(Recall information provided as a courtesy of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.)

Appliance Co. of America LLC Announce Recall of Juice Extractors Sold at Kmart

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Appliance Co. of American LLC, of Great Neck, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 229,000 Betty Crocker juice extractors.

The juice extractor's filter and lid can break apart, and project metal and plastic into the air, causing injuries to nearby consumers.

Appliance Co. of America has received 17 reports of the juice extractors' filters and lids breaking apart. Six consumers suffered minor cuts to their hands and arms.

The Betty Crocker juice extractor being recalled is model number1480, which is written underneath the unit as part of a mark that reads "BC-1480 Juice Extractor." The juice extractor is white, and measures 2.5-inches high, 6-inches wide and 8.75-inches long.

Kmart stores nationwide sold these juice extractors from September 1992 through June 1995 for about $21.

Consumers should stop using these juice extractors immediately,and contact Appliance Co. of America for instructions on returning their units for a refund. Call Appliance Co. of America at (800) 872-1656 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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Rashti & Rashti Announce
Recall of Pacifier Clips

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rashti & Rashti Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 12,700 pacifier clips. The metal clip and the small rivet that attaches the clip to a small, stuffed animal on the pacifier holder can break apart easily, exposing babies to small parts. This poses a choking and aspiration hazard to babies. Rashti & Rashti received one report of a pacifier clip breaking apart. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled Magic Years(r) Novelty Pacifier Buddy Clips were sold individually, and also as part of a set with a matching bib. The pacifier clip has a small, stuffed animal attached -- including a purple cat, yellow chick, blue dog, pink bunny, green bear and white sheep. The bib sold with the bib set has a large, sewn-on animal patch that matches the design of the pacifier animal.The clips and bib/clip sets are packaged on a yellow cardboard hangtag. "Magic Years(r)" and "PACIFIER CLIP" are written on the individual clip packaging. "Magic Years,(r)" "Novelty bib and pacifier clip set" and "ALL ITEMS MADE IN CHINA" are written on the bib/clip set packaging. There is no writing on the pacifier clips or bibs.

Gift and specialty stores sold the pacifier clips from September 1999 through June 2000. The pacifier clips sold individually for about $3, and the bib/pacifier clip sets sold for about $5.

Consumers should take these pacifier clips away from babies immediately, and call Rashti & Rashti at (800) 4-RASHTI between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for information on receiving a refund.

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The Coleman Co. Announce
Recall of Gas Grills

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Coleman Co. of Witchita, Kan., is voluntarily recalling about 86,000 Coleman Gas grills. A sharp edge on the metal heat shield below the control panel of the grill can cause lacerations to the hands, wrists or arms.

Coleman has received six reports from consumers who received cuts or lacerations on their hands, wrists, or arms from the heat shield when they were accessing the propane cylinder underneath the grill.

The recalled grills are green and black and have a red Coleman emblem on the grill's cover. The grill has a wheeled cart with two side tables or one side table and a side burner, and features a warming rack above the grilling surface. Only grills with series numbers 2000 or 3000 are included in the recall. The series numbers are on the face plate of the grill, located on the right hand side of the control panel.

Home improvement and discount department stores sold the grills nationwide from January through April 2000 for between $350 and $500.

Consumers should immediately contact Coleman toll free at (877) 846-1070 anytime to receive a free repair kit. The repair kit contains a plastic sheath to cover the sharp edge on the heat shield.

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AmeriGas Propane L.P. Announce
Recall of Propane Cylinders

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), AmeriGas Propane L.P., of Valley Forge, Pa., is recalling about 100 propane cylinders sold or exchanged at The Home Depot or Meijer’s stores in the Detroit, Mich., area. Of these cylinders, about 10 could be overfilled, which can cause them to release flammable propane gas unexpectedly, posing a risk of fires and explosions.

On July 19, 2000, some of the overfilled cylinders vented propane and ignited, causing an explosion at the AmeriGas plant in Willoughby, Ohio. One worker suffered minor burns. No consumer injuries have been reported. After investigating the source of the overfilled cylinders, AmeriGas determined the only AmeriGas office which delivered possibly overfilled cylinders to retail stores was its Trenton, Mich., office. No other AmeriGas location released overfilled cylinders to retailers or customers.

