Baby Product Recall
By Anna Henningsgaard

Products are recalled all the time for posing a danger to the people who use them. Even large, established companies have to make massive recalls, and when this happens we all notice. Who could have missed the series of Ford recalls for rollovers, defective door latches, and then Ford fires? But for every high profile recall there are hundreds of smaller, less noisy recalls of dangerous products every day. Possibly the most concerning of these are recalls of baby products. Your baby cannot tell you if he notices a problem with his high chair, and if you do not stay on top of recall notices you could be putting your baby in danger.

Child product recalls and baby product recalls are more common than we would like to think. Car seats, high chairs, strollers, and numerous other baby products are recalled frequently for different safety problems. Our first instinct when buying a new product for a baby is to tear it out of the box and figure out how to set it up. Stop! Before you assemble that high chair or buckle in that car seat, fill out the little papers that come in the box and mail them in. These product registration cards are very important because they let the company know you have their product. If the company later becomes aware of a problem or danger with the product, you will be the first one to know.

If you do not send in your product registration, you may still hear about a recall from a friend or on the news. If this happens, you will want to immediately check out the background information of the recall, look over the packaging, brand names, and serial numbers of your product, and get in contact with the manufacturer. A few different sources keep track of recall information, so if you are in doubt check out the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Consumer Reports. If you have questions or concerns about a baby product manufacturer’s conduct or a baby product recall, talk to a lawyer and get on the right track.

Read more childhood injury lawyer articles or contact a childhood injury attorney. Also, read about defective baby products at our website hugesettlements.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Henningsgaard
http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Product-Recall&id=46787

Tainted Toys Are Still On Shelves
By Lill Hawkins

I guess I'm gullible, because I assumed that once a toy was recalled, it disappeared from store shelves. Oh sure, I realize that there are some small mom-and-pop stores in Far Hokum, Maine or Littleknown, Nebraska that haven't gotten the word, but everyone else knows about the recalls, right? Wrong.

According to MarkMonitor, an online firm that tracks brand-fraud on the Net and also offers services to protect companies from brand hijacking:

* 30% of online auctions for toy brands that have experienced recalls continue to sell products after they have been recalled for lead paint or loose small parts.

* 83% of auction listings selling recalled toys ship from the U.S., more than all other countries combined. The United Kingdom is the second largest at 6%.

This is really disturbing news to parents like me who thought that things were maybe settling down a little after the flurry of recent toy recalls. Auctions are really popular with consumers, many of whom will probably think that if a toy is for sale on ebay or another auction site, it must be safe.

Even more disturbing is that 83% of the toys ship from the US! What are these people who run the auctions thinking? Obviously, they're online because they run online auctions. So why, unlike every other carbon-based lifeform, haven't they heard about the recalls? Somehow, I don't think they missed them. I think they just have these toys that they need to unload and they're going to sell them until someone makes them stop. Of course, with one toy inspector in the whole country, the kids they hurt will be parents before that happens. (And their kids will be suffering from the lead poisoning their parents got from the toys their grandparents bought online at auction.)

So what can we as consumers and parents do about this? Well, for one thing, we can educate ourselves about which toys have been recalled, and check daily for more recalls. We can buy only from reputable sellers both online and offline. I only buy from sellers who have a rating of 98% or better on the largest auction site. I figure that anyone can have a disgruntled customer or two, but any more than two percent and I start to wonder if I want to do business with them.

We can write to our lawmakers on the local and federal level and tell them that we're not going to vote for them unless they beef up protection for consumers, both adults and children. If they can find the money to fund their porkbarrel projects, then they can find some to fund more inspections.

We can forego the popular but recalled toys and buy quality toys that are sold by ethical companies like those on the Safe Toy List at How to Find Safe Toys And we can put these sellers of tainted toys out of business by reporting them to the auction sites that host them.

Looking for safe toys? At How to Find Safe Toys Lill Hawkins blogs about resources for finding safe toys for Newborns to Teens. Check in daily for the latest toy recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box gifts.

