Loading...
Loading...
All product recalls affecting Minnesota.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Minnesota in the distribution area.
Toy Mobiles Recalled by Albert E. Price NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 1980 Release # 80-030 Stuffed Toy Mobiles Recalled Because Of Strangulation Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 21, 1980) -- Approximately 2,300 stuffed mobile toys which may pose a strangulation hazard to infants are being recalled by their importer, Albert E. Price, Inc., of Bellmawr, New Jersey. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall applies to two types of stuffed animal mobiles which are intended to be suspended from ceilings or cribs by a metal spring and two white string cords. Although no deaths or injuries have been associated with these toys, a similar toy imported by another firm was involved last year in the strangulation of an 11-month-old baby girl when she became entangled in the elastic cords suspending it from her crib. Those toys have since been recalled. The Albert Price toys being recalled include a duck, model 9160, and an elephant, model 9161. Both toys are covered with plush fabric. The importer's name is printed on a tag attached to each animal., and the model numbers appear on the boxes in which the toys are sold. Parents immediately should cut off the cords and the spring. To receive a full refund, consumers should return the toy to place of purchase. To verify the model numbers, contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Crib Decorations Recalled by Rainbow Artisans NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 7, 1980 Release # 80-029 Hazardous Crib Decorations Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 1980) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that approximately 8,000 elastic crib decorations known as "Kickers" are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer. CPSC staff believes that the decorations may pose a strangulation hazard to infants. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with CPSC to prevent any potential strangulation, although no injuries have been reported to the Commission or the manufacturer. Each "Kicker" crib decoration, manufactured by Rainbow Artisans, Inc., of Livingston, New Jersey, consists of four or five soft-sculptured fabric designs strung on a white elastic cord. A plastic ring is attached to each end of the elastic cord so that the decoration may be stretched across a crib or baby carriage and tied to the sides with ribbons. The crib decorations are manufactured in such a way that, if kicked or handled by an infant, the fabric designs may slide from one side of the elastic cord to the other. Such actions may expose enough elastic cord to present a potential strangulation hazard if parents place the product too close to the infant, according to CPSC staff. The "Kickers" being recalled were manufactured from January, 1977, through January, 1980, and were sold nationwide for approximately $12 in retail and specialty stores. Consumers who own this product may obtain a free repair kit by cutting the elastic cord, removing the fabric designs and mailing only the cord and plastic rings to: Rainbow Artisans, Inc., 19 Troy Drive, Livingston, New Jersey 07039. The kit includes a new cotton cord, ribbon and instructions for restringing the designs.
Miter Saws Recalled by Sears NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 1980 Release # 80-027 55,000 Sears Miter Saws To Be Recalled Because Of Blade Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 1980) -- A program to repair approximately 55,000 "Craftsman Motorized Miter Saws" which may pose a laceration hazard to consumers is being conducted by Sears, Roebuck & Company. Sears is conducting the program voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The saws can accommodate several types of blades, including a carbide-tipped blade often used to cut soft metals. Because a carbide-tipped blade is thicker than the original blade provided with the saw, consumers may improperly fasten the carbide blade to the motor shaft, creating the possibility that the saw blade may spin off the saw while in use. CPSC has been informed of three instances in 1980 in which carbide-tipped blades being used on the saws disengaged while still spinning. One incident resulted in severe facial lacerations to the consumer. No injuries were reported in the other two cases. The repair program applies to the model 315.23730 and the 315.23731 "Craftsman Motorized Miter Saws." The model numbers can be found on a plate on the saw motor. The saws have been sold by Sears nationwide from July 1978, through June, 1980, for approximately $200. Consumers immediately should stop using carbide-tipped blades with these saws. To obtain a free repair kit, complete with installation instructions, consumers should contact their local Sears retail store or call toll-free 800-845-4781. Anyone wishing to verify the brand name or the model numbers should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Spear Guns Recalled by AMF Voit NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 1980 Release # 80-026 Commission Urges Consumers To Participate In Recall Of Potentially Defective Spear Guns WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 