Recall Blog

Fisher-Price Recall of Scooters and Mini Bikes

For the second time in two years Fisher-Price is recalling about 29,000 scooters and 5,000 mini bikes. The scooters and mini bikes, sold as Fisher-Price® Power Wheels® Lightning PAC Scooters and Fisher-Price® Power Wheels® MX3™ Mini Bikes were recalled in 2003 due to faulty motor control circuits that could cause the motors not to shut off, this time there's a potential for injury when a plastic rim on the tires can rupture if the tires are over-inflated.

The scooters and minibikes were made in China and sold at discount department and toy stores nationwide from November 2001 through April 2003 for about $200-$250.

CPSC: "The recalled Lightning PAC Scooters and MX3 Mini Bikes are battery-powered ride-on toys designed for children ages six and older. The product names are located on the side of the scooter or mini bike. The recalled scooter’s model number is 73530. The recalled mini bike’s model number is 73535. The model numbers are located inside the battery compartment. The recalled scooters or mini bikes have a warning label located near the inflation valves. If the warning label reads ‘Never inflate above 30 psi,’ the scooter or mini bike is not subject to this recall. Recalled units had warning labels that did not warn about inflating higher than 30 psi."

If you believe you have one of the affected toys you are urged to take the recalled scooters and mini bikes away from children immediately and contact Fisher-Price to receive new warning labels and a free tire gauge to provide assistance during inflation. To prevent over-inflation, Fisher-Price recommends using a manual pump to inflate the tires.

Fisher-Price can be reached at (800) 255-7318 anytime or visit their Web site at www.service.fisher-price.com

Whirlpool Recall of KitchenAid Coffeemakers Due to Potential Fire Hazard

If you bought a Whirlpool KitchenAid® 10 or 12 cup coffee maker in the last 5 years you could be in for a surprise. Whirlpool is voluntarily recalling some 529,000 coffee makers after receiving numerous reports of fires started as a result of the coffee makers overheating.

The recalled KitchenAid® coffeemakers come in black, white, red, or blue and were sold through catalogs, department stores, specialty stores, and on-line retailers nationwide.

To determine if you have one of the affected models check the serial number and the products model number located on the underside of your coffeemaker against the table below.

10 - cup models		12 - cup models
KCM120OB	KCM300OB	KCM200OB	KCM400OB
KCM120WH	KCM300WH	KCM200WH	KCM400WH
			KCM400ER

Consumers should stop using the coffeemakers immediately and contact KitchenAid® for a free comparable coffeemaker model or an exchange for another KitchenAid® product. Do not return your coffeemaker to the retailer where it was purchased.For more information contact KitchenAid® at (800) 990-6255 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, or go to the KitchenAid® website at www.KitchenAid.com/repair or view the full bulletin at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

2 Million Children’s Folding Chairs Recalled After Amputation Hazard Posed

Summit Marketing is recalling some 2 million units of childrens folding chairs. The chairs, made of metal tubing with padded seats, have a locking mechanism that can fail and cause the chair to fold or collapse unexpectedly under the childs weight. Children's fingers can become trapped or caught in the hinge or receive lacerations and possibly amputation from some of the slot areas.

Parent are asked to stop using the chairs immediately and contact Summit toll-free at (866) 270-6275 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, to receive a repair kit for the locking pin.

The chairs can easily be idenitfied by a a tag located on the underside with the words "MANUFACTURED BY ZHANGZHOU STEEL TUBE FURNITURE FACTORY" and were sold individually or part of a set with a table.

For more information view the bulletin at the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Apple Recalls More Powerbook and iBook Batteries

Apple computers today recalled more Litium Ion batteries for their popular iBooka dn Powerbook computers. The batteries can overheat posing a potential fire hazard to consumers.

Apple.com: " In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities, Apple is voluntarily recalling certain lithium ion rechargeable batteries that were sold worldwide from October 2004 through May 2005 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. These batteries were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea.The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Apple has received six consumer reports of these batteries overheating. If you have a recalled battery, please stop using it and order a replacement battery immediately. Once you have removed the battery, plug in the AC adapter to power the computer. If you must temporarily use your computer with the battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating.Apple has initiated a worldwide exchange program and will provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge.