Home Depots and Meijer’s stores in the Detroit, Mich., area sold or exchanged these propane cylinders on July 17 through July 19. An AmeriGas "Prefilled Propane Xchange" or "PPX"® gas grill cylinder is white, and at the time of purchase, had a shrink-wrapped sleeve around it with the names "AmeriGas" and "PPX" on it. The cylinders sold for between $44 and $48 and cost between $13 and $14 for an exchange.

Consumers who purchased or exchanged one of these AmeriGas barbecue propane cylinders should not use their gas grills or other appliances, and should not disconnect or transport the cylinder.

Consumers should call the AmeriGas toll-free hotline immediately at (888) 428-9779 anytime for instructions on getting their gascylinder inspected, and replaced if needed.

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Hufco-Delaware Co. Announce Recall
to Repair Gerry(r) TrailTechTM
Backpack Baby Carriers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hufco-Delaware Co., of Miamisburg, Ohio, is recalling about 111,000 Gerry(r) TrailTechTM backpack baby carriers with plastic frames. Small infants can shift to one side, slip through the leg openings of these carriers and fall.

CPSC and Hufco-Delaware have received four reports of infants slipping through the leg openings of these carriers. There were two reports of infants suffering fractured skulls and two reports of infants suffering bumped heads when they fell to the ground.

These Gerry(r) TrailTechTM backpack baby carriers have black, plastic contoured frames. They were sold in color combinations of slate blue with teal trim, green with black trim, navy blue and purple with green trim, and blue and purple with silver trim. A tag on the outside of the carrier reads "GERRY(r)." A long tag, originally inside the carrier when sold, reads, "GERRY TRAIL TECH/TRAIL TECH HP." Writing imprinted on the plastic frame reads, "GERRY." The carrier has a removable, washable seat; a storage pouch; a loading stand; and a padded hip belt.

Department and baby products stores nationwide sold these backpack carriers from January 1996 through July 2000 for about $65.

Consumers should stop using these backpack carriers immediately, and call Hufco-Delaware at (800) 881-9176 anytime for a free repair kit that replaces the seat of the carrier with one that has smaller leg openings.

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Gymboree Announces Recall of Plush
Shape Sorters and Stacking Toys

The following product safety recalls were conducted by Gymboree Corp. in cooperation with the CPSC.

PRODUCT: Plush Shape Sorter Toys - The Gymboree Corp., of Burlingame, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 19,000 plush shape sorter toys.

The toy is a multi-colored, plush fabric sorter box with six shapes that rattle, crackle or squeak, and have a multi-pattern design including, green with blue polk-a-dots, red and orange checks, and blue and green stripes. A label on the toy reads, "GYMBOREE" and "Made In China." Gymboree and Play & Music Stores, and the Gymboree web site sold the toys nationwide from November 1998 through April 2000 for about $20.

PROBLEM: The stuffing of the toys can contain sewing needles and sharp metal pieces. Young children could ingest or be cut by these sharp metal pieces.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: There has been one report of a part of a sewing needle in the stuffing of the plush shape sorter toy. After searching through its inventory, the firm found five additional plush shape sorter toys with sharp metal pieces. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Stop using the toys immediately, and return it to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Gymboree at (800) 222-7758 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

PROBLEM: The stuffing of the toys can contain sewing needles and sharp metal pieces. Young children could ingest or be cut by these sharp metal pieces.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: After searching through its inventory, the firm found sharp metal pieces in six of the plush shape stacking toys. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Stop using the toys immediately, and return it to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Gymboree at (800) 222-7758 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

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Shelcore Inc. Announce Recall Children's
Play Tables to Replace Mallets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shelcore Inc., of Somerset, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 124,000 "Stand-Up 'N Play Tables" to replace the xylophone mallets. The mallet that comes as part of this table set can be lodged into the throats of young children, posing a choking hazard.

Shelcore received a report of the mallet being jammed into the throat of a 13-month old boy after he fell while teething on the ball end of the mallet. Lacerations in the throat resulted when an adult had to forcibly remove the mallet to prevent choking.