Lill Hawkins lives in Maine and writes at News From Hawkhill Acres It's a mostly humorous look at home schooling, writing and being a WAHM, whose mantra is "I'm a willow; I can bend."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lill_Hawkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tainted-Toys-Are-Still-On-Shelves&id=831699

What Makes a Product "Defective"?
By Patricia Woloch

A product is “defective” if it causes harm or injures you due to poor design, flawed manufacturing, insufficient testing, or mislabeling/misrepresented marketing.

Poor Design

If a product wasn’t designed properly to start with it may end up being dangerous. Sometimes these products make it all the way to the marketplace before the defect is detected and they need to be recalled. However, recalls don’t work well because they are usually too late and many purchasers may never even know about the recall.

Manufacturing Defects

Even if a product is designed properly it may not be manufactured correctly. In this case there may be only some products out of a whole group that are defective. These may be recalled as well but the same problems with recalls exist in this situation.

Insufficient Testing

Especially true in auto crash testing where corporations typically test at lower speeds than you usually use their products, insufficient testing implies an inadequate amount of testing done on the product to determine its safeness.

Mislabeling/Misrepresented Marketing

When the design, manufacture, and testing of products is all done well, you can still have product defects. If the label on the product is confusing, it may still be considered defective. If instructions are written at a 10th-grade level but most consumers read at a 6th-grade to 8th-grade level, that would be another example of defective labeling. If there are absent or incomplete warning labels on a product with hidden dangers, you can file a defective product lawsuit. A neglectful or deliberate misrepresentation concerning a product may also give rise to a product liability claim.

Product defects refer to not only physical products such as cars, but also for intangible creations like gases or other chemical compounds, naturals such as pets, real estate like homes or land, and writings such as navigational maps.

If you or a family member needs help with a defective product, please contact Colling, Gilbert, Wright, and Carter of The Florida Firm for your consultation today, serving the Orlando, FL area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Woloch
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Makes-a-Product-Defective?&id=731349

The Toy Recall That Was Almost Too Late For My Daughter
By Lill Hawkins

Today, another toy recall was announced. Beads from a popular craft kit put several kids into the hospital when they ingested a drug in the coating. I was one of the mothers who had bought this toy for my daughter. Unlike the other mothers, whose kids got sick from it, I hadn't yet given it to my daughter. However, it was such a close call that I'm still shaken.

I consider myself a good mother. I'm very careful about the food and personal products I buy for my family. Most of the time, if I can afford it, I buy organic food, much of it locally grown. We don't buy a lot of toys, and we try to buy from companies we trust. I look for safe toys online and read everything I can find about toy safety in magazines and newspapers. I'm an info junkie anyhow, so it's easy for me.

So why did I miss the first couple of toy recalls? And why didn't I look a little more closely at the Aquadots I bought for my daughter? Why didn't I investigate to find out what material they were made from? My carelessness could have cost my daughter her health or even her life.This has really been a wake-up call for me.

The ironic part of this whole incident is that before the dots were recalled, I'd already started to blog about the toy recalls and had even started a blog where I listed safe toy companies and toy recall lists. All this while the tainted toy sat upstairs in my craft cupboard where my daughter could have grabbed it at anytime. This just shows how even a very well-informed and well-intentioned parent can make mistakes when it comes to toy safety. When we're shopping for toys, I think we get caught up in how cool the toy is, how much our child will like it and the packaging, instead of thinking safety first.

As we move into the holiday season, I've made a vow not to take any chances with my kids' safety. When I shop for toys, I'm going to stick with companies I trust, most of them from Europe, where toy safety standards are a lot higher than they are in this country. Even with these companies, I'm going to be very careful to choose toys made of material that I know is safe and tested. I'm going to stick with tried and true toys, not the latest glitzy gimcrack or character-based toy. I've learned that my kids' favorite toys have turned out to be toys that allow them to be creative, not one-trick ponies.