Identifying your battery

The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078, and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 and 3X446 through 3X510. To view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The battery serial number is printed in black or dark grey lettering beneath a barcode. See photos below. Please use the chart below to identify the battery model and serial numbers that apply to your iBook or PowerBook. "

The replacement program is only being offered through the Apple website. If you think you have an affected battery visit the Apple Battery Exchange website at www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange.

Toyota Recalls 900,000 Vehicles

Toyota is recalling 880,000 sports utility vehicles and pick-up trucks worldwide because of front suspension problems.

According to UPI, "the affected vehicles, most of which were sold in the United States, are the Tundra pickup trucks and Sequoia, Landcruiser Prado and 4Runner/Hilux Surf SUVs built between May 2001 and December 2003."

Delta Enterprise Corp. Recall of Lov’s Pacifiers

Delta Enterpirse has recalled approximately 180,000 childrens pacifies after the nipples seperated from the base during federal safety testing. Consumers are instructed to discard the pacifies sold under the Lov's brand immediately and contact Delta Enterprises at (800) 377-3777 for refund information.

CPSC: "Item: Lov’s Decorated Orthodontic Pacifier

Units: About 180,000

Distributor: Delta Enterprise Corp.

Hazard: The pacifiers are banned under federal law. They failed federal safety tests when the nipples separated from the base. This poses a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received one report of a 6-month-old child who was found gagging on the nipple that had separated from the pacifier. The child was not injured.

Description: The recalled pacifier measures about 2-1/4 inches in width and 1-1/2 inches in length and has button or hinged handles. The pacifiers are white with various colored handles. Designs are imprinted on some pacifier shields. One pacifier shield is decorated with a pink elephant, a purple giraffe with green polka dots, a blue lion with yellow fur and a blue cloud and yellow sun. Another pacifier shield has blue stars with Santa shapes. The amber colored nipple, imprinted with the words ‘caoui,’ ‘chouc’ and ‘pur,’ is about 1-1/8 inches long. ‘Lov 2-Pack,’ ‘Decorated Orthodontic Pacifier,’ and ‘99705’ are printed on the front packaging of the pacifiers. ‘Delta Enterprise Corp., Brooklyn NY 11212 Made in Thailand’ is printed on the package back.

Sold at: Small retail stores from November 2001 through December 2004 for about $1.

Manufactured in: Thailand

Remedy: Consumers should discard the pacifiers and contact the firm for instructions on how to obtain a refund or replacement product.

Consumer Contact: Contact Delta Enterprise’s Pacifier Hotline at (800) 377-3777 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday."

Dollar General Corp. Recall of Metal Heart-Shaped Pendants

Dollar Generall Corp and the Consumer Product Safety Commission yesterday announced the recall of over 80,000 heart shaped pendants sold over the last two years at Dollar General Stores nation wide. The pendants pose the serious health risk of lead poisoning to small children. For more information contact Dollar General at (800) 678-9258 or visit their website, www.dollargeneral.com.

CPSC: "Item: Heart-Shaped Pendant

Units: About 80,000

Distributor/Retailer: Dollar General Corp., of Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Hazard: The recalled heart-shaped pendant contains high levels of lead, posing a serious risk of lead poisoning to young children. Lead poisoning in children is associated with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hearing problems and growth retardation.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The heart-shaped pendant is silver-colored, ribbed on the front, hollow on the back, and hangs on a pink suede cord with a silver-colored clasp.

Sold at: Dollar General stores nationwide from May 2003 through April 2005 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take these necklaces away from children immediately and return them to Dollar General stores for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Contact Dollar General at (800) 678-9258 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.dollargeneral.com"

Fisher-Price Recalls of Grow-To-Pro Pogo Sticks

Fisher-Price® Grow-To-Pro® Pogo Sticks:

Units: About 154,000

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: An internal metal pin can wear down, causing the pogo sticks to remain stuck in the down position and release unexpectedly, posing a risk of fall or facial impact injuries to children.

Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received 17 reports of incidents with the pogo sticks, including one report of two teeth being lost and one report where stitches were required. Other injuries involved cuts and bruises to the face, arms and legs from fall injuries.