The "Stand-Up 'N Play Table" measures 14 inches long, 14 inches wide and 13 inches high. The multi-colored play table includes a telephone, clicking dial, spinner, push-button squeaker, rolling ball, spinning gears, xylophone and mallet, three colorful shapes, and a shape sorter. The tray of the table is white, and the legs are red with yellow caps at the base. Writing on the box reads, "Ages 9-36 Months," and "Encourages Child to Pull-Up and Stand."

Toy stores nationwide sold these play tables from March 1996 through March 1999 for between $18 and $20.

Consumers should immediately throw the recalled mallets in the trash, and call Shelcore for a free replacement mallet. For more information, call Shelcore at (800) 777-0453 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Shelcore Inc., 347 Elizabeth Ave., Somerset, NJ 08873-1101.

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Teethers Recalled

PRODUCT: Teether Toys - Manhattan Group LLC, of Minneapolis, Minn., is recalling about
22,000 plastic teether toys. These toys are called the Whoozit(r) Touch and TeetheTM, and have item number WZ-450, written on the packaging. The teether has a 3-inch center face with a red nose that squeeks when pushed in. A mirror is on the reverse side of the face.

Seven shapes surround the toy: two hearts, two stars, two circles and one triangle. The green triangle on the toy reads "Touch and Teethe," "Whoozit" and "Made in China." Specialty stores and gift shops sold the teethers from February 2000 through May 2000 for about $12.

PROBLEM: The teether can pull apart easily and expose small pieces. This poses choking and aspiration hazards to young children.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: The firm has received four reports of teethers coming apart and exposing small pieces. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange for another toy. For more information, contact Manhattan Group at (800) 541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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Target Corp. Recalls Oil Burning Candles

Target Corp. of Minneapolis, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 16,000 glass and metal oil burning candles.

The candles come in two shapes: rectangular and circular. The glass portion of the candle is supported by a metal black metal frame. There are two glass pieces that stack on top of each other. The lower glass piece has a reservoir for oil. The top glass piece has an opening for a wick. The circular candle measures 6.25 inches in diameter and the rectangular candle measures 5.5 inches by 13.5 inches. These candles were made in China. Target stores sold these candles nationwide from January 2000 through May 2000. The circular candles sold for $8 and the rectangular candles sold for $15.

PROBLEM: The glass on these candles can shatter, creating a fire hazard.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Target has received six reports of these candles shattering, including three reports of minor property damage. There have been no injuries reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return them to the nearest Target store for a refund. For additional information, consumers should call Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

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Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Announce
Recall of Doll Feeding Sets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dollar Tree Stores Inc., of Chesapeake, Va., is recalling about 700,000 doll feeding sets. The doll bib in the set has snaps that detach, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

CPSC and Dollar Tree Stores Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these bibs. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled doll feeding set consists of a bib with pink and blue baby cupids, a plastic baby food jar with pink top and a label reading "Love My Baby Baby Food", baby bottle, two-handle pink cup, and a small blue container. Writing on the packaging reads "Love My Baby Doll Care Feeding Set." On the back right-hand corner of the package is SKU number 563239. The set was sold in a box labeled for children ages 4 years and over.

Dollar Tree Stores nationwide sold the doll feeding sets during December 1999 for about $1.00.

Consumers should take this recalled toy away from young children immediately and return it to any Dollar Tree Store for a refund. For additional information, call Dollar Tree Stores at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

The State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection brought this matter to CPSC's attention.

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The First Years Inc. Announce Recall
to Replace "Elmo Nitelights"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The First Years Inc., of Avon, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 123,000 "Elmo Nitelights." The faceplate on these nightlights can be broken off, exposing wiring and posing shock and electrocution hazards.

CPSC and The First Years have received three reports of the faceplates on these nightlights breaking off resulting in two 1-year-old girls and an adult receiving an electrical shock when touching the exposed wires.

The "Elmo Nitelight" shows the Sesame Street character Elmo, who is red, hanging onto a green lamp post set on a blue background. A moon and stars surround the light part of the lamp post, which illuminates when the light is plugged in. It measures 4.25 inches long by 2.75 inches wide and fits over the entire standard outlet coverplate.

"Henson" and "the first years" are imprinted on the back of the nightlights. The cardboard packaging shows a picture of the Sesame Street character Big Bird, and includes the writing, "SESAME STREET" and "nitelight."

Discount, drug, grocery and toy stores sold these nightlights from July 1997 through March 2000 for between $5 and $6.