If you'd like to make sure that your kids have safe toys this holiday season, How To Find Safe Toys is a place that can help. Here, you'll find a growing list of companies who are dedicated to selling quality toys in an ethical manner. You'll also find the latest toy and other child-related recalls, and news for parents and consumers. Join my daughter and me as we promote toy safety with companies that feel as strongly as we do about keeping our kids safe.

Looking for safe toys? At How to Find Safe Toys Lill Hawkins blogs about resources for finding safe toys for Newborns to Teens. Check in daily for the latest toy recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box gifts.

Lill Hawkins lives in Maine and writes at News From Hawkhill Acres It's a mostly humorous look at home schooling, writing and being a WAHM, whose mantra is "I'm a willow; I can bend."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lill_Hawkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Toy-Recall-That-Was-Almost-Too-Late-For-My-Daughter&id=823768

Who is Responsible for Protecting Kids From Unsafe Toys?
By Lill Hawkins

Many parents are up in arms about the recent spate of toy recalls. Dolls, action figures, ride-on toys, even teethers have been recalled. Lead paint, magnets that can detach, chemicals in plastic that are unsafe... It seems like everyday there's a new recall.

Outside of returning the toys and getting a refund, what can a parent do? Who is responsible for toy safety? Is it enough to buy toys from reputable merchants? Or is there more that parents can do to be sure that their kids aren't victims of unsafe toys?

Ultimately, of course, we as parents are responsible for keeping our kids safe. It's not realistic to think that every toy can be tested for safety, or that every so-called safe toy is safe for every child.

It's so important to make sure that toys are age-appropriate and right for the developmental level of our children. It's our duty as parents to make our decisions about toy buying based on what we feel is right for our child, not what it says on the box or what someone else thinks is appropriate.

So it would seem that keeping kids safe is a shared responsibility between manufacturers, parents and government agencies designed to protect consumers. Manufacturers need to produce safe toys so that they will retain the trust of parents, who are the biggest buyers of toys. At the same time, parents need to police their children's toys, stay current on the latest safe toy info and check the recalls frequently.

When there is a recall, it's important that parents don't leave it up to their kids to find and dispose of the recalled toy. For one thing, children might not understand the seriousness of lead paint of magnets that can be swallowed by a younger sibling. They might be very attached to the recalled toy and be unwilling to discard it or give it to their parent.

Parents should go through all of the toys in the house every once in awhile, just to make sure that toys haven't broken or developed sharp surfaces or chipped paint. It's easier to keep track of toys if children are encouraged to have a "place for everything" rather than just throwing all their toys into one large bin. Individual baskets for each type of toy make it easy to go through them quickly.

The bottom line is that we're all responsible for toy safety, but the manufacturers bear the biggest burden, because they profit from the toys. They control the factories and the workers and that means that they are the first line of defense against unsafe toys. When there's a recall, parents will blame them, even if they've outsourced the manufacture of the toy. It behooves them to do a better job of protecting children.

Lill Hawkins blogs about resources for finding safe toys for Toddlers to Teens and maintains a recall list at How to Find Safe Toys Check in daily for the latest toy recalls and a long list of alternatives to blah big-box gifts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lill_Hawkins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Who-is-Responsible-for-Protecting-Kids-From-Unsafe-Toys?&id=790036

 Specialized Bicycle Helmets

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer: Specialized Bicycles, of Morgan Hill, Calif.

Hazard: The helmets fail testing required under CPSC's safety standard
for bicycle helmets. This can pose a head injury hazard to riders in a
fall.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Specialized helmets, model 2D.
Model "2D" is printed on the sides of the helmet in the rear. The
helmets were sold for men and women in matte black, white, silver, blue,
pink, and team colors.

Sold by: Specialized through its authorized retailers and online stores
between July 2007 and October 2007 for about $200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled helmet immediately and
return it to an Authorized Specialized Retailer to receive a free
replacement or a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Specialized
toll-free at (877) 808-8154 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through
Friday, or visit the company's Web site at www.specialized.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08138.html

  Trek Recalls Girls Bicycles Due To Frame Failure


February 7, 2008
Release #08-186

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 373-4594
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Trek Recalls Girls Bicycles Due To Frame Failure

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: Trek MT220 Girls Bicycles

Units: About 49,000

Importer: Trek Bicycle Corp., of Waterloo, Wis.