Description: The recalled Grow-To-Pro® Pogo sticks are traditional pogo sticks with a round, removable base, two foot pegs and handles and the words ‘Grow to Pro Pogo’ stamped on the front of the product. They come in two colors: green (model number 73386) and pink (model number 77356). The model number can be found underneath the pogo stick’s foot pegs. This recall includes green pogo sticks manufactured through August 1, 2004, and all pink pogo sticks. Green pogo sticks manufactured after August 1, 2004, are not included in this recall and are marked with a round, green sticker underneath the foot peg. Pink pogo sticks are no longer manufactured.

Sold by: Discount department and toy stores nationwide from January 2002 through August 2004 for between $25 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the products away from children immediately and contact Fisher-Price to receive a free replacement pogo stick.

Consumer Contact: Contact Fisher-Price at (800) 991-2444 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.fisher-price.com"

Fisher-Price Recalls Lil’ Wagster Dragster Push Toys

Lil’ Wagster Dragster

"Units: About 54,000

Manufacturer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: A young child’s chin, jaw, and teeth can get lodged in the opening at the top of the push toy’s round-shaped handle and incur injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: Fisher-Price has received nine reports of injuries associated with the push toy’s handle including loose teeth, cut gums and bruises to the mouth and chin.

Description: The recalled Lil’ Wagster Dragster toy is an electronic push toy for children 1-year-old and up. It has a green race car base with red wheels and a blue handle that extends up for the child to hold. The words “Fisher-Price” are stamped in red on the handle unit, while the number “3” is stamped in yellow on the front of the race car base. The push toy has a model number of B0335, which is printed on the underside of the toy’s race car base.

Sold at: Discount department stores and toy stores nationwide from December 2002 through February 2005 for about $13.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled push toys away from young children immediately and contact Fisher-Price to receive a repair kit and installation instructions.

Consumer Contact: Contact Fisher-Price at (800) 991-2444 anytime or log on to the firm’s Web site at www.service.fisher-price.com"

29,000 Pounds Of Ham Products Recalled For Listeria Contamination

Field Packing company of Owensoboro, Kentucy is voluntarily recalling over 29,000 pounds of ham products due to a possible contamination of Listeria after samples tested positive for the bacteria.

USDA: The products subject to recall are:

11 lb. packages of " BONELESS, HICKORY SMOKED, Mickelberry's, Ready to Eat, HAM, WATER ADDED." The establishment code "EST. 7467" appears inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product has a sell by date of May 27, 2005, that appears on the package and on the case underneath case codes "10793" and "205696."

4 lb. packages of "HONEY HAM WITH NATURAL JUICES, KENTUCKY'S ORIGINAL, KENTUCKY LEGEND, HONEY DOUBLE SMOKED, HICKORY SMOKED." The establishment code "EST. 7467" appears inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product has a sell by date of May 27, 2005, that appears on the package and on the case underneath case codes of "07088" and "205696."

The hams were produced on March 4, 2005. The Mickelberry's hams were distributed to institutional and food service customers in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Minnesota. The Kentucky Legend hams were distributed to retail stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.
The problem was discovered through company testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Listeria monocytogenes is known to cause health problems in people with weakened immune systems, pregnant or nursing mothers and can cause listeriousis, a rare but often fatal disease.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact company Vice President of Food Safety Troy Wilkerson at (866) 343-5058.

For questions about food safety call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

GM Recalls 2 Million Vehicles

Autoblog:

If you have virtually any 2003-2005 GM SUV or crew cab truck you'll probably be getting a recall notice. 1.5 million 2003-2005 Chevy Silverado Crew Cabs, Suburbans, Tahoes, Avalanches, Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs, Escalade EXTs, GMC Sierra Crew Cabs, Yukons, Yukon XLs and Hummer H2s have been recalled for faulty rear safety belts that don't protect passengers adequately. No one has been injured as a result. However 142,000 1999-2002 1500 Series Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierra pickups are also being recalled for manual transmission problems that led to 26 crashes. Also 69,000 of the all-new 2005 Buick Lacrosse and the Canadian version, Allure, have been recalled due to faulty brakes that also led to one minor crash. Buick Rendevous and Pontiac Aztec owners should also check out the story for updates on their recalls.
via Ross Hollman, who adds: "If you have remaining factory warranty, recalls are always a good time to have dealers fix other little problems, which is really the only bright side."

Welcome to the Recall Blog

Welcome to the first post of the Recall Blog, the newest blog in the Niche Blogs Network. Here, we'll report on the recall of unsafe, hazardous or defective products.