed of the recall via the news, one-sixth found out about the recall from the manufacturer and a little more than a tenth from family, friends or coworkers.

Recall Analysis

Consumer Reports analyzed all recalls publicly announced by the CPSC in its 2010 fiscal year that ran from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. Other information was collected from the recalls database on the CPSC’s website. Here are some highlights:

• Fisher-Price had the most recalls; five notices involved 11.38 million products. Various toys and high chairs were included.
• The largest single recall involved McDonald’s Shrek-themed glasses with decals containing cadmium. Twelve million glasses were recalled.
• Items intended for children represented 73 percent of recalled products. There were 177 recalls of children’s products amounting to 54.2 million items.
• Strangulation was the hazard most often associated with the recalled products. That danger was common to all recalls of corded window coverings and of children’s outerwear with drawstrings.

The Consumer Reports Product Recalls survey is based on a nationally representative sample of American adults, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. A total of 2,005 landline and cellular random digit dial (RDD) telephone interviews were completed among adults aged 18+. Interviewing took place between August 19 and August 29, 2010. The margin of error is +/- 2.6 points at a 95 percent confidence level.

Christmas Tree Shops is recalling about 430 oven rack guards. The product cannot withstand the high temperatures stated on the packaging and can overheat posing a fire hazard.

The firm has received nine reports of the product causing smoke or catching fire. Of those nine reports, three consumers reported property damage and five reported injuries, such as headache, sore throat, nausea and eye irritation from smoke.

The recalled Oven Rack Guard is intended to be placed on an oven rack to prevent burns on the arms or wrist when placing items in or removing them from an oven. The Oven Rack Guard is off white in color, 18 inches long and contains five metal snaps that secure the Oven Rack Guard to the oven rack. The SKU number is 66262 and the UPC number is 15697769. Both numbers are located on the package.

Christmas Tree Shops sold the guards, which were made in China, primarily in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions in October 2010 for about $3.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and return it to any Christmas Tree Shop location for a full refund.

For additional information, contact Christmas Tree Shops toll-free at (888) 287-3232 with calls accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, or visit the firm's website at www.christmastreeshops.com

About 3,500 Avalung backpacks are being recalled. The air intake tubing can crack under cold temperatures, causing the unit not to function as intended, posing a suffocation hazard.

The company has received one report of an air intake tubing cracking. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the following Black Diamond 2010 Avalung backpacks (see chart below). These backpacks have an air intake system that the company states extracts air from the snow, allowing the victim of an avalanche to breathe while buried under the snow. The model name and color are printed on the side of the backpack. The PO number is printed on a white label inside the backpack.

Specialty outdoor and ski shops nationwide sold the backpacks, which were made in China, from January 2010 through December 2010 for between $180 and $280.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled backpacks and contact Black Diamond Equipment to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.

For additional information, contact Black Diamond collect at (801) 278-5533 anytime or visit the company’s website at www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com/AvaLungRecall

Quoizel Inc. is recalling about 150 outdoor hanging lanterns. The glass lantern can separate from the top support ring and fall, injuring people who are nearby.

The recall involves outdoor hanging lanterns labeled as "Northridge" in the Quiozel 2009 Catalog with the model number #AGNT1912K. The lantern is made of black aluminum; yellow, orange and white glass; and red, orange and beige agate stones. It is 19.5" tall and 12" diameter. The model number is located on the side of the lantern's box, on a tag attached to the lantern, on the instruction sheet and on the lantern's ceiling mount.

Specialty lighting retail shops and online merchants sold the lanterns, which were made in China, from June 2008 to January 2010

Consumers should immediately stop using the outdoor hanging lantern and contact Quoizel Inc. for a free replacement.

For additional information, call Quoizel Inc. toll-free at (877) 316-2589 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.quoizel.com

ITT Water Technology, Inc., is recalling about 21,000 sump and effluent pumps. Pumps installed without ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection can pose an electric shock or electrocution hazard if touched by the consumer.

If you suspect that you have one of the recalled pumps and it is plugged in, do not touch it, the water around it or the surrounding floor area.

The recall involves Goulds, Red Jacket and Bell & Gossett Pumps used in residential applications to pump wastewater and sewage. The pumps are sky blue or red and display the brand names Goulds, Red Jacket or Bell & Gossett. These pumps were installed in new construction or as replacement pumps between December 2009 and July 2010. The models are:

The pumps were sold through Goulds, Red Jacket and Bell & Gossett distributors nationwide from December 2009 to July 2010 for between $280 to $700.The pump is manufactured in the United States and the accompanying cord was manufactured in China.

If you have purchased a sump pump between December 2009 and July 2010 and it is sky blue or red, you may have a recalled pump. To verify if your pump is one affected by this recall, immediately contact ITT Water Technology on the toll-free number below. If your pump is affected, a technician will be sent to your home to replace or repair the pump.

For additional information, please contact ITT Water Technology toll-free at (866) 325-4204, or visit the firm's website at www.goulds.com, or www.redjacketwaterproducts.com or www.bellgossett.com

All Formulas of Reduce Weigh Fruta Planta/Reduce Weight products are being recalled.

A lab analysis by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined the products pose a threat to consumers because they contain the pharmaceutical ingredient Sibutramine, a controlled substance that was withdrawn from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons.

Sibutramine is known to increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients substantially and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. However, no illnesses or injuries have been reported to the company to date in connection with these products.

All lots pulled

PRock Marketing, LLC, located in central Florida -- an authorized U.S. distributor of the product -- is recalling all lots of the product:

1. Fruta Planta; 30 Capsules/Box
2. Reduce Weight Fruta Planta; 30 capsules/Box; 30 capsules/Bottle
3. Reduce Weight Fruta Planta; 30 capsules/ Pink Box;
4. Reduce Weight Fruta Planta; 30 capsules/Box With GMP Sticker
5. Reduce Weight Fruta Planta; 30 Capsules/Box
6. Reduce Weight; 30 Capsules/Box

The products listed above were sold and distributed nationwide via the Internet by several different Websites and can also be found in some retail locations.

PRock Marketing stresses that there is no safe formula on the US market -- that all versions of Fruta Planta contain Sibutramine. That means all versions of the formula are unsafe and should not be purchased from any source.

Consumer advice

Consumers are advised to destroy the above products or return them to the company in Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. Those with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm EST at 877-225-1009.

Any adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail using use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500 and mailing to the address on the pre-addressed form or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

Salsa Cycles is recalling about 6,500 handlebar stems. The stems can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

Salsa Cycles has received one report of a handlebar stem breaking that resulted in minor injuries.

This recall involves all CroMoto S.U.L. 25.4 and 26.0 threadless handlebar stems and all CroMoto S.U.L. 26.0 quill handlebar stems sold as individual aftermarket units after April 1, 2010. The handlebar stems are black and have the word "Salsa" painted on the extension. The recalled handlebar stems have a hash mark on the inside of the stem bar clamp area.

Bicycle retailers and websites sold the stems from April 2010 through October 2010 for about $65. They were made in Taiwan.

Consumers should stop riding bicycles containing these handlebar stems immediately and contact an authorized Salsa Bicycles dealer for a free inspection and a handlebar stem replacement or a full refund.

For additional information, contact Quality Bicycle Products toll-free at(877) 774-6208  between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit their website at www.salsacromotostem.com