Hazard: The bicycle's frame can break during use, causing the rider to
lose control and suffer injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Trek has received 13 reports of frames breaking,
including four minor injuries.

Description: This recall involves Trek girls' bicycles model MT220 and
model years 2005 (light metallic blue), 2006 (metallic silver and
metallic purple or pink and pearl white), and 2007 (pink and white pearl
or metallic purple). The model name is printed on the frame of the
bicycle. Model year 2008 bicycles re not included in this recall.

Sold at: Authorized Trek dealers nationwide from April 2004 through June
2007 for about $300.

Manufactured in: China and Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled bicycle away from children
immediately and return it to a Trek dealer for a free replacement MT220
girl's bicycle or a $100 discount on a different size Trek bicycle.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Trek
at (800) 373-4594 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday
and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit the firm's Web site
at www.trekbikes.com

To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08186.html

********************************************************

  Pendants and Candle Charms Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2008
Release #08-187

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 249-7639
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Pendants and Candle Charms Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

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: Pendants and Candle Charms

Units: About 460,000

Importer: Benjamin International, of Middlebury, Conn.

Hazard: The recalled pendants and charms contain high levels of lead.
Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health
effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled pewter pendants were sold in eight collections
of 12 pendants each. The pendant collections included Signs of the
Zodiac, Runes, Ritual, Goddess, Chinese Zodiac, and Celtic Harmonies.
The pendants were sold separately and on candles of various colors and
scents.

Sold at: Gift shops nationwide from January 2002 through November 2007
for between $6 and $8 for the pendants and between $12 and $15 for the
charms with candles.

Manufactured in: Korea

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these pendants/charms
and contact Benjamin International to receive a free replacement
pendant/charm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Benjamin
International toll-free at (888) 249-7639 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET
or visit the firm's Web site at www.benjamininternational.com

To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08187.html

********************************************************

3.  West Music Recalls Egg-Shaker Toy Instruments Due to Choking and
Aspiration Hazards

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2008
Release #08-188

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800

Children's Toy Gardening Rakes Recalled by Downeast Concepts; Violates
Lead Paint Standard

Name of Product: Toy Gardening Hand Rakes

Units: About 400

Distributor: Downeast Concepts Inc., of Yarmouth, Maine

Manufacturer: Zhongshan Foods, of China

Hazard: The paint on the gardening tool hand rake contains excessive
levels of lead, violating the federal standard on lead in paint on toys.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled toy gardening tool hand rake has a wooden
handle and a plastic yellow bottom. "Backyard and beyond Garden Tools"
is printed on the toy's tag which hangs from the toy's handle.

Sold at: Various home improvement and toy stores nationwide from June
2007 through November 2007 for about $2.50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy gardening
rake away from children and return it to the store where purchased for a
replacement toy hand rake.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Downeast Concepts
toll-free at (800) 343-2424 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.backyard-beyond.com,
or email the firm at productsafety@downeastconcepts.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/prhtml08/08183.html

********************************************************

www.cpsc.gov.




-----------------------------

About 1 Million Simplicity Cribs Recalled Due To Failures Resulting in
Infant Deaths

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is
announcing today a voluntary recall with Simplicity Inc., of Reading,
Pa., of about 1 million cribs. The drop-side can detach from the crib,
which can create a dangerous gap and lead to the entrapment and
suffocation of infants. CPSC is aware of two deaths in Simplicity
manufactured cribs with older style hardware, including a 9-month-old
child and a 6-month-old child, where the drop-side was installed upside
down. CPSC is also aware of seven infant entrapments and 55 incidents in
these cribs.

