Thursday, August 28, 2008

Recalls and warnings!

This message consists of the following:

1. Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

2. Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

3. Countertop Water Dispensers Recalled by Greenway Home Products Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

4. Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

5. Children's Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

6. Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

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1. Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2008
Release #08-378

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop Using Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible “Close-Sleeper” Models

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging parents and caregivers to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned that on August 21, 2008, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

CPSC is issuing this safety alert because SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity Inc.’s assets at public auction in April 2008, has refused to cooperate with the government and recall the products. SFCA maintains that it is not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc.
The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spaced farther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under the federal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.
The Commission voted, using its new authorities in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, to release this warning upon making a finding that the health and safety of the public require immediate notice.

To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08378.html

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2. Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008
Release #08-381

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Six Retailers Agree To Stop Sale and Recall Simplicity Bassinets Due To Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging retailers across the country to protect the health and safety of babies by stopping sale and recalling nearly 900,000 dangerous Simplicity bassinets. Yesterday, CPSC warned parents, caregivers and consumers to immediately stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., due to a serious safety risk. Today, CPSC is announcing that the following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased:

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. – (800) 925-6278 or www.walmart.com

Toys "R" Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J. - (800) 869-7787 or www.toysrus.com or www.babiesrus.com

Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill. – (800) 659-7026 or www.kmart.com

Big Lots!, of Columbus, Ohio – (866) 244-5687 or www.biglots.com

Target of Minneapolis, Minnesota sold at www.target.com only

J.C. Penney, of Plano, Texas – (888) 333-6063 or www.jcp.com

Below is a listing of Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible "Close-Sleeper" model bassinets that are included in this recall. The model number can be found on a label on the underside of the bassinet.

RECALLED Model Numbers:

3000CL
3112DOH6
3011WHE
9250A
3016LAU
3046GTM
3010BIJ
3112DOH7
3011WHK
3012SOM
3016MIR
3046HAN
3010HAV
3122BAN
3012BIJ
5750SAR
3017NCB
3047MON
3010NGS
3122TGC
3012OXF
3012TGT
3020SFB
3050LIL
3010TGT
3010BIJC
3012SFD
3013PRO
3025BER
3050SAR
3010WHE
343-8363
3040SAR
9250B
3025C
3060GFS
3040LAU
343-8399
3040SPR
3014LOL
3026CRT
3060TFS
TD2500
3045FEL
3050SWT
3014NGS
3027MIS
8393
3040WDS
3111DPC
3060BTL
3015GFR
3030SAR
3040SPRC
3045DRM
3012LLTC
3112BDY
3070MAN
3040CLA
3040LAC
3111ZOL
3050SWTC
3045OXFC
3112DOH
5730FKB
3045DRMC

CPSC learned that on August 21, 2008, a 6 ½-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.

To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08381.html

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3. Countertop Water Dispensers Recalled by Greenway Home Products Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008
Release #08-376

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 279-0088
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Countertop Water Dispensers Recalled by Greenway Home Products Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Countertop Water Dispensers

Units: About 44,000

Manufacturer: Greenway Home Products, of Northwood, Ohio

Hazard: The internal heating element could overheat and drop molten metal through ventilation openings in the water dispenser’s base onto the countertop, posing a fire hazard. The internal heating element also poses a shock hazard to consumers who touch it through the vents.

Incidents/Injuries: Greenway has received one report of a fire involving the recalled countertop water dispenser outside the United States that resulted in property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled countertop water dispensers include the following Vitapur, Greenway and Polar models. They dispense hot or cold water and use three or five gallon water bottles. The model name is printed on the front of the dispenser’s base. Model and serial numbers are printed on a white label on the back of the dispenser’s base. File number 218326 is printed on a silver sticker on the back of the dispenser’s base.

Models:

Greenway GWD2630W
Polar PWD2635W
Vitapur VWD2636W
Vitapur VWD2636BLK
Vitapur VWD2636RED

Serial Number: Starts with 0606 through 0711
File Number: 218326

Model numbers followed by a “1” or “2,” (i.e. GWD2630W -1 / PWD2635W-2),or dispensers with no ventilation openings underneath the base are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Discount retailers nationwide from June 2006 to November 2007 for between $70 and $80.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled water dispensers immediately and contact Greenway Home Products to receive a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Greenway Home Products toll-free at (866) 279-0088 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.greenwayhp.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08376.html

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4. Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008
Release #08-377

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 242-5676
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Regal Lager Recalls to Repair Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers (an additional 425 e3 Twin Buggy Strollers were recalled on May 5, 2006)

Units: About 44,000

Importer: Regal Lager Inc., of Kennesaw, Ga.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge locking mechanism poses a laceration hazard to the user folding and unfolding the strollers.