1980) -- Following a very low rate of consumer return of potentially hazardous aquatic spear guns the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and AMF Voit, Inc., are repeating public warning of the hazard and urging consumers to participate in a free repair program. Only one per cent (986) of the estimated 97,300 potentially hazardous spear guns have been returned to the manufacturer for free repairs since the recall was announced more than a year ago. These spear guns may contain defective triggers and as a result may fire accidentally even though their safety catches are engaged. Although AMF Voit has received 13 consumer complaints about this malfunction, neither CPSC nor the company has received any reports of deaths or serious injuries. The "carbine" spear guns being recalled were sold nationwide in specialty stores from 1967 to 1979 under the AMF Voit, Inc. label. The company's name can be found on the left side of the grip of the two models being recalled. One of the recalled models may be identified by a 17-inch aluminum barrel while the other features a 26-inch aluminum barrel. Both models have black plastic handles. (Sketches of these two models are attached.) Spear guns models G-6 and G-7, manufactured since May, 1979, are not being recalled and are easily identified if a serial number is affixed to the handle or barrel. Any gun which is equipped with a serial number is not involved in the recall. Sears, Roebuck and Company also marketed 1,400 of the spear guns under its private label between 1970 and 1973. These models may be identified by a 17-inch aluminum barrel and the model number 436.573140 displayed along with the Sears name on the left side of an orange-colored plastic hand grip. Consumers who own the AMF or Sears models should disassemble the unloaded spear gun handle assembly (which includes the grip and the trigger) from the gun barrel by removing the screw holding the two parts together. To obtain free replacement parts, the gun handle and the shaft of the spear should be mailed to the nearest AMF Voit outlet listed below. All postage costs will be reimbursed fully; parts should be mailed by insured fourth-class parcel post, with a return receipt requested. Consumers should NOT return the gun barrel, the spear point or the shock lines. AMF Voit centers accepting parts for replacement are: AMF VOIT, INC. 3801 S. Harbor Blvd. Santa Ana, CA 92704 714/546-4220 AMF VOIT, INC 29 Essex Street Maywood, NJ 07607 201/343-2450 AMF VOIT, INC. 2601 Lively Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 312/595-7370 AMF VOIT, INC. 71 Dawson Road Guelph, Ontario, Canada 519/822-1576 Although Sears has received no consumer complaints, Sears stores nationwide will accept returns of the Sears' labeled model for modification by AMF Voit.
Gym Sets Recalled by Creative Playthings NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Replacement ladder is no longer available. The Creative Playthings company that conducted the recall no longer exists. Please discard or destroy ladder. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued May 23, 1980; Last revised February 21, 2003 Release # 80-020 Creative Playthings Agrees To Recall 400,000 Potentially Hazardous Gym Sets WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 23) -- Approximately 400,000 "Indoor Gym Houses" are being recalled by their manufacturer, Creative Playthings, because they may pose a strangulation hazard to young children. Creative Playthings is a division of CBS, Inc., of New York, N.Y. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The gym houses consist of a hollow, masonite-and-wood box 30 inches in height which supports a two-step wooden ladder on one side and a short slide on the opposite side. The top of the box or "platform" serves as a bridge between the ladder and the slide and is protected on two sides by wooden railings. The product is intended for use by children ages 18 months through 3 years old, according to the manufacturer. It was designed to include a space between the upper rung of the ladder and the platform, which is small enough to enable children to trap their heads and potentially strangle or asphyxiate. CPSC staff has been informed of two incidents since October, 1979, in which young children entrapped their heads in the space as they sat facing the platform on the bottom rung of the ladder. One incident resulted in the strangulation of an 18-month-old baby girl. The other caused a 16-month-old boy to asphyxiate, resulting in irreversible brain damage. The gym houses being recalled were manufactured from 1962 through 1979 and were sold nationwide in toy stores and other retail outlets for approximately $29 to $50. Models manufactured before 1977 were constructed with a 6-inch space between the ladder's top rung and the platform, and models made after 1977 included a 5-inch space. The firm had redesigned all gym houses manufactured since January, 1980 with an expanded 7.5-inch distance between the platform and the upper rung of the ladder, greatly reducing the likelihood of head entrapment. The Creative Playthings company that conducted the recall no longer exists. The replacement ladder is no longer available. Consumers should discard or destroy the ladder if they still have this product.