CPSC is also investigating the death of a 1-year-old child in a
Simplicity crib with newer style hardware, in which the drop-side was
installed upside down. CPSC is warning parents and caregivers to check
all Simplicity cribs to make sure the drop-side is installed right side
up.

The drop-side failures result from both the hardware and crib design,
which allow consumers to unintentionally install the drop-side upside
down. This, in turn, can weaken the hardware and cause the drop-side to
detach from the crib. When the drop-side detaches, it creates a gap in
which infants can become entrapped.

CPSC is also aware of two incidents that occurred when the drop-side was
correctly installed with older style hardware, though the upside down
installation greatly increases the risk of failure.

The recalled Simplicity crib models include: Aspen 3 in 1, Aspen 4 in 1,
Nursery-in-a-Box, Crib N Changer Combo, Chelsea and Pooh 4 in 1. The
recall also involves the following Simplicity cribs that used the Graco
logo: Aspen 3 in 1, Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and
the Trio.

The recalled cribs have one of the following model numbers, which can be
found on the envelope attached to the mattress support and on the label
attached to the headboard: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800,
8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760, and 8996.

The cribs, which were made in China, were sold in department stores,
children's stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 1998
through May 2007 for between $100 and $300.

As an immediate precaution, consumers should check to see if the
drop-side is installed right side up. To do this, check to see that the
slightly rounded rail with the decorative groove is installed at the top
and the plain rail is on the bottom. Next, consumers should make sure
the drop-side is securely attached to the tracks in all four corners.

If the drop-side is installed upside down or not securely attached,
consumers should stop using the crib immediately. Incorrect installation
can cause permanent damage to the hardware and re-installing the
drop-side using the same hardware is unsafe.

Consumers should check to see if their crib contains the recalled
hardware. Recalled hardware has a flexible tab at the bottom of the
lower tracks and the top of the lower tracks are open. Newer hardware,
which is not subject to the recall, has the flexible tab located at the
top of the lower track, and a permanent stop at the bottom.

Consumers who have a crib with older style hardware can receive a free
repair by immediately contacting Simplicity toll-free at (888) 593-9274
between 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. ET on Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday,
or by visiting the firm's Web site at www.simplicityforchildren.com

Consumers who have a crib with newer style hardware and have installed
the drop-side upside down or have broken hardware, should also contact
Simplicity immediately.

Consumer Action Guide: Style of Crib Hardware - Consumer Response

    Older Hardware - Recalled: Consumers should contact Simplicity
immediately for a free repair.

    Newer Hardware - Warning: Consumers should check crib's
drop-side to     ensure it is assembled right side up and inspect for
broken hardware.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures showing proper
and improper drop-side installations, and older and newer hardware,
please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07307.html

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 $700 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.

Simplicity's Recall Hotline: (888) 593-9274
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Simplicity Media Contact: (713) 301-0733  

---

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys

 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2007
Release #07-308

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 725-4407
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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.

RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

  Name of Product: Various Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Toys

Units: About 200,000 (1.5 million other Thomas & Friends railway toys were recalled on June 13, 2007)

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toys can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves five toys from the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway product line: the all-black cargo car, toad vehicle, olive green sodor cargo box and all-green maple tree top and signal base accessories. The front of the packaging has the logo "Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway" in the upper left-hand corner. A tracking code may be located on the bottom of some of the products. Toys marked with codes containing "WJ" and "AZ" are not included in the recall.

Recalled Product Name & Tracking Codes

All-Black Cargo Car - Included only in the Brendam Fishing Dock Set. The car is labeled "CARGO CAR" and has either no tracking code or one of the following codes on its undersides: 26833i   28233i   23243i00   24643i00   25343i00   27443i00   32043i00   34743i00   01553i00   04553i00   13353i00   14753i00   15453i00   18353i00
Cargo cars sold in other sets are not included.

Toad vehicle with brake lever - The vehicle is labeled "TOAD" and has the tracking code 16560W000 on its underside.

Olive Green Sodor Cargo Box - The side of the cargo box says "SODOR", the box was included only in the Deluxe Cranky the Crane Set.