Consumers should immediately remove the "Elmo Nitelights" from their sockets and throw them away. If wires are exposed, turn off the power before removing. Consumers should contact The First Years to receive a free replacement nightlight at (800) 533-6708 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can write to The First Years, One Kiddie Drive, Avon, MA, 02322-1171.

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Cycle Express Inc. Announce
Recall of Bicycle Helmets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cycle Express Inc., of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 9,000 bicycle helmets. These helmets fail impact testing and labeling required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death.

CPSC and Cycle Express are not aware of any injuries or incidents involving these helmets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled girls' helmets are mostly pink mixed with silver glitter. The pink portion of the helmet is bordered by purple tape.

Decals on the helmets read "Hearts & Flowers." These helmets are size small, for ages 2 through 5 years. A label inside the helmet reads "DISTRIBUTED BY: CYCLE EXPRESS." The helmets, which were made in China, are packaged in a box that reads, "Hearts and Flowers Helmet Combo Value Pack" and "Item #10235." The helmets were sold with a bike bag-purse combo and hair accessories.

Toys R Us stores sold these helmets with accessories nationwide from October 1999 through April 2000 for about $13.

Consumers should stop using these bicycle helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased. They will receive a $7 refund, which is the assessed value of the helmet. For more information, call Cycle Express toll-free at (877) 714-6117 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write to Cycle Express Inc., 312 Fifth Ave., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

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Kellogg Company Announce Recall of Toy Cars Inside Boxes of Cereal

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kellogg Company, of Battle Creek, Mich., is recalling 837,000 toy cars, that were packed inside some Kellogg's cereal boxes.

The tires can detach from the wheels of these cars, posing a choking hazard for young children.

Kellogg has received two reports of the tires detaching from the wheels of these toy cars. No injuries have been reported.

These Nascar(r) Pull'N Go Hot Wheels(r) style toy cars are red and yellow with a white hood. Pulling the car backwards a few inches on a surface causes it to go forward. "Kellogg'sTM" is written on the hood, and the number "5TM" and "Terry LabonteTM" is written on the roof. The words "China" and "MFG. FOR KELLOGG CO. TM, (c)2000" are molded into the plastic underframe. No other Kellogg's(r) Pull'N Go cars or Hot Wheels(r) cars are part of this recall.

Various club and a few grocery stores nationwide sold these cars in specially marked packages of Kellogg's(r) Tri-Fun-PakTM 40-ounce box, Kellogg's(r) Froot Loops(r) 43.6-ounce box, Kellogg's(r) Mini-Wheats(r) Frosted Bite Size 58.8-ounce box, and Kellogg's(r) Crispix(r) 31.4-ounce box. The cars were distributed inside boxes of these cereals from March 2000 through June 2000.

Consumers should take these toy cars away from young children immediately, and send the cars to Kellogg to get a free replacement item and reimbursement for postage. Send the car, along with your name and address to Kellogg Company, P.O. Box 185654, Battle Creek MI 49018-5654.

For more information, call Kellogg Co., at (800) 962-0037 anytime, or go to the firm's web site at www.kelloggs.com.

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CPSC, Whitehall-Robins Healthcare Announce Recall of Teething Rings

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Whitehall-Robins Healthcare, of Madison, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 475,000 teething rings. When bent, these teething rings can fit into an infant's mouth and trigger a gagging reflex. This poses a risk of vomiting, which could result in choking and aspiration.

Whitehall-Robins Healthcare has received two reports from consumers of children gagging on the teething rings, including one report of a child starting to choke.

These teethers were sold with .25 oz. tubes of Baby Anbesol(r) Grape Gel, an oral anesthetic. The teethers are yellow and shaped like rabbits. They are about 3 inches long and 2.25 inches high. Two holes are molded into the teething ring for infants to grasp. The packaging reads, "THE BABY'S TEETHING KIT," and "FAST TEETHING PAIN RELIEF."

Mass merchandise, drug and grocery stores nationwide sold Baby Anbesol with these teethers from May 1999 through June 2000 for about $6.

Consumers should take these teething rings away from infants immediately. Contact Whitehall-Robins Healthcare for information on returning the teething ring in order to receive a free Anbesol(r) product. Consumers can call Whitehall-Robins Healthcare at (800) 525-2607 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's web site at http://www3.young-america.com/2506-2/Recall.asp.