Crib Exercisers Recalled by Play Spaces NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 1980 Release # 80-018 Hazardous Crib Exercisers Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 14) -- Approximately 600 infant toys known as "crib exercisers" or "baby chains" are being recalled because they may pose a strangulation hazard to infants. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the toy's importer, Play Spaces International, of Waltham, Massachusetts, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The toy consists of an elastic cord strung with 11 colored wooden rings and balls and is intended to be suspended over the infant after being strung across from one crib railing to the other. CPSC staff believes, however, that parents mistakenly might position the toy close enough to enable the infant to become entangled in the elastic and thereby strangle. Parents also might place the toy in the crib with their child, according to CPSC staff. No injuries or deaths involving this toy have been reported to the firm or to CPSC. The exercisers have been sold in retail stores nationwide for approximately $7.50 each. The toys are sold in plastic packages which are labeled "Schowanek" and "Made in West Germany." The package may be stamped with model number 10890. Consumers should return the toys to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.
Chemical Sprayers Recalled by D.B. Smith NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 1980 Release # 80-017 Thousands Of Chemical Sprayers Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 1980) -- More than 40,000 air-compression home-and garden sprayers used to disperse pesticides and other chemicals are being recalled by their manufacturer because the product may explode or rupture during use. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by D.B. Smith and Company, Inc., of Utica, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The sprayers are made of galvanized steel with a tank capacity ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 gallons. They are equipped with a hand-operated pump top to pressurize the tank and a metal spray nozzle attached to a rubber hose. The firm has conveyed to CPSC 49 consumer complaints involving the sprayers, including reports of 43 injuries to consumers since April, 1978. The injuries reported include severe facial and dental injuries and broken arms and hands which were suffered when the sprayer bottom blew out, propelling the sprayer and its contents upward with explosive force. The hazard was created by an improperly located weld on some sprayers which weakens the bottom, causing a rupture or explosion when the sprayer is pressurized. The potentially defective sprayers were manufactured from June, 1977 to June, 1978, and have been sold nationwide in hardware stores and other retail outlets for approximately $15 to $30. The manufacturer has instituted improved quality control measures to eliminate the problem in sprayers manufactured after June, 1978. The recalled sprayers have been sold under a variety of brand names and model numbers. These include: "SMITH" sprayer models 19GP, 21GP, 25GP, 28GP, 40GP, 38GQ and 56GQ. "SERVISTAR" brand sprayer models 15049 and 15055. "PARCO" sprayer models F-4, F-7, F-10, F-12, MC-38 and MC-56. "STATE CHEMICAL" sprayer model 12-A. "METRA CHEM" 3-1/4 gallon sprayer (no model number). The sprayers must display one of the following date codes, in addition to a brand name and model number listed above, to be subject to the recall: B, BA, BC, S11, S12, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 or R6. The date codes are visibly etched into the side of the sprayer below the directions, "Fill to this line," and all model numbers can be found on the paper label affixed to the product. Other models made from stainless steel and polyethylene plastic are not being recalled. Consumers who own one of the sprayers being recalled should not use it. Consumers should empty the contents: remove the strap, pump, and hose-and-nozzle assembly; and mail the metal canister for immediate free replacement to Marimar Manufacturing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 359, Chadwicks, New York,13319, or return it to the place of purchase for handling. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs. Anyone wishing to verify model numbers and date codes should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Hair Dryers Repaired by Andis & National Presto NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 1980 Release # 80-016 Additional Hair Dryers Made With Asbestos To Be Repaired By Their Two Manufacturers WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 1980) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced the recall of more than one-half million hair dryers and styling combs which were manufactured with asbestos. The recall includes professional hand-held hair dryers sold for use in barber shops and hair salons. The recalls are being conducted voluntarily by the Andis Company, of Racine, Wisconsin, and by National Presto Industries, Inc., of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Under voluntary corrective programs approved by the Commission, the two firms have agreed to replace the asbestos linings in the dryers and stylers with non-asbestos materials. The Andis Company is recalling tens of thousands of hand-held dryers sold to professional barbers and beauticians since 1973. Some salons may have resold the dryers directly to consumers, CPSC staff reports. The recall applies to the following Andis hair dryer styles and models: Electra Dryer, model ED, Electra Dryer 11, model ED2; Ultra 1200, model U-12; Elite 1500, model 480-EL; and Elite 1250, model E-12. Professional hair stylists should return these dryers to the supply distributor where purchased for free repairs. Consumers who own one of the dryers can obtain the location of the nearest repair center by contacting Andis at its toll-free number l-800-558-9441. Hundreds of thousands of bonnet and hood-type hair dryers and styling combs are being recalled by National Presto Industries. These hair products were sold to consumers as early as 1965 through a variety of independent retail stores nationwide. The following Presto brand dryers and stylers are eligible for free repairs: Elastic Bonnet, models LP04 and PPlOA; Professional Hood, model PP18A; Mist Hood, models PP19A and PP19B; Styling Comb, model PP24A; and Mist Styling Comb, model PP25A. Consumers should mail the dryers and stylers for free repairs to National Presto Industries, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 54701.
