Holiday Decorations Recalled Today

The CPSC recalled two holiday decorations today. Included in the recalls are the Jumbo Snowman Snow Globes sold by Hallmark from October to November of 2008 and the Candle Powered Carousels sold at Gardener's Supply retail stores and website from September to November of 2008. Both decorations were recalled due to fire hazards.

Concerns about Safety of Second Hand Toy Purchases

Government safety officials are concerned that money-conscious parents will purchase holiday gifts from secondhand, online sellers, who may not be aware of safety issues.

In a study published in the journal Injury Prevention, many products recalled years ago including bassinets, strollers, play yards, and various toys are for sale on eBay. Study authors randomly selected about 150 items that were recalled by the CPSC between 1992 and 2004. After tracking them for a month on eBay, researchers found that nearly 70 percent of the goods were eventually sold (despite the site's policy prohibiting the sale of recalled products). It does not appear the sellers are purposely trying to unload dangerous items, says study author Keri Brown Kirschman, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Dayton. "They're just parents trying to recycle old children's stuff and are probably completely unaware that these items have been found to be dangerous."

In 2008, the recalled products included cribs sold as far back as 1995 and toys as old as 1999. Most parents either don't hear about the recalls or don't have the information necessary to know if their products are part of the recall (purchase date, product number, etc.)

Before purchasing from eBay or after purchasing from a second hand store, be sure to enter the purchase in your SmartToyChoice account to check for a previous recall.

http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/13/4/228
http://www.parents.com/baby/safety/other-issues/recalled-baby-products/?sssdmh=dm17.344268&esrc=nwpce19_09&email=763132636

Delta Enterprises Recalls Over 50 Different Drop Side Cribs Manufactured Since 1995

Today, the CPSC and Delta Enterprises recalled 1.5 million cribs sold from 1995 to 2007 due to missing or defective pegs in the legs of the cribs. There are over 50 different models included in the recall which can be found in your SmartToyChoice.com Recall Alert. The CPSC is aware of the death of an 8 month old, two children who became entrapped and nine disengagement incidents in the cribs where the safety pegs were missing or faulty. These cribs were sold at major retailers, including Walmart,Kmart and Target. These cribs have also been found to be sold secondhand. Parents and Caregivers should immediately stop using the cribs and contact Delta for a repair kit at www.cribrecallcenter.com or 800-816-5304.

Another Crib Recall From Simplicity For a Total of 2.5 Million Simplicity Cribs Recalled in Last Year

According to a washingtonpost.com article, another 600,000 cribs made by Simplicity are being recalled because the drop side can come off, creating a gap where infants can become trapped and strangled.

Simplicity also made the 900,000 bassinets that retailers recalled nearly three weeks ago after a second infant died in one. The company recalled 1 million cribs in September 2007 because of similar problems with the drop side detaching. That recall was prompted by three deaths.

The models recalled today include the Aspen and Crib N Changer Combo, Gabrielle, Camille, Providence and Shenandoah models sold between January 2005 and August 2008.

The now-defunct Simplicity is owned by SFCA which continues to sell cribs and other children's furniture under the Simplicity name. In August, the CPSC issued a warning about the Simplicity bassinets because SFCA refused to do a recall. The company has said it did not assume legal responsibility for products made previously by Simplicity when it purchased the firm's assets in April. Retailers later agreed to carry out the bassinet recall and agreed to do today's recall as well. SFCA is cooperating with retailers in carrying out today's recall.

Consumers should return their cribs to the store where they bought them to receive a refund or store credit.

Click below for a link to the original washington post article.

(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/16/AR2008091603282.html?hpid=topnews)

We Have Crossed the Million Mark for Remote Controlled Helicopter Toys Recalled in 2008

Today the CPSC added another 78,000 Remote Controlled Helicopters to the 2008 toy recall list making the total remote controlled helicopters recalled for 2008 over 1 MILLION!

Today the Protocol Remote Controlled Mini Helicopter made in China was recalled due to reports of the rechargeable battery overheating and causing the helicopter to melt. The reports included one consumer whose fingertip was burned in the overheating.

These helicopters were sold in retail stores nationwide from October to December 2007.

I don't know about you but my son will NOT be receiving a remote controlled helicopter for Christmas!

Infants Strangled to Death in Simplicity Bassinets: CPSC Urges Consumers To Stop

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 thaton August 21, 2008, a 5-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to deathwhen 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 September29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars ofthe bassinet and died.

