Author: Marianne Halterman

  • Comfort Research Recalls Vinyl Bean Bag Chairs Due to Risk of Entrapment, Suffocation

    Recall Date: December 19, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-053

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Bean Bag Chairs

    Hazard: The zippers on the bean bag chairs can be opened by children who can then crawl inside, become entrapped, suffocate or choke on the bean bag chair’s foam beads.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumer Contact: Comfort Research toll-free at (844) 578-8933 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.comfortresearch.com and click on the Product Recall link for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 125,000

    Description: This recall involves vinyl polystyrene-filled bean bag chairs with a single zipper on the exterior cover. The round vinyl bean bag chairs measure 88 and 98 inches in diameter. Colors and patterns included in the recall are black, hot pink, lime, purple, royal blue, ruby red, and baseball, basketball, football and soccer ball. A tag sewn into bean bag chair’s cover seam reads “Made By Comfort Research” and “100% Polystyrene.”

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled bean bag chairs from children and check them for zippers that can be opened. Consumers can contact Comfort Research for instructions to permanently disable the zipper.

    Sold at: Burlington Coat Factory, Kroger, Meijer and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Bean Bag Company, Groupon, Kohls, Target, Toys R Us, Walmart, Wayfair and other online retailers between January 2010 and October 2013 for between $30 and $40.

    Manufacturer: Comfort Research, LLC, of Grand Rapids, Mich.

    Manufactured in: U.S. and China

  • BRP Recalls Ski-Doo and Can-Am Kids’ Hoodies Due to Strangulation Hazard

    Recall Date: December 19, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-052

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Kids’ Hoodies

    Hazard: The hoodies have a drawstring around the neck area which poses a strangulation hazard to children. Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation and/or entanglement hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines about drawstrings in children’s upper outerwear. In 1997, those guidelines were incorporated into a voluntary standard. Then, in July 2011, based on the guidelines and voluntary standard, CPSC issued a federal regulation. CPSC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: BRP toll-free at (888) 272-9222 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or at www.can-am.brp.com and click on “Visit Website, then “Owners,” then “Safety,” then “Safety Recalls” or www.ski-doo.com and click on “Safety Recall” at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 3,100 in the U.S. and 5,100 in Canada

    Description: This recall involves 14 styles of Ski-Doo or Can-Am kids’ hooded sweatshirts for boys and girls. They were sold in kids’ sizes 2 through 12. The hoodies are cotton/polyester blend. There is a drawstring in the hood of the garment. Colors include raspberry, yellow, heather, charcoal gray and black. “Ski Doo” or “Can-Am” is printed on the front. Recalled style numbers include: 286485, 453215, 453265, 453320, 453321, 453375, 453376, 453464, 453618, 453658, 453660, 453661, 453707 and 453708. The style numbers indicating the different graphic treatments are printed on the white care label that is sewn into the neck and side of the garment.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the hoodie away from kids and remove the drawstring from the sweatshirt to eliminate the hazard or return it to an authorized BRP dealer for a full refund.

    Sold exclusively at: BRP authorized dealerships nationwide and in the BRP online stores at www.can-am.brp.com and www.ski-doo.com from April 2007 through December 2014 for between $40 and $65.

    Distributor: BRP U.S. Inc., of Sturtevant, Wis.

    Manufactured in: China

  • Kiddie Korral Recalls Girls Hoodies with Ponies Due to Strangulation Hazard

    Recall Date: December 18, 2015

    Recall Number: 15-051

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Pink Pony Hoodies

    Hazard: A drawstring through the hood of the hoodies can pose a strangulation hazard to children. Drawstrings can become entangled or caught on playground slides, hand rails, school- bus doors or other moving objects, posing a significant strangulation and/or entanglement hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines about drawstrings in children’s upper outerwear. In 1997, those guidelines were incorporated into a voluntary standard. Then, in July 2011, based on the guidelines and voluntary standard, CPSC issued a federal regulation. CPSC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on neck and waist drawstrings in upper outerwear, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Kiddie Korral at (800) 445-7195 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.kiddiekorral.com and click on the Recall tab at the top of the page.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 2,300

    Description: This recall involves Kiddie Korral girl’s pink hooded sweatshirts with red ponies and a drawstring through the hood. The zippered front hoodies have two front pockets, are made of 100% polyester and were sold in sizes 2 through 12. A label sewn into the garment’s neck seam reads “Kiddie Korral” and a label sewn into the side seam has RN#117026 and style number 327.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the hoodies from children and remove the drawstring to eliminate the hazard. Consumers can return the hoodies to the place of purchase for a full refund.