Night Lights Recalled by Danara NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 1980 Release # 80-015 55,000 Night Lights Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 18, 1980) -- Approximately 55,000 plastic night lights that may pose a shock hazard to consumers are being recalled by their importer, Danara International, Ltd., of South Hackensack, New Jersey. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The night lights were manufactured in a square shape with a white plastic cover depicting popular cartoon and nursery- rhyme characters. The cover can be rotated so that the picture can be turned to an upright position regardless of how the light is plugged into an electrical outlet. Some of the lights were manufactured with insufficient amounts of glue, permitting the front cover to detach from the light assembly and thereby exposing the interior electrical wiring. No deaths or injuries, however, have been reported to the company or to CPSC. The recalled lights bear the following inscription embossed on the orange plastic backing: "Danara International, Ltd., 1/4 watt, 115 volts." An estimated 46,000 of the lights have been sold nationwide since March, 1978 by Sears, Roebuck and Co. for $1.50 each. The Sears models feature a picture of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. The remaining 9,000 lights feature other characters and were sold in a variety of retail outlets for approximately the same price. Consumers should return the lights to the place of purchase for a full cash refund.
Heat Guns Recalled By Top Flite Models NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 1980 Release # 80-014 Heat Guns Containing Asbestos Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 1980) -- A program to repair approximately 20,000 "heat guns" used by model airplane hobbyists is being conducted by the manufacturer, Top Flite Models, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois. The heat guns, which contain asbestos heat shields in the barrel, emit asbestos fibers during use. The repair program is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Hobbyists use the "T/F Monokote" brand heat guns to shrink and mold the outer covering of model airplanes. Although the product resembles and functions like a hand-held hair dryer, it cannot be used to dry hair because the gun emits air heated as high as 400 degrees Farenheit. Manufactured between June, 1974 and December, 1977, the heat guns have been sold nationwide in hobby shops and other specialty retail stores for approximately $23 each. The manufacturer has used heat shields made from the mineral "mica" in all of its heat guns produced since 1977. Top Flite Models has agreed to replace the asbestos heat shields with mica liners at no cost to consumers. In order to receive free repairs, consumers should mail their heat guns to Top Flite Models, Inc., 1901 N. Narragansett Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60639. The firm will reimburse consumers for postage costs.
Children's Outdoor Water Toy Corrected by Wham-O NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 1980 Release # 80-007 Wham-O To Correct Potential Hazard In Children's Outdoor Water Toy WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10)-- A program to correct more than 100,000 outdoor "Fun Fountain" water toys which may cause serious injuries to children is being conducted by the Wham-O Mfg. Co. of San Gabriel, California. The firm, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, voluntarily will supply free corrective water flow control valve inserts for its "Fun Fountain" toys produced from 1977 through November, 1979. The toy consists of a clown hat and head which attaches onto the end of a garden hose so that the hat rises in the air when water flows through the clown's head. Children may be inclined to peer into the water outlet and the stream of water could cause serious eye injuries, especially in communities with high water pressure. CPSC so far has been informed of two consumer complaints since June, 1979, involving a six-year-old boy and a seven-year- old boy who suffered eye injuries when struck at close distance by water emitted from the "Fun Fountain" toys. The Wham-O "Fun Fountain" water toys were sold nationwide in toy stores and variety stores for approximately $10.00 each. The model number of the toy, #237, is imprinted on the toy's package. According to the company, the potential hazard has been corrected on all "Fun Fountain" toys manufactured since December, 1979 when the toys began to be produced with a water flow control valve to decrease and control the water flow. Such new editions are readily identifiable since they are equipped with a blue hose connector (the older design has a red connector) at the base of the clown head. The words "Important Notice" and "Safety Check List" also are imprinted on the new toy cartons. If the hose connector is red but contains a blue insert which is clearly visible, then it also has been corrected and is equipped with a water flow control valve. To correct the potential hazard in "Fun Fountain" toys manufactured before December, 1979, parents are urged to go to the place of purchase to receive a free water flow control valve insert, or they may contact Wham-O directly to receive a free valve insert (Customer Service Dept. 7, 835 East El Monte Street, San Gabriel, California, 91778). Consumers also may telephone Wham-O toll-free at 800/423-4174 (in California, call collect at 213/287-9681). The water flow control valve snaps easily into the hose connector and once installed will remain firmly within the connector, according to the company.