CPSC is issuing this safety alert because SFCA Inc., the company which purchasedall 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 isnot responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity Inc.The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars spacedfarther apart than 2 3/8 inches, which is the maximum distance allowed under thefederal crib safety standard. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabricflap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet isconverted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-securedwhen the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrappedin 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 consumersto share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family andfriends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinetcovered by this warning.The Commission voted, using its new authorities in the Consumer Product Safety ImprovementAct, to release this warning upon making a finding that the health and safety ofthe public require immediate notice.

Today, CPSC is announcing that the following retailers havevoluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit toconsumers 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 orwww.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
onlyJ.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
3112DOH
63011WHE
9250A
3016LAU
3046GTM
3010BIJ
3112DOH
73011WHK
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

HABA Recalls 22 Wooden Infant Toys Due to Choking Hazard

The CPSC recalled 118,000 wooden toys made by HABA today. The wooden rattles, pacifier holders, and stroller toys contain small pieces including glued on mirrors and prisms that can detach and pose a choking hazard to infants. HABA has received 15 reports of the recalled puzzles, rattles, and pacifier holders detaching and being mouthed by young children. These wooden toys were made in Germany and sold from January 2002 to August 2008.

While the CPSC listed19 of the HABA toys recalled, the HABA site listed 22 toys recalled. The CPSC list included the following:

0972 Lucy Clutching Toy
0973 Little Heart Clutching Toy
0920 Clutching Toy Belinda
2268 Triolino Puzzle
0951 Miro
1037 Bunny Pacifier Chain
1048 Pacifier Chain Bear
0917 Speedy Clutching Toy
0971 Bella Clutching Toy
0919 Clutching Toy Pixie's World
0924 Clutching Toy Pirate
0974 Bonita Clutching Toy
0975 Rally Clutching Toy
1062 Pram Decoration Little Hearts
1066 Flori
1067 Triola
1184 Trio
3572 Discovery Ball W/rattle
3571 Discovery Balls, Set Of 4

The HABA site (www.HABAusa.com/safety) included these additional toys:

3708 Construction Site Stroller Chain
3739 Stellino Clutching Toy 3744 Tamtam Clutching Toy

Update on Remote Controlled Helicopter Recalls

Today the CPSC added another remote controlled helicopter recall to the list for 2008. The Hobbico Heli-Max Axe CP-L rechargeable battery has reportedly overheated and or melted 28 times. Flames and minor property damage occurred during 27 of the reported times. These helicopter kits (which include the battery) were made in China and sold at hobby stores from November 2007 to March of 2008 for $200.

Remote Controlled Helicopter Kills 6 Year Old in Brazil

In an article reported by the associated press, a remote controlled helicopter spun out of control yesterday in Brazil and killed a 6 year old boy. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080818/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/brazil_model_helicopter

As reported in our blog post on July 25, close to one million remote controlled helicopters have been recalled by the CPSC in the US so far this year. The models recalled include the following:

Sky Scrambler
Sharper Image Helicopter
Sky Champion (sold at Walgreens)
AT600 Falcon by Hobby Lobby
and Fun2Fly Microcopter

Fisher Price Returns to the Toy Recall Front

It has been nine months since Fisher Price was included in a toy recall. Today the CPSC recalled 15,000 of the Fisher Price Learning Pots and Pans due to a choking hazard. These toy pots and pans were recalled because the blue pan may be missing screws that hold the toy together. Fisher Price has received five reports of the plastic cover coming off of the toy releasing the small balls inside. The toy recall affects the Learning Pots and Pans manufactured in China and sold by Fisher Price from October 2007 to August 2008.

Close to One Million Remote Controlled Helicopters Recalled This Year Due to Fire and Burn Dangers

Yesterday the CPSC recalled the Sky Scrambler and Sharper Image Wireless Indoor Helicopters due to fire and burn dangers. This makes close to one million remote controlled helicopters recalled this year due to the rechargeable batteries overheating and posing a fire hazard. Some customers hands have even been burnt once the fire started. This is up from the 332,000 remote controlled vehicles recalled in 2007 and 243,000 in 2006. All of the 2008 remote controlled helicopters were made in China.

The 2008 Recalled Helicopters include the following:
Sky Scrambler
Sharper Image Helicopter
Sky Champion (sold at Walgreens)
AT600 Falcon by Hobby Lobby
and Fun2Fly Microcopter

More Than 500,000 Units of Children's Jewelry Recalled Today Due to Lead

The CPSC recalled more than 500,000 units of children's jewelry today due to excessive lead. The recalls affected the following:

• Faded Glory Lip Gloss, Locket and Bracelet Sets sold at Wal-Mart in 2008 (30,000 units)
• Super Dooper Charms and Shoelace Charms Craft Kits sold since 2007 (18,500 units)
• the necklace included in the Magical Ballet Slippers Book sold since 2003 (500,000 units)

All of the jewelry items were made in China.