Incidents/Injuries: Regal Lager has received nine reports from consumers who injured their fingers in the stroller’s hinge locking mechanism.

Description: The recalled single strollers all have metal frames with three wheels, a cloth seat and canopy. The twin strollers have a metal frame with four wheels, side-by-side cloth seats and double sun canopies. The strollers were sold in a variety of colors including red, orange, green, black, charcoal and navy. The Phil & Teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness.

Sold at: Baby furniture and baby products stores nationwide from August 2003 through August 2008 for between $400 and $650.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and contact Regal Lager to obtain a free hinge cover repair kit and instructions.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can Regal Lager toll-free at (877) 242-5676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.regallager.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08377.html

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5. Children's Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008
Release #08-379

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 875-4352
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Orioxi International Due to Strangulation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts and Jackets

Units: About 43,000

Importer: Orioxi International Corp., of Brea, Calif.

Hazard: The sweatshirts and jackets have drawstrings through the hood which pose a strangulation hazard to young children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled garments were sold in children’s sizes small, medium and large in the following colors: white, ivory, red, black, navy, brown, green, charcoal, blue, and pink. “BAC” is printed on the sewn-in tag on some of the garments. “Breckenridge”, “Keystone”, “Jackson Hole”, “Vail”, “Steamboat”, and “Mackinac Island” is printed on the front of the garments.

Sold at: “Shirt off My Back” retail stores located in Colorado, Wyoming, and Michigan from September 2005 through May 2008 for between $20 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard. Consumer can return the garments to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Outfitter Trading Company at (800) 875-4352 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shirtoffmyback.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08379.html

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6. Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2008
Release #08-380

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 468-6873
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Wooden Infant Toys Recalled by Habermaass Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Wooden Puzzles, Infant Rattles, Pacifier Holders, and Stroller Toys

Units: About 118,000

Manufacturer: Habermaass Corp. Inc., of Skaneateles, N.Y.

Hazard: The wooden rattles, pacifier holders, and stroller toys contain small pieces including glued on mirrors and/or prisms that can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants. The head of the ladybug puzzle pieces also poses a choking hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Habermaass Corp. has received 15 reports of incidents involving the recalled puzzles, rattles, and pacifier holders including pieces of the rattles detaching and being mouthed by young children.

Description: The puzzles, rattle toys, pacifier holders, and stroller toys are wooden and are described in the chart below. “HABA” is printed on them.
Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide and at specialty online retailers from January 2002 through August 2008 for between $10 and $35.

Manufactured in: Germany

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled puzzles, rattles, pacifier holders and stroller toys away from children and contact Habermaass to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Habermaass Corp. at (800) 468-6873 ext. 107 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.HABAusa.com/safety

Model: Description
Triolino Puzzle: Lady bug puzzle is 7 inches x ½ inch thick
LUCY Clutching Toy (rattle): Hearts have mirrors and prisms. The rattle is about 4 inches in diameter.
Little Heart Clutching Toy (rattle): Heart has mirror. The rattle is about 3 ½ inches in diameter.
Pixie’s World (rattle): 2.5” rattle with mushroom, flower, person and house with mirror.
Belinda Clutching Toy (rattle): Flower clutching toy has face in the middle. The rattle is about 4 inches in diameter.
Miro Clutching Toy (rattle): Rattle center contains blue plastic ball with 10 holes. The rattle is about 3 ½ inches in diameter.
Bunny Pacifier Holder: Pacifier holder is 8.6 inches long with fabric bunny on the end and wooden star with mirror in the middle.
Bear Pacifier Holder: Pacifier holder is 8.6 inches long with bear at the end and wooden circle with mirror in the middle.
Bonita (rattle): 2.5” bouquet of four shapes on wooden ring.
Bella (rattle): 3” diameter with four wooden hearts with two mirrors.
Pirate Joe (rattle): 4” pirate theme with bell and mirror.
Rally (rattle): 4” triangle shape with three cars.
Flori (rattle): Six petal shapes on elastic band. Includes three mirrors & three bells. 5”
Triola (rattle): 4” triangle with two flowers and round corner.
Trio (rattle): 4” triangle shape with squeaker, bell and mirror.
Speedy (rattle): Wooden car about 4.5” L x 3” H. Squeaker in back and mirror on car hood.
Little Hearts Stroller Toy: 18” pram-chain with ten various size wooden hearts.
Discovery Balls, Set of 4: Set contains 1 orange, 1 red, 1 blue and one bicolor blue/yellow ball. Red ball contains three small mirrors.
Discovery Ball with Rattle: Blue/Yellow round wooden ball with small mirror.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08380.html



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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.



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