Cribs Repaired by Bassett The terms of the agreement require Bassett to undertake an extensive remedial action program and to pay a $175,000 civil penalty. The firm estimates that the cost of the program, including the civil penalty, could be as high as $1 million. Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia, is the manufacturer of the "Candlelite" and "Mandalay" style cribs which reported have caused six infant deaths since 1977. CPSC staff believes that the crib design is such that infants can trap their heads between a corner post and the headboard (or footboard) and strangle as they stand on the crib mattress. The agreement pertains to the "Mandalay" crib models 5126-505, 5621-505 and 5225-505, and to "Candlelite" models 5028-505, 5028-510, 5127-505 and 5127-510. The model numbers can be found on an adhesive label affixed to the inside of the headboard below the mattress level. "Mandalay" cribs manufactured February, 1974, to October, 1976, sold nationwide for approximately $100 to $125 in retail stores. The "Candlelite" cribs sold for approximately $100 , produced from December, 1975, to mid-October, 1977. Consumers who own one of these cribs which has not yet been modified immediately should contact Bassett to obtain a free repair kit or instructions for eliminating the hazard. Consumers can contact Bassett at its toll-free number l-800-336-5223. (In Virginia, collect telephone call to Bassett at (703) 629-7511, extension 340). In its proposed complaint against Bassett, CPSC staff alleged that the two crib styles pose a substantial risk of strangulation injuries or death to infants. The "Mandalay" cribs could present a strangulation hazard but failed to report to CPSC staff. In entering into the consent agreement, Bassett does not admit that it had an obligation to report, that reportable information exists, or that the product presented a substantial hazard. Bassett had been undertaking corrective action since February, 1978 to locate and modify the potentially hazardous cribs. Despite its efforts, approximately 4,700 "Mandalay" style cribs (out of an estimated 5,800 produced) and about 400 "Candlelite" cribs (of 1,654 produced) still may not have been modified to eliminate the hazard. The central part of the consent agreement requires Bassett to take the unprecedented step of sending hazard notifications by direct mail to all parents who have had children within the previous 21 months. This mailing is expected to include more than four million parents of infants and young children. In addition, Bassett will purchase advertising space in "TV Guide" and "Family Circle" magazines, in which they will run l/2-page advertisements warning consumers of the potential crib hazard. These magazines have a combined total readership of more than 27 million people. As an added incentive to consumers, Bassett will pay a $5 cash award to anyone who identifies the location of an unmodified crib, once its repair has been verified. Bassett further has agreed to mail posters which describe the crib hazard and the needed safety modification to all obstetricians and gynecologists practicing in the U.S., as well as to all pediatric and maternity clinics, for display in their offices. As part of its earlier voluntary corrective action with CPSC, Bassett already has distributed posters to approximately 25,000 pediatricians and to some medical clinics. In addition, Bassett agreed to pay a civil penalty of $175,000 settlement of CPSC staff's allegation that the firm failed promptly to report the alleged defect in the cribs. The Commission will vote whether to give final approval to the agreement following a seven-day public comment period which opens on February 14, when the agreement is published in the Federal Register
Electric Heaters Recalled by Titan NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 1980 Release # 80-004 Faulty Portable Electric Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 11) -- Approximately 1,000 heavy-duty, model 267C, portable electric heaters which may pose a shock hazard to consumers are being recalled by their manufacturer, the Titan Sales Corporation, of Kansas City, Missouri. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some of the heaters were improperly wired during manufacture, allowing the heaters' metal casing to become electrified. No injuries have been reported to the manufacturer or the Commission. Consumers should return the heaters to the place of purchase for free replacement or repair. Intended for use in homes, classrooms and workshops, the heaters were manufactured with a baked enamel finish of tan and brown. The company name "Titan" appears above the control knob on the front of the heaters, and model number 267C is displayed on the back. The 220-240 volt heaters were manufactured in July, 1979, and distributed from July through early November, 1979. They were sold nationwide in hardware stores and other retail outlets for approximately $88.95. The firm successfully has recalled from distributors approximately 70 % of the 3,800 potentially defective heaters it produced. The faulty units bear the following manufacturing date codes on a label on the bottom: 267-904-716 267-904-717 267-904-718 267-904-719 267-904-727 267-904-720 267-904-723 267-904-724 267-904-725 267-904-726