Only the teething rings, and not the Baby Anbesol(r) Grape Gel, are being recalled.

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Ace Hardware Corp. Announce
Recall of Shingling Hatchets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ace Hardware Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill., is recalling about 22,000 Ace-brand shingling hatchets. The heads on these tools can detach when in use, striking the user or a bystander and causing serious injury.

Ace Hardware Corp. has received two reports of hatchet heads detaching, one of which struck a bystander in the head, resulting in a cut requiring 32 stitches.

The hatchet, used to remove and hammer on roof shingles, is about 13-inches long. It has a hickory handle with a leather strap on the end and a forged steel head with a hatchet on one side and a hammering face on the other. The word "ACE" is etched on one side of the tool head and "TAIWAN" is on the other side. These hatchets have item number 2014710, which is printed on a label on the hatchet's handle.

Ace Hardware Stores nationwide sold the hatchets from March 1994 through April 2000 for about $18.

Consumers should stop using the hatchets immediately and return them to any Ace Hardware Store for a refund. For more information, contact Ace Hardware Corp. toll-free at (877) 223-4391 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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Vtech Industries Announce Recall
of Toy Baby Phone

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Vtech Industries LLC, of Wheeling, Ill. is recalling about 34,000 toy baby phones. The toy phones have a ball-shaped antenna which can detach, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

CPSC and Vtech Industries have received nine reports of the plastic ball detaching from these phones. One child reportedly started to choke on one of these plastic balls.

The toy is called Little Smart Soft Songs Baby Phone. The cordless baby phone has a mirror, four colorful talking musical buttons, a ringing light-up phone button and a red on/off button. The phone is yellow with a blue padded border and a yellow ball-shaped antenna. A label on these toys reads "Soft Songs Baby Phone 39100." Writing on the phone includes "VTECH" and "Little Smart Soft Songs Baby Phone."

Wal-mart stores nationwide sold the toy phones from January 2000 through May 2000 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately take these toy phones away from children. For more information, contact VTech at (800) 521-2010 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

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CPSC, Kids II Announce
Recall of Bouncer Seats

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kids II of Alpharetta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 99,000 bouncer seats for in-home repair. The removable toy bar that attaches to the seat can suddenly release and cause injuries to babies.

Kids II has received 122 reports of toy bars suddenly releasing from bouncer seats, resulting in 31 injuries to babies, including a black eye, a scraped eye, and facial cuts.

Only Kids II bouncer seats with semi-circular toy bars are recalled. These bouncer seats were sold under the names "Soft Toy Bouncer Seat" or "Comfort Me Bouncer." The Kids II logo is embroidered on each seat's crotch strap. The bouncer seats have a ruffled seat pad in three patterns: a black, white and red cow print; a teddy bear, rocking horse and toy box print; and a nursery rhyme print. Each pattern has certain model and lot numbers, which are found on a tag attached to the seat. The Comfort Me Bouncers feature vibration and soothing sounds, including music, waves and heartbeat. Each semi-circular toy bar has three toys. Some of the recalled seats came with white toy bar tethers.

Mass merchandise and juvenile specialty stores nationwide sold the seats from October 1997 through April 2000 for about $25 to $35.

Consumers should remove the semi-circular toy bars immediately and contact Kids II for an in-home repair kit. Consumers can continue to use the bouncer seat for the baby to sit in as long as the toy bar is removed. Consumers should call Kids II toll-free at (877) 325-7056 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a free repair kit.

Kids II bouncer seats with rectangular shaped toy bars are not subject to this recall.

Model 6657, toy box fabric Lot numbers 10875, 10930

Model 6652, cow print fabricLot numbers 9697, 10257, 10263,10404, 10487, 10563, 10780, 10818

Model 6659, nursery rhyme fabric Lot number 11003

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CPSC, Healthtex Announce
Recall of Baby Garments

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Healthtex, a division of VF Playwear Inc., of Greensboro, N.C., is recalling about 260,000 of its baby garments. Snaps on these garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to babies.

CPSC and Healthtex have received 10 reports of snaps detaching from the baby garments. No injuries have been reported.