Oh Chute Parachute and Streamer Fireworks Recalled

Oh Chute Parachute and Streamer Fireworks were recalled by the CPSC today. The parachutes can become entangled in overhead power lines causing a shock hazard to users and bystanders. More than 80,000 of the fireworks have been sold at fireworks stands between April 2007 and June 2008.

Fireworks Over America has received one report of entanglement, in which a consumer’s hand was burned and shocked.

Youth Beds Sold at Costco Result in Toddler Death

Today the CPSC issued a recall for the Lajolla Boat Bed and Pirates of the Caribbean Twin Trundle Beds as a result of the death of a 22 month old boy. The toddler was strangled when the lid of the toy chest fell on the back of his head and trapped his neck on the edge of the LaJolla Boat Bed.

These beds were sold at Costco stores, Costco.com and furniture retail stores from January 2006 to May 2008. Owners can contact Bayside at 877-494-2536 or http://www.baysidefurnishings.com/ to receive a free repair kit with replacement lid supports.

Second Round of Playground Equipment Recalled

Today the CPSC recalled 11,000 Adventure Play Sets and Create N Adventure Wooden Play Sets sold at Wal-Mart and Toys R Us since the beginning of this year. Backyard Leisure has received 114 reports of the hangers for the glider swings breaking, including three reports of minor injuries to children. These wooden play sets were made in China.

This comes a month after the CPSC recalled 17,000 play sets sold to day care centers again due to fall hazards. The Playworld Systems Swing Sets which were recalled were made in the United States.

150,000 Remote Control Helicopters Recalled

Over 150,000 Remote Control Helicopters sold at Walgreens were recalled by the CPSC today due to Fire and Burn Hazards from the rechargeable battery. This is proof again of the following SmartToyChoice Ten Toy Recall Myths -

Only parents of preschool children need to worry about toy recalls
Not true. Parents of preschool children must worry about toy recalls, especially if their children are prone to putting toys in their mouths. Yet, not all recalls are for toys that cause problems when ingested. Easy Bake ovens were recalled because children’s hands were trapped and burned in the oven. Remote control airplanes were recalled because the batteries were catching fire or exploding and causing hearing loss.Toys were also recalled for breaking and causing lacerations.

For more of the Ten Toy Recall Myths please click on the following http://www.smarttoychoice.com/dsp/dsp_toy_recall_myths.php

Over 1 Million Toy Cell Phones Recalled Today Due To Choking Hazard

Over 1 million Little Tikes Chit N Chat Toy Cell Phones were recalled today due to a choking hazard. The CPSC and Little Tikes have received three reports of the toy breaking, including one report of a child beginning to choke on a small part. The affected phones were sold at department, juvenile product and drug stores nationwide from June 2006 to March 2008.

Big Day for Lead Paint Recall in Children’s Products

Today the CPSC issued seven new recalls on children’s toys and other products due to excessive lead. The recalls included the following:

Pirates of the Caribbean Sleeping Bag (sold at Disney Stores)
Tinker Bell Wand (sold at Disney Stores)
Basic Beat Shaker Guiro Instrument (sold by West Music)
Sure Grip Yellow Paint Brush (sold by Early Childhood Resource Distributors and to Teacher Supply Stores)
Floppy Friends Horse Toys
AND
The biggest lead paint recall today included over two million magnet sets by United Scientific sold to schools for use in science classes. These magnets have been sold to schools for the past 12 years (sales started in October 1996). An additioin 87,000 magnets by American Scientific were recalled for lead and these were sold to schools since 2006.

PlayWorld Systems Recalls Swing Sets Sold to Day Cares

Yesterday, the CPSC issued a recall on Playworld swing sets sold to day cares and early childhood learning centers in the past year. The swing set recall was due to a faulty part (clevis bearing) which can detach and cause the swing to fall. Over 17,000 swing sets are part of this recall.

8 Companies Agree to Settlement on Drawstring Issue in Children's Clothing

According to the CPSC, the companies listed below have agreed to pay $320,000 in total to settle allegations that they knowingly sold defective products. In 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines on the use of drawstrings in children’s hooded shirts and jackets. The drawstrings are believed to present a risk of strangulation to children.

In 2008 alone, there have already been 8 recalls for girls and boys hooded sweatshirts sold at places such as Marshalls and Nordstroms.


Life is Good Inc.
True Religion Apparel Inc.
The Cayre Group Ltd.
DollarDays International, LLC
Kohl's Department Stores Inc.
Seena International Inc.
Neiman Marcus Group Inc
Gildan Activewear SRL