February 11, 1980 Release # 80-003 Trolley-Ride Toys To Be Repaired WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 11) -- A program to repair approximately 35,000 "Fun Ride Trolley Ride" toys which may seriously injure children is being conducted by the toy's manufacturer, Davis-Grabowski, Inc., of Miami, Florida. The company is conducting the voluntary program in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy features four components: the trolley, which consists of two pulley-like grooved wheels encased within a plastic housing which supports two plastic handles; a 35-foot cable of either a single wire or seven intertwined strands of wire; and two clamps which serve to fasten the suspended cable around two tree trunks or posts. Once the cable is suspended, a child can propel himself along the cable by gripping the trolley's two handles. Although the toy is advertised as being capable of supporting an adult's weight, CPSC staff has been informed of nine incidents in which the cable broke under the weight of children and one incident in which it snapped under an adult's weight. These accidents reportedly resulted in concussions to a 9-year-old girl, and a 42-year-old woman, back injuries to a 10-year-old girl, and minor cuts and bruises to two other children. The trolley-ride toys were manufactured between January, 1976, and June, 1979. They have sold nationwide for approximately $15.00 in retail stores and are packaged in boxes labeled with the model number 30/1000. The manufacturer has agreed to mail consumers a free stranded cable to replace the single-wire cable, along with additional clamps to replace those sold with the toy. Anyone whose toy already includes the stranded cable will receive two additional clamps. The stranded cable and clamps can be obtained by writing to: Davis-Grabowski, Inc., P.O. Box 381594, 74 N.E. 74th Street, Miami, Florida, 33138. Consumers should include their names and addresses and specify the type of cable sold with their toy (whether single or stranded wire). Anyone requiring additional information about this program should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772
November 29, 1979 Release # 79-068 Infant's exercising Toy Recalled WASHINGTON, D. C. (November 29)-- Approximately 1,000 toys which may pose a hazard to infants are being recalled by the toy's retailer, the F.A.O. Schwarz Company, of New York City. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy, know as an infant crib exerciser, consists of a red elastic cord strung with colored wooden beads and rings. The 17-inch elastic cord poses a potential strangulation hazard to infants who could become entangled in the cord. The toy was imported from J. Schowanek, a manufacturer in West Germany, and was sold in F.A.O. Schwarz stores for $7.95 between July, 1976 and January, 1979. The foreign manufacturer stated that it has stopped producing this toy. Consumers who purchased the crib exerciser from F.A.O. Schearz can receive a full refund by returning the toy to any F.A.O. Schwarz store with proof-of-purchase. F.A.O. Schwarz told CPSC that other firms have imported and sold the toy but that Schearz does not know the names of these companies. CPSC urges consumers to contact its toll-free Hotline at (800) 638-2772 if they know of other importers or retailers of the hazardous exercises
Bassett Baby Cribs Warning Against Potential Strangulations by continued use of two dangerous types of baby cribs. This announcement involves cribs manufactured by Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Virginia cribs requiring modification include the "Mandalaya" and "Candlelite" style beds. They were designed in such a way that infants can trap their heads between a corner post and the headboard (or footboard), and strangle. CPSC received six reports of such deaths among infants since September, 1977. CPSC and Bassett announced a voluntary program to modify the cribs in May, 1978. Only 1,000 of the "Mandalay" cribs reportedly have been modified. Approximately 1,200 of the 1,654 Candlelite cribs have been repaired. Bassett agreed to produce thousands of large wall posters and to have them distributed to pediatricians nationwide for display in physician's waiting rooms. The Mandalay cribs were produced with a bamboo-like motif, and include models 5126-505 and 5621-505 (painted yellow) and 5225-505 (painted white). The model numbers can be found on an adhesive label affixed to the inside of the headboard below the mattress level. The cribs were manufactured from February, 1974, through October, 1976, and sold for