    Sold at: Children’s boutiques, gift shops and other specialty retail stores nationwide from December 2012 through November 2014 for about $25.

    Distributor: Kiddie Korral, Dallas, TX

    Manufactured in: China

  • Giggles International Recalls Animated Monkey Toy Due to Burn Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores

    Recall Date: December 18, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-049

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Animated toy

    Hazard: The battery compartment can reach temperatures up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a burn hazard.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Giggles International at (800) 738-6018 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.LoveMyGiggles.com and click on Recall at the top of the page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 13,000

    Description: This recall involves Giggles International Animated Sing-Along Monkey toys. The monkey is made of brown and beige plush material and is about 9 inches tall. The toy is designed to hold a song book titled “5 Little Monkeys” and to sing the song when activated. A red music note is on the bottom of the monkey’s right foot and the face of a child with its hands covering its eyes are on the bottom of the money’s left foot. Recalled sing-along monkeys were manufactured between 6/7/2014 and 7/5/2014 and have batch code GP1410028. The manufacture date in the M/D/YYYY format and batch code are printed on the bottom of a white fabric label attached near the base of the monkey’s tail. The monkey toys came in a tan colored box with words “Animated Sing-Along Monkey,” “Sing along with me!” and “I play peek-a-boo with you!” on the front. The age advisory “For ages 3+” and the warning that batteries are included are also on the front of the box.

    Incidents/Injuries: Giggles International has received two reports of toys overheating and melting their battery compartments.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the animated monkey away from children, remove the batteries and return the toy to any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store or contact Giggles International for a full refund.

    Sold exclusively at: Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores nationwide from September 2014 to October 2014 for about $25.

    Manufacturer: Giggles International Ltd., of Hong Kong

    Manufactured in: China

  • Wegmans Food Markets Recalls Moody Face Stress Balls Due to Choking Hazard

    Recall Date: December 17, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-048

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Gift Gallery Moody Face Stress Balls

    Hazard: These rubber stress balls can break into pieces when squeezed, posing a choking hazard to young children.

    Remedy: Refund

    Consumer Contact: Wegmans consumer affairs toll-free at (855)-934-3663 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.wegmans.com and click on “Product Recalls” for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: 7,000

    Description: The Gift Gallery Moody Face Stress Balls are solid rubber balls that you can squeeze in your hand. These stress balls were sold in five colors: blue, green, orange, red and yellow and have black eyes and mouth as a smiley face printed on the front with pink, orange or yellow yarn hair on top. The balls measure about 2.5 inches in diameter. The stress balls were packaged in a clear bag with a white square label that has the “Gift Gallery” logo, model number 205617 and UPC code 0-67103-30053-6.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these stress balls and return them to any Wegmans service desk for a full refund.

    Sold exclusively at: Wegmans in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia during September 2014 for about $1.

    Importer: Gift Craft, of Williamsville, NY

    Manufactured in: China

  • Help Save Kids Lives Now!

    Every day over 500 children die on the world’s roads and thousands are injured. Help Save Kids Lives Now! with road safety. Visit www.savekidslives2015.org/ and sign the declaration.
  • National Influenza Vaccination Week

    December 7 – 13, 2014 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. This message is from Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). For more information about influenza, please visit www.flu.gov/.

    As we near the end of autumn, many of us begin preparing for the holiday season, but there’s something else we need to prepare for as well: flu season. This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a time to highlight the importance of getting our flu vaccine.

    From missed work and school, to doctor’s visits or worse, the flu can take a big toll on your family. This season has already brought reports of serious illnesses, hospitalizations and even deaths. Thankfully, there are easy ways to fight the flu.

    Take the time to get a flu vaccine and make sure you take everyday precautions against the spread of germs. Although some of the flu viruses this season are different than what’s in the vaccine, vaccination can still offer some protection and is the most important step to preventing infection from the most common flu viruses. CDC also recommends antiviral medications, as a second line of defense against the flu. Treatment with antiviral drugs is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications or people who are very sick with flu and work best when started within two days of the beginning of flu symptoms.

    No one wants the aches, soreness and fatigue that can come with the flu, especially during the holiday season! So, get your flu vaccine and find out more about how to protect yourself and your family at CDC.gov and Flu.gov. However, if you do get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school, so you don’t make the people near you sick, too. Everyday preventative actions like covering your cough, staying away from sick people and washing your hands often are particularly important this time of year as well.