All-Green Maple Tree Top and Green Signal Base Accessories - Included only in Conductor's Figure 8 Sets.

Sold at: Toy stores and various retailers nationwide from March 2003 through September 2007 for between $10 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled toys away from young children immediately and contact RC2 Corp. for a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at http://recalls.rc2.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07308.html

Target Recalls Children's Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2007
Release #07-309

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 440-0680
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Target Recalls Children's Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and Children's Sunny Patch Chairs

Units: About 350,000

Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Manufacturer: Starite International Ltd., of Taiwan

Hazard: The surface paint on the recalled gardening tools and chairs contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes the Happy Giddy Gardening Tools and the Sunny Patch Children's Chairs.

Gardening tools: caterpillar trowel with an orange and multi-colored handle; kitty cat broom with pink flowers and green handle; pink and green cultivator with a solid green tool portion and pink flowers on the handle; orange and green wood handle hoe and rake with orange flowers; pink and green shovel and trowel with pink flowers; green, orange and light blue snail push broom; multi-colored trowel, hoe, rake with orange on the tool body; multi-colored shovel with solid red on the shovel and eyes on the top of the handle; red and blue owl shaped broom with bristles painted blue, with yellow and black large eyes on the face.

Children's Chairs: multi-colored children's Sunny Patch chairs with a giraffe, monkey, and elephant on the back. The cloth seat and back are striped in orange, yellow, green and blue. The chameleon, butterfly and lady bug chair are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Target stores nationwide from August 2006 through August 2007 for between $3 and $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the products away from children and return the item to the nearest Target store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 pm. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.target.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07309.htm

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September 26, 2007
Release #07-312

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 824-1308
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children's Puppet Theaters Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Floor Puppet Theaters

Units: About 10,000

Manufacturer: Guidecraft Inc., of Englewood, N.J.

Hazard: Surface paints on the puppet theater's wooden panels contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled puppet theater has a chalkboard surface on the front and colored side panels. The puppet theater measures about 35 inches in length, 14 inches in width and about 52 inches in height.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores, gift shops, catalogs and Web sites nationwide from June 2006 through August 2007 for about $90.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled puppet theaters away from children and contact Guidecraft to receive a replacement theater or another product of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Guidecraft toll-free at (888) 824-1308 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.guidecraft.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07312.html

September 26, 2007
Release #07-310

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 725-4407
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

RC2 Recalls Knights of the Sword Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Britain's "Knights of the Sword" Series Toys

Units: About 800

Importer/Distributor: RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill.

Hazard: Surface paints on the toy knights contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The three recalled silver knight toys are mounted on red horses sold individually in see-through blister cards. "Britains" and "Knights of the Sword" are printed on the top of the card in the packaging. The recalled toys include a mounted silver knight on a red horse with an axe; a mounted silver knight on a red horse with two hands on a raised weapon; and a mounted silver knight on a red horse with a lance.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores nationwide from April 2004 through March 2006 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these recalled toys away from young children immediately and contact RC2 to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact RC2 toll-free at (866) 725-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at http://recalls.rc2.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/073

Toy Rakes Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2007
Release #07-313

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 528-5599
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces Recalled By Rhode Island Novelty Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

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 Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces

Units: About 850

Manufacturer: Rhode Island Novelty, of Cumberland, R.I.

Hazard: The clasp on the necklaces contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves 30"-inch-long link necklaces with a spinning wheel pendant. The wheel pendant, designed to resemble car's spinning tire rim, has rhinestones attached to the front, a silver base and measures 2 ¾-inches in diameter. The item has a clear plastic hang tag with a UPC code of 0 97138 68502 5.