approximately $100 to $125 in retail stores nationwide. Parents should remove all four finials (the decorative knobs on top of each cornerpost) by unscrewing them. Consumers then should report that they have removed the finials by contacting the retailer from which the crib was purchased or the nearest Bassett crib dealer can be found by checking the "Yellow Pages" section of the telephone directory under the listing "Furniture--Children's," or by placing a collect call to Bassett at 703/629-7511, extension 340. The Candlelite style cribs were manufactured with a traditional colonial design in models 5028-505 and 5028-510 (stained in maple) and 5127-505 and 5127-510 (stained in pine). These model numbers also are printed on a label attached to the inside of the headboard below the mattress. The cribs sold for approximately $100 in retail stores nationwide, and were manufactured from December, 1975, to mid-October, 1977. Consumers who have not had their Candlelite cribs modified should contact the tore where it was purchased to arrange for free installation of modifying parts to close the openings in the headboards and footboards. Parents arrange to have cribs repaired by contacting their nearest Bassett retailer, obtained form the telephone directory or by calling Basett at the number listed above. Until the Candlelite cribs have been repaired, parents should push one end of the crib against a wall and move a high piece of furniture (such as a chest of drawers) against the other end. Other Cribs CPSC staff is trying to determine whether baby cribs other than those manufactured by Bassett are designed with headboard and footboard openings which my pose potential safety hazards to infants.
Stuffed Toy Mobiles Recalled by R. Dakin NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 21, 1979 Release # 79-065 Stuffed Toy Mobiles Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 21) -- Approximately 422,000 stuffed mobile toys which may pose a strangulation hazard to infants are being recalled by their importer, R. Dakin & Company, of San Francisco. The recall applies to eight different types of stuffed animal mobiles which are intended to be suspended from ceilings by means of three elastic cords. Last month an 11-month old baby girl strangled when she became entangled in the elastic cords suspending one of the toys from her crib. The toys being recalled include: Hummbug Bee model 34-3645 Embo Elephant model 34-1972 Jolly Polly Parrot model 34-3462 Stanley Stork model 34-3653 Jingle Frog model 34-3661 Lucky Ladybug model 34-3662 Duckswoop model 34-3666 Jingle Lamb model 34-3690 Each toy is covered with plush fabric and contains a musical chime device. The model numbers appear on a tag attached to the animal's ear. The toys were imported from South Korea and distributed in the U.S. from January, 1977, through October, 1979. They sold nationwide for approximately $7 each in toy stores and other retail stores. Parents should return the toys to the stores where they were purchased for a full refund. Consumers who wish to keep the toy should cut off the three elastic cords in order to eliminate the potential safety hazard. Anyone requiring additional information about this recall may contact Mr. Roger J. Burrill, Vice President, R. Dakin & Company, 499 Point San Bruno Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, toll-free telephone 800/227-6598.
Air Damper Systems Repaired by Chim-A-Lator NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 1979 Release # 79-063 Repair Program Set For Energy Saving Device WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov.6)-- The Chim-A-Lator Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has announced a voluntary program to modify approximately 15,000 air damper systems for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. The announcement was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Excessively hot chimney temperatures could cause the air damper to close unexpectedly and force smoke or flames back into the room. According to the company, such a heat build-up is caused primarily by overfueling fireplaces, burning dangerous materials, or failing to have the chimney cleaned. Since 1977, the firm has received a report of one minor burn injury, which occurred when the damper closed accidentally. The damper systems, which have been manufactured since 1969, are marketed as energy-saving devices to reduce heat loss from air drawn up fireplace and stove chimneys when not in use. The company is offering a device, which consumers can install themselves, which will ensure that the damper maintains an adequate opening even in extreme temperatures. Consumers can obtain this free device by writing to the Chim- A-Lator Company, 8824 Wentworth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55420, telephone: 612/884-7274. The devices will be available after December 1, but consumers should write to the company immediately.
