Consumer Products Recalls

Choking

CONTACT: February 14, 1990 (301) 504-7908 Release # 90-036 Tots 'N Toys In Cradle Replacement Program WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Uneeda Doll Company, Inc., New York, New York has announced a replacement program for the yellow cradle in the "Tots 'N Toys in Cradle," Model No. 70620. Small parts may break off the yellow cradle resulting in a potential choking hazard. The "Tots 'N Toys in Cradle" consists of a six-inch doll in a seven-inch by 3 3/4-inch cradle. The yellow plastic cradle has one heart on each of the spindles and the inside of one of the rockers is embossed with "UNEEDA DOLL CO., INC., MCMLXXXVII, MADE IN CHINA." Approximately 161,245 "Tots 'N Toys in Cradle," Model No. 70620 were sold nationwide from 1988 to the present for approximately $4.99 each. CPSC discovered this small part violation when a sample was obtained and tested for compliance with safety requirements. CPSC Chairman Jacqueline Jones-Smith said, "Neither CPSC nor Uneeda Doll Company, Inc. is aware of any injuries or complaints associated with this cradle, but this replacement program is being initiated to prevent the possibility of injury." Consumers should immediately take the yellow cradle away from children and return it to Uneeda Doll Company, Inc., 269 37th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11232 or call (718)768-9200 for replacement with a pink cradle which does not present a choking hazard

CONTACT: February 7, 1990 (301) 504-7908 Release # 90-035 Fishing Kit Warning WASHINGTON, DC--FinTek, Inc., Spirit Lake, Iowa in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the New York Attorney General's Office is issuing a warning urging parents not to give their "Tadpole Fishing Kit," Model K401, to children under the age of three because of a potential choking hazard presented by the casting plug contained in the kit. The Tadpole Fishing Kit includes a three foot DuraFlex Spincast Rod with ceramic guides and a black handle, a reel filled with eight-lb. test line, and a black rubber casting plug. Labeling near the base of the silver rod reads "FinTek Tadpole" and "ST330." The Tadpole Fishing Kit was labeled "Baby Angler Ages 1 -5" and distributed nationwide between December 1988 and May 1989. These fishing kits sold for about $12.00 each. Although the firm distributed approximately 9,800 Tadpole Fishing Kits, mainly to sporting goods stores, they have voluntarily recalled the product from retailers. The firm has redesigned the packaging to remove the age labeling. Consumers who have already purchased this item should immediately take the toy away from children under the age of three. The New York Attorney General's Office notified CPSC of the small parts violation with this fishing kit which was age labeled for one to five years. Neither CPSC nor FinTek, Inc. is aware of any injuries associated with these kits. This warning is issued to notify the public of the potential choking hazard if the "Tadpole Fishing Kit" is used by children under the age of three. Consumers who have any questions about this warning may contact FinTek, Inc. at 1-800- 237-5537

Choking

December 14, 1989 Release # 90-023 JA-RU Offers To Replace Parts Of Play To Learn Furniture Set WASHINGTON, D.C.--In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), JA-RU, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida has announced a replacement program for its "Play to Learn" furniture set Model No. 1411. Three components of the set violate CPSC's small parts regulation. The "Play To Learn Furniture Set" consists of two play figures and several furniture components made of plastic. JA-RU, Inc. is offering to replace the plastic lounge chair and two play figures because they are small parts which may present a choking hazard to young children. Neither the company nor CPSC has received any reports of ingestion or injury associated with these components. Approximately 144,000 "Play To Learn Furniture Sets," Model No. 1411 were sold nationwide from January 1987 to the present for $1.59 each. Consumers should remove the original plastic lounge chair and the plastic boy and girl figures from their children immediately and request replacements by contacting JA-RU, Inc. at (904) 733-9311 or write: JA-RU INC., 4030 Phillips Highway, Jacksonville, Florida 32207

Fall

Choking

Fall

Lead

Choking

Choking

November, 1989 Release # 90-008 WASHINGTON D.C.--An inspection and discount replacement program announced last year for Model 8600 Solar Pak mobile home furnaces is being continued by the Coleman Company Manufactured Housing Products Division of Wichita, Kansas, in voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This program was developed in 1988 in response to reports received by Coleman and the CPSC of deaths and serious injuries caused by leaking carbon monoxide from aging furnaces which have allegedly been inadequately inspected and maintained and/or altered or modified. Coleman is continuing its 1988 program to arrange inspections of its Model 8600 Solar Pak furnaces produced for mobile homes manufactured before December 1971. Coleman is offering homeowners a free Coleman cooler to encourage participation in this safety inspection program. Although approximately 380,000 Solar Pak furnaces were manufactured from 1964 through 1971, relatively few are still operational. The furnaces were sold exclusively for use in mobile homes either as original equipment or as replacement appliances. Investigations of the incidents show that no single factor is solely responsible for the carbon monoxide poisoning incidents. Nearly all of the incidents involved aging furnaces and a combination of factors, including improper or inadequate maintenance, improper installation, alteration or modification to the furnace. To participate in this inspection/replacement program, mobile homeowners should check their gas furnace for the presence of the Coleman brand name on the front of the furnace. They can then identify a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak by opening the furnace door and checking the rating plate. If the furnace is a Coleman Model 8600 Solar Pak or if the homeowner is uncertain, they should call (877) 874-7378, then follow the message prompt and press 2 to be directed to the consumer relations department. Coleman is offering up to a 50 percent discount on certain replacement parts as well as up to a 50 percent on a new replacement furnace. Furnace installation charges are not included. Consumers may receive further details of the program by calling the Coleman toll-free number listed above. Homeowners are reminded that annual maintenance and inspection of all furnaces are vital to the safety of consumers and to the proper operation of their furnace. Aging furnaces, 20 years old and older, should receive special annual care and attention to insure continued safe and efficient operation