Sold at: Family entertainment centers, redemption centers, and small discount stores nationwide and at www.rinovelty.com from November 2006 through May 2007 for about $2.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and return it to the store where purchased or to Rhode Island Novelty for a free replacement jewelry item.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rhode Island Novelty at (800) 528-5599 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.rinovelty.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07313.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2007
Release #07-314

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 235-0588
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

TOBY N.Y.C. Expands Children's Metal Jewelry Recall Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

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: TOBY & ME Jewelry Sets

Units: About 23,500 (about 14,000 jewelry sets were recalled on August 22, 2007)

Importer: TOBY N.Y.C., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The recalled metal jewelry sets contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves jewelry sets sold in different styles: a pink and clear crystal bead necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic crown pendant; a pink and white pearl necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic poodle pendant; and a pink pearl necklace, earrings and ring set. This recall is expanded to include two additional styles: a pink crystal and wood bead necklace and bracelet set with a monkey pendant; and a pink and clear crystal bead necklace and bracelet set with a heart pendant. All sets are sold in a pink gift box with "TOBY & ME" printed on the front and "TOBY & ME" hangtags attached to the packaging.

Sold at: T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, A.J. Wright, Cracker Barrel, and Shopko stores nationwide from August 2006 through August 2007 for between $8 and $15.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and contact TOBY N.Y.C. for information on receiving a full refund or replacement item.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact TOBY N.Y.C. toll-free at (866) 235-0588 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at info@tobynyc.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07314.html

October 5, 2007
Release #08-012

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 734-0449
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 

P3 International Recalls IonizAir™ Air Purifiers Due to Risk of Fire

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.

 

IonizAir™ Table Top Air Purifiers

 

Units: About 83,000

Importer: P3 International, of New York, N.Y.

Manufacturer: Leaven Enterprise Co., of Taiwan

Hazard: The air purifier’s cartridge can overheat, posing a risk of fire.

Incidents/Injuries: P3 has received 10 reports of purifiers melting or catching fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled air purifier is a tabletop model that is about 6” x 3 1/2” x 11 1/4”. The unit has a removable cartridge with a silver-colored handle. The recall involves model number P4620 with lot numbers beginning with either 03 or 04 or having no lot number. The lot number is located on the bottom of the air purifier. No other models or lot numbers are included in this recall.

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide including mail-order and Internet retailers from January 2003 through July 2004 for between $60 and $90.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using and unplug the recalled air purifier immediately, and contact the firm for a free replacement cartridge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (888) 734-0449 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.getnewcartridge.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08012.html

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October 5, 2007
Release #08-013 F

irm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 623-3297
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Firm's Media Contact: (866) 486-7098 
 

Razor USA Recalls E300 Electric Scooters; Handlebars Can Detach Causing Loss of Control

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: Razor® E300 Electric Scooters

Units: About 20,000

Importer: Razor USA LLC, of Cerritos, Calif.

Hazard: A weld can break causing the handlebar to detach. This can cause the rider to lose control and fall from the scooter.

Incidents/Injuries: Razor has received 25 reports of welds breaking on the handlebar, including three reports of minor injuries, such as scrapes and bruises.

Description: The recall involves Model E300 Electric Scooters, which are powered by battery-operated motors. The model number appears on the tube that connects the head tube to the deck. The recalled scooters are blue or silver. This recall includes only products with barcodes beginning in 100620-03 through -09. Products with other barcodes or no barcode are not included in this recall. The barcode can be located on the steering stem, the battery tray, the charger, and the product’s packaging.

Sold at: Pep Boys stores nationwide and various Internet retail sites from January 2006 through October 2006 for between $190 and $230.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Razor USA to obtain a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Razor USA toll-free at (866) 623-3297 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.razor.com/recall

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08013.html

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October 17, 2007
Release #08-030

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 859-5339
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Dunkin' Donuts Recalls Glow Sticks Due to Choking and Strangulation 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: Pink and Orange Glow Sticks (free giveaway with donuts)

Units: About 1 million

Distributor: Dunkin' Donuts LLC, of Canton, Mass.

Hazard: The recalled glow sticks are not properly labeled to warn consumers that the cap and lanyard can detach, posing a choking hazard. Additionally, the lanyard poses a strangulation hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The pink and orange glow sticks were given away free with purchases of donuts.