    Be well,
    Secretary Burwell

  • Dream On Me Recalls Incredible Play Yards Due to Strangulation Hazard

    Recall Date: December 9, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-043

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Dream On Me Play Yards

    Hazard: The play yard’s rails can collapse, presenting a strangulation hazards to young children.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumer Contact: Dream On Me toll-free at (877) 201-4317 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday or online at www.dreamonme.com and click on the Recalls tab for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 10,000

    Description: The recall includes Dream On Me Incredible two-level deluxe adjustable height play yards with model number starting with 436A, 436B, 436G, 436O, 436P and 436R. The play yards, made with a steel, powder-coated frame base with rolling, hooded casters, have a fabric and mesh covering that comes in a variety of colors. The play yard includes a changing top, a toy bar with soft toys for entertainment, a side pocket for storage and a carrying case. “Dream On Me” is printed on the bottom left-hand side outside of the product. The model number is printed on a label attached to the play yard’s mattress. The play yard can be folded for storage.

    Incidents/Injuries: None reported

    Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled play yards and contact Dream On Me to receive a free repair kit.

    Sold online at: Amazon, Kohls, Toys R US, WalMart, Wayfair and other online retailers from March 2010 through January 2014 for about $60.

    Importer: Dream On Me, of South Plainfield, N.J.

    Manufactured in: China

  • Leatherman Recalls Children’s Multi-Tool Due to Laceration Hazard

    Recall Date: November 20, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-035

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Leatherman® Leap™ multi-tool

    Hazard: The lock mechanism on the optional knife blade can inadvertently release the blade, posing a laceration hazard.

    Remedy: Replace

    Consumer Contact: Leatherman toll-free at (888) 212-2438 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.leatherman.com and click on Safety Recall under the Support section at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 8,000 in the U.S. and 400 in Canada

    Description: This recall involves the Leatherman Leap multi-purpose tool that was designed for users age nine and up. The multi-tool has a green, blue or red plastic casing with two screws, one on each handle of the tool. It consists of combination needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, wood saw, ruler, tweezers, soda bottle opener, optional 420HC (high carbon stainless steel) knife blade, scissors, phillips screwdriver, and small and medium slotted screwdrivers. The words Leatherman and LeapTM appear on one side of the multi-tool.

    Incidents/Injuries: None.

    Remedy: Consumers should not install the optional knife blade or should immediately stop using the multi-tool with the installed optional knife. Consumers should contact Leatherman for a free replacement multi-tool, including shipping.

    Sold at: Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s and retailers nationwide, including knife and sporting goods online stores, from August 2014 through September 2014 for about $54.

    Manufacturer: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., of Portland, Ore.

    Manufactured in: United States

  • Graco Recalls 11 Models of Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation Hazard

    Recall Date: November 20, 2014

    Recall Number: 15-032

    Recall Summary

    Name of Product: Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling and TravelMate Model Strollers and Travel Systems

    Hazard: The folding hinge on the sides of the stroller can pinch a child’s finger, posing a laceration or amputation hazard.

    Remedy: Repair

    Consumer Contact: Graco Children’s Products at (800) 345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.gracobaby.com and click on the “Help Center” at the top and Recall and Safety Notifications for more information.

    Recall Details

    Units: About 4.7 million in United States, about 202,000 in Canada, and about 10,300 in Mexico

    Description: This recall includes eleven Graco and Century-branded strollers with model names Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, LiteRider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling and TravelMate.  All models are a single-occupant stroller with an external sliding fold-lock hinge on each side and a one-hand fold release mechanism on the handle. Strollers with a manufacture date from August 1, 2000 to September 25, 2014 are included in the recall. Model numbers and the date of manufacture are printed on the white label located at the bottom of the stroller leg just above the rear wheel.

    For a complete list of all model names and numbers included in the recall, click here: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2015/Graco-Recalls-11-Models-of-Strollers/

    Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received 11 reports of finger injuries including six reports of fingertip amputation, four reports of partial-fingertip amputation and one finger laceration.

    Remedy: Contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit. Repair kits will be available from the firm at the beginning of December 2014. While waiting for a repair kit, caregivers should exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller to be certain that the hinges are firmly locked before placing a child in the stroller. Caregivers are advised to immediately remove the child from a stroller that begins to fold to keep their fingers from the side hinge area.

    Sold at: Target, Toys R Us, Walmart and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other online retailers from August 2000 through November 2014 for about $40-70 for the stroller and about $140-$170 for the Travel System.

    Manufacturer: Graco Children’s Products, of Atlanta, Ga.

    Manufactured in: China