These garments were sold under the Healthtex(r) and Little Impressions(r) labels in sizes newborn to 24 months. There are 58 different styles included in this recall. Style numbers are located on the back of the neck tag or inside seam. Call the company (800) 554-7637 to see if your garment is part of the recall. The garments were sold as one-piece and two-piece infant garments with long sleeves and full crotch snaps for boys and girls. The male portion of the snap can be identified by the name "SNAPET" stamped inside. The garments were sold in various colors and prints including pastels, stripes and plaids. Writing on the collar labels includes, "MADE IN THAILAND," and "100% Cotton."

Department stores and children's specialty stores nationwide as well as the Healthtex web site sold these clothes from May 1999 through December 1999 for between $12 and $30.

Here are the style numbers involved:

AC1150W AD0150W EC1000M HS3195N HS3297Y

AC0150W AS2225B EC0000W HS4299N HS2196G

AX0150W AS1225F HS3199P HS3197F HS3298P

AC2150W AC2226B HS3196R HS2299N HS4295G

AX2150W AS1102F HS3296N HS3299R HS2296P

AH0151W AS2100B HS1196R HS4297N HS4298B

AC2225B AD2150W HS1199P HS1299R HS2298B

AT1150M AC2100B HS4296P HS2198C HS1297Y

AC1225F AS1226F HS4197N HS2197N HS1298P

AH1150W AH2150B HS4198C HS1198F HS2297N

AC1226F EC1000F HS1197F HS1296N

AD1150W EC2000B HS4196G HS2295G

Consumers should stop using these baby garments immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange.

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Sta-Rite Industries Inc. Announce
Recall of Battery Chargers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sta-Rite Industries Inc., of Delavan, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 29,000 battery chargers used in battery back-up sump pump systems. The battery chargers can overheat and ignite, melting the charger housing and posing a fire hazard.

Sta-Rite has received seven reports of battery chargers overheating or catching fire. Four incidents have involved smoke or fire damage to homes, confined to the immediate area of the charger. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled battery chargers are used in the "Flotec" and "Sears" back-up sump pump systems. The sump pump system is used to remove water from homes that have basements. This recall involves the charger only, not the sump pump. Consumers can identify whether the sump pumps battery charger is being recalled by checking the sump pump system model number.

The Flotec system is model number FP2000DCC-02 or 2P667B and the Sears system is model number 390.306062. The brand name and model number can be found on the pump model plate located on the pump. The part number on the charger is PS17-77 and can be found below the meter on the charger. Sta-Rite will help consumers determine if the battery charger is part of this recall.

Large and small home centers, auto parts and plumbing supply stores, including Sears, W.W. Grainger, Advanced Auto Parts, Home Quarters, Home Depot, and Hechinger sold the sump pump systems nationwide from December 1994 through September 1997 for about $200. The battery chargers also were sold as a replacement part for the sump pump systems for about $130.

Consumers should stop using the sump pumps with the recalled battery charger immediately. Consumers can receive a free replacement battery charger by calling the Sta-Rite Consumer Assistance Hotline toll-free at (800) 845-6541 anytime.

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Jack Rabbit Creations Inc. recalls
wooden stacking toys

Jack Rabbit Creations Inc., of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling about 9,000 hand-painted, wooden stacking toys called Stacking King. These stacking toys have seven interlocking multi-colored, doughnut-shaped pieces mounted on pegs. The pieces are green with blue pok-a-dots, orange with yellow stripes, and purple with green swirls. The bases of these toys have black and white checked squares. The top of the toy has a round, hand-painted face with a wooden yellow crown. A label on the toys packaging reads in part, "Stacking King," "Jack Rabbit Creations" and "Made in China." Specialty and Gift shops have sold these products from February 1999 through April 2000 for about $25.

The wooden peg in the black and white checked base can come off, presenting a choking hazard to young children. Jack Rabbit Creations has received four reports of the pegs coming loose. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should take the toys away from young children immediately and contact the company for a free replacement base and a small toy. To order the base or for more information, call Jack Rabbit Creations toll free at (888) 376-5225.

