Short stuff: Recall roundup
Reebok has agreed to pay a record $1 million fine for violating the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, while at the same time admitting no wrongdoing and denying it had violated federal law.
The fine stems from the 2006 death of a 4-year-old boy after he swallowed a charm included with a pair of Reebok sneakers. The charm was found to contain 99 percent lead.
The charms were offered as free gifts with the purchase of children’s shoes for nearly two years and were recalled in March 2006. If consumers have one of these charms they should immediately take the charm bracelets away from children and dispose of the entire bracelet.
Recent recalls include:
Ellaroo ring sling baby carriers by Ellaroo LLC. The aluminum rings on the sling carriers can bend or break, which can cause the fabric to slip through the rings and infants to fall out of the carrier.
Play Wonder toy sundae sets by Battat Inc. The wooden cherries on top of the toy sundae pose a choking hazard.
Toy penguin figures by Plan Toy Inc. present a laceration hazard because the head of the penguin toy can detach, exposing connectors with sharp points.
Rock‘N Ride plush rocker toys by Tek Nek Toys Intl. The base of the rocker can become unstable and allow the rocker to tip forward or backward.
Remote-controlled helicopter toys by Soft Air USA Inc. A rechargeable battery inside the helicopter can catch fire during charging, igniting the helicopter and nearby combustible materials.
Micros boys’ hooded jackets by Urgent Gear Inc. Drawstrings through the hoods can pose a strangulation hazard.
Another 2 million magnetic toys. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal. For more information on magnet hazards visit www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/magnet.pdf.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled certain models of Graco CarGo car seats and a small number of Evenflo Discovery, Models 3021769Z and 3021854Z, for not meeting federal standards. For additional information, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
Recent recalls for lead:
Force Commander toy airplanes and Super Famous toy cars and motorcycles by S.U. Wholesale Inc.
Wire-O bound journals and calendars by Galison/Mudpuppy.
Toy puzzle vehicle sets by Merchant Media Corp.
Ring Toss games by Educational Insights.
Backyard and Beyond metal water bottles by Downeast Concepts Inc.
To report a problem with a product or to see the complete list of recalls, visit www.cpsc.gov.
Sarah Chusid, program directorKids in Danger