Sold at: Dunkin' Donuts stores nationwide from September 2007 through October 2007. They were a free giveaway with the purchase of donuts.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled glow sticks away from young children and return them to any Dunkin' Donuts for a free donut.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Dunkin' Donuts at (800) 859-5339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.DunkinDonuts.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08030.html

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October 17, 2007
Release #08-031

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 808-8154
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children's Puppet Theaters Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Tabletop Puppet Theaters

Units: About 5,400

Manufacturer: Guidecraft Inc., of Englewood, N.J.

Hazard: Surface paints on the puppet theater's wooden panels contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled puppet theater has red panels on the front and sides and a chalkboard signboard on top. The puppet theater measures about 24-inches in length, 6-inches in width and about 28-inches in height.

Sold at: Specialty toy stores, gift shops, catalogs and Web sites nationwide from June 2006 through August 2007 for about $35.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled puppet theaters away from children and contact Guidecraft to receive a replacement theater or another product of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Guidecraft toll-free at (888) 824-1308 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.guidecraft.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08031.html

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October 17, 2007
Release #08-032

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 543-1515
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Antioch Publishing Recalls Additional Bookmarks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Cool Clip and Mini Cool Clip Bookmarks

Units: About 200,000 (an additional 150,000 bookmarks and journals were recalled on October 4, 2007)

Importer: Antioch Publishing, of Yellow Springs, Ohio

Hazard: Paint on the clip of the bookmarks contains excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves various designs of the Cool Clip and Mini Cool Clip bookmarks. The themed metals bookmarks include the following designs:

Cool Clips Bookmarks: Sun (two styles), Daisy/Believe, Tiki, Flip Flop, Lady Bug, Music Symbol, SHH!

Mini Cool Clips Bookmarks: Flower & Tiki, Peace Flower & Yin Yang, Lighthouse & Sailboat

Sold at: Book, card and gift stores nationwide from April 2003 through October 2007 for about $4.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the bookmarks away from children and contact Antioch Publishing for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Antioch Publishing at (800) 543-1515 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.antioch.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08032.html

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October 17, 2007
Release #08-033

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 796-6110
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Albert's Recalls Halloween Skull Pails Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

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: Skull Pails Filled With Halloween Candy Mix

Units: About 55,000

Manufacturer: R.L. Albert & Son, of Greenwich, Conn.

Hazard: The surface paint on the eyes, nose, and teeth of the skull contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the Albert's Halloween skull pails filled with candy mix. The skull-shaped pail is white with green eyes, nose and teeth. The pail has a clear lid with a label in which "Albert's" and "Skull Pails Filled with Halloween Candy Mix" is printed. The pail measures about 5 ½ inches high.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from September 2007 through October 2007 for $2.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled product away from children and take it to the retailer where it was purchased to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Albert's toll-free at (866) 796-6110 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08033.html

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December 13, 2007
Release #08-131

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 705-8408
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Hooker Furniture Recalls Bunk Beds 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: Bunk Beds

Units: About 1,300

Importer: Hooker Furniture Corporation, of Martinsville, Va.

Hazard: The bunk beds have gaps between parts of the upper bunk that
could allow a child's body to pass through but not a child's head. This
poses an entrapment or strangulation hazard to children and exceeds the
space allowed by the federal bunk bed safety standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled bunk beds come in twin-over-twin,
twin-over-full and loft beds with the following model names: "Albany
Park," "Swedish Accents," "Mariner's Landing," and "Chelsea's Place".
The bunk beds come in cherry, white, and black finishes. Some of the
bunk beds are also made of metal.

Sold at: Hooker Furniture retailers nationwide from August 2005 through
August 2007 for about $1,000.

Manufactured in: Malaysia and Vietnam

Remedy: Consumers should not allow children to use the recalled bunk
beds and contact the retailer where purchased to schedule a free,
in-home repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hooker Furniture
toll-free at (877) 705-8408 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hookerfurniture.com

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