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Baby Hammocks recalled by Hangouts

Hangouts, of Boulder Colo., is recalling about 350 baby hammocks. The "baby hammocks" are 6-foot-long mini-hammocks. They are woven from thin cotton strings with nylon end strings in solid or multi-striped colors. The label attached to the end loop reads, "Hangouts(r) from Bellartson" and "Woven by Hand in MEXICO." The Hangout store in Boulder, Colo., and its catalogs sold these hammocks as model number MY-BB-1110 from January 1990 through September 1999 for about $20.

These baby hammocks can suddenly become twisted around childrens' necks and strangle them. Also, infants sleeping on soft bedding can become wedged in positions in which they cannot breathe. No incidents or injuries have been reported in these hammocks, but between 1984 and 1995, CPSC received reports of 12 deaths of children in other mini-hammocks.

Consumers with one of these hammocks should stop using it immediately, and return it to Hangouts for a free, standard single hammock (model MY-SS-1130). For more information, call Hangout at (800) 205-4916 anytime.

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ATICO International USA Inc.
recalls Candle Holders

ATICO International USA Inc., of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., is recalling about 14,000 lighthouse-shaped candle holders. They are made of wood (painted white or natural) with a glass and metal top. They measure about 11 inches high and 5 inches wide. A tealight candle is placed in the top of the lighthouse and can be seen burning through the glass windows. There is no identifying information on the product. A sticker on the bottom of the candleholder reads, "Made in China." Rite Aid stores nationwide sold the candle holders from January through March 2000 for about $10.

The wooden top of the candle holder can ignite, presenting fire and burn hazards to consumers. ATICO International USA Inc. has received three reports of candle holders igniting. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using the candle holders immediately and return the product to the nearest Rite Aid for a full refund. For questions, consumers should call ATICO International USA Inc. at (800) 645-3867 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit Rite Aid's web site at www.riteaid.com.

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Recalls in Brief...

Infant car seat/carriers where the handles can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip forward and the infant to fall. Three brands of carriers have been recalled. CPSC knows of a total of 160 injuries, including skull fractures and concussions, with all three recalled carriers. The recalled carriers are: Evenflo, On My Way Model 207 and 492 made before July 27, 1997 by Evenflo Company; Cosco "Arriva" and "Turnabout" models made before September 9, 1997, by Cosco Inc.; and Kolcraft "Infant Rider," "Secura," and other models made from January 1, 1993, through June 30, 1999, by Kolcraft Enterprises. People should call the company to get free a repair.

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Pokemon Balls included with Burger King kids meals may pose a suffocation hazard to children under 3 years of age if either half of the ball gets stuck on the child's face, covering the nose and mouth. More than 25 million "Pokemon Balls" were distributed in November-December, 1999. A 13-month-old girl and a 4-month-old boy reportedly suffocated when one-half of a Pokemon ball covered the nose and mouth. In addition, CPSC is aware of several non-suffocation incidents. Take the "Pokemon Balls" (including the clip) away from children under the age of 3 years and discard the ball or return both halves to a Burger King restaurant for a free small order of french fries.

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Swimming Pool Dive Sticks can cause rectal or vaginal impalement if children jump into a shallow pool and fall or land on the dive stick. CPSC knows of nine impalement injuries and three non-impalement injuries to children 5 to 11 years old. People should stop using the hard plastic dive sticks and throw them out. Depending on the dive sticks owned, consumers can receive a refund, replacement, or repair.

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Television carts made by Sauder Woodworking Co. (Models 5155, 5055, and 5251 made through September 1998) and by Bush Industries Inc. (Models 5414 and 5014 from June 1992 to August 1998) can tip over and injure children and adults when the cart and the TV fall. There have been 15 reports of these carts tipping over, resulting in 3 injuries including a 3-year-old girl who suffered a skull fracture. The carts were sold ready-to-assemble and had a bottom cabinet with hinged double doors. People should remove their televisions and VCR's from the carts and contact the manufacturer to get a free repair kit to help prevent the cart from tipping over.

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Tubular metal cribs made by Cosco Inc. before September 1997 can entrap or strangle a baby. These metal cribs can be mis-assembled with the mattress platform used as a side rail, creating a distance between the side rail slats that allows an infant to become entrapped. There have been 27 reports of babies becoming entrapped because of mis-assembly, resulting in 1 death. In addition, mattresses sold with Model "M" cribs and sold before October 1997 can compress and be pushed between the bars on the crib's platform, permitting a baby to slip between the bars on the crib's platform and become entrapped. Cosco has received 12 complaints of entrapment because of the compressed mattress, resulting in 1 death. Call the company to make sure the crib is properly assembled and to get a new, safer mattress.