Hair Dryers Corrected by Manufacturers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 1979 Release # 79-061 Commission Approves Corrective Plans For 26 Manufacturers Of Asbestos Hair Dryer WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 1) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted unanimously to accept the voluntary corrective action plans of 26 manufacturers and importers of hand-held hair dryers made with asbestos. The 26 companies account for nearly 10 per cent of those hand- held hair dryers manufactured with asbestos since 1969. The other 90 per cent were distributed by 11 manufacturers and private labelers whose corrective actions were approved by the Commission last May. Among the 26 manufacturers and private labelers, eight have agreed to repair their hair dryers: three have agreed to refund the purchase price or replace the dryers with asbestos-free dryers: and 15 have agreed to exchange their dryers for refunds, new asbestos- free dryers or other products manufactured or imported by the firm. Nearly 100 different models and styles of hair dryers are covered under these corrective action plans. Since May, 1979, CPSC has ordered 146 corporations to submit sworn information regarding the use of asbestos in their hair dryers. The 26 companies listed below informed CPSC that the heat shields in their dryers contained asbestos (but that no other dryer parts exposed to the dryers' airstream contained asbestos). None of the remaining 120 firms reported having manufactured hair dryers containing asbestos. The companies which have agreed to repair or accept returns of their hair dryers include: Afro Products, Inc., of Ottuma, Iowa; Allied Stores Marketing Corp., of New York City; Arrow Trading Co., New York City; B&E Sales Co., of Detroit, Michigan; Brother International Corp., of Piscataway, New Jersey; Formac, Inc., of City of Industry, California; Hartman Products of Hawthorne, California; W.P. Hemenway Co., of Portland, Oregon; Hairaoka New York Inc., of New York City; Hitachi Sales Corp. of Compton, California; Interpur (a division of Dart Industries) of Orlando, Florida; and M.S.S. Direct Ltd., of Hauppauge, New York. Also included are: Market Importing Services Inc., of New York City; New York Merchandise Co. of New York City.; Pace Setter of Burbank, California: Panasonic Co. of Secaucus, New Jersey; Pearlduck Inc., of Garden City, New York; Sanyei New York Corp. of New York City; Sanyo Electric Inc., of Compton, California; Save-Way Industries Inc. of Hialeah, Florida; Swank Co., Inc., of New York City; T.G. & Y. Stores Co. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Wakefern Food Corp. of Elizabeth, New Jersey; Windsor Industries, Inc., of Melville, New York; F.W. Woolworth Co. of New York City; and Zayre Corp. of Framingham, Massachusetts. Many of these companies maintain that hair dryers containing asbestos have not been proven to present a health hazard. CPSC staffers have compiled a list providing the specific corrective actions which the 26 individual firms have agreed to perform. The list can be obtained free by writing to: Hair Dryers, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207. Consumers also can obtain specific information about the plans by contacting CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Blow-Gun Toys Recalled by Western NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 1979 Release # 79-060 Wisconsin Manufacturer Agrees To Recall 180,300 Blow-Gun Toys WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 26) -- Approximately 180,000 "Soft Shot Star Launcher" blow-gun toys which may pose a choking hazard to children are being recalled voluntarily by their manufacturer, the Western Publishing Company, of Racine, Wisconsin. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The toy consists of a white plastic tube and mouthpiece which measure approximately 29 inches in overall length. It is sold with three small cardboard targets and three orange darts molded of soft vinyl, each approximately three inches long. The company is recalling the toys based on consumer reports since July, 1979, of three children who choked on the toy's mouthpiece. In each instance, the mouthpiece reportedly separated from the plastic tube and lodged in the child's throat. No critical injury or illness resulted from any of these incidents, according to the company. A fourth similar incident was reported to CPSC and is being investigated by Commission staff. The company reported to CPSC that, despite the potential hazard, the toy meets or exceeds all existing voluntary product safety standards. Model number 4990 is printed on the toy's package, although the toy itself and its components do not display any distinguishing identification. Manufactured and distributed earlier this year, the toy sold for approximately $2 in toy stores and other variety retail stores nationwide. The manufacturer has directed all retailers and distributors of the toys to stop sales. Parents should return the toy to the retailer from which it was purchased to receive a cash refund. Consumers also can obtain refunds (including reimbursement for postage costs) by mailing the toys to: Western Publishing Company, 1220 Mound Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin, 53404, Attention: Customer Relations Director.