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Cedar chests with lids that automatically latch shut when closed made by The Lane Co. between 1912 and 1987. CPSC and Lane are aware of seven children suffocating inside the chests when the lid closed and automatically latched shut. Only those made between 1912 and 1987 are involved. Contact the company to get a free replacement lock to prevent entrapment.

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Toasters Recalled by Proctor-Silex...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Proctor-Silex Inc., of Glen Allen, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 95,000 toasters. The heating elements in these toasters can remain on after the toast pops up. This poses a fire hazard.

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Homelite® Handheld Power Blowers/Vacuums Recalled by John Deere...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), John Deere Consumer Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 200,000 Homelite(r) handheld power blowers/vacuums. The fuel line location can cause it to contact the edge of the engine shroud, causing the line to prematurely wear. This can result in a gasoline leak, presenting a fire hazard and causing burn injuries to consumers.

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Lawnmowers Recalled by American Honda Motor...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance, Calif., is recalling about 112,000 lawnmowers. The lawnmowers' fuel tanks' seam can split or crack, leaking fuel, and creating a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

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Baby Boomers Sports-Related Injuries... According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), sports-related injuries to adults ages 35 to 54, today's baby boomers, increased by 33 percent from 1991 to 1998. To help reduce this increase, CPSC, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine are distributing a brochure, Boomeritis™, that describes the many injuries common to baby boomers and advises on ways to safely exercise to avoid many of these injuries.

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Children's Lamps Recalled by Kmart...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kmart Corp., of Troy Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 280,000 children's decorative lamps. The lamps can short circuit posing a fire hazard.

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Swings & Domes Recalled by Fisher-Price...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling two infant products. About 105,000 "3-in-1 Cradle Swings" with detachable carriers are being recalled, along with 235,000 "Bounce 'n Play Activity Domes."

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Skeet Shoot Game Cartridges Recalled by Toymax...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Toymax Inc., of Plainview, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling approximately 435,000 Arcadia Electronic Skeet Shoot games to replace the game cartridges. The skeet shoot games' cartridges can be defective, and can cause the projector to overheat, melt and smoke, presenting a risk of burns to consumers.

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Chairs Recalled by Boston Warehouse...Boston Warehouse Trading Corp., of Norwood, Mass., is recalling about 1,800 folding wooden chairs.The screws holding the chair's front leg folding mechanism can work loose causing the chair to collapse, resulting in injury.

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Converters Recalled by Coast Electronics Supply ... Coast Electronics Supply, of Cerritos, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 AC converters that are used to convert overseas consumer products that run on 220 volts to American household current at 110 volts and vice-versa. The product presents an electrical shock hazard because the unplugged end of the cord is energized when the other end is plugged in.

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Vacuum Cleaners Recalled by BISSELL® Homecare...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BISSELL® Homecare Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 207,000 PowerCleanTM and PureAirTM upright vacuum cleaners. The power cord insulation can tear where the cord attaches to the vacuum, exposing bare wires. This poses a risk of shock and burns to consumers.

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Futon Recalled by Standard Mattress Co...In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Standard Mattress Co., of Hartford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling approximately 47,000 futons. Some of these futons may fail cigarette ignition resistance tests, in violation of the federal Flammable Fabrics Act, because the boric acid flame retardant inside the futons may not have been evenly disbursed. This could result in burn injuries, should one of these futons catch fire.

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Standard Mattress Co. to Pay $60,000 Civil Penalty...The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that The Standard Mattress Co., of Hartford, Conn., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $60,000. The civil penalty settles allegations that Standard violated the federal Flammable Fabrics Act by manufacturing futons that violated the Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads.

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Hasbro Pays $400,000 Civil Penalty...The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Hasbro Inc., of Pawtucket, R.I., paid a $400,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it violated the Consumer Product Safety Act by failing to timely report defects with its "PLAYSKOOL baby FOLD'N TRAVEL" infant carriers. Playskool Baby is a division of Hasbro.

Each week many products are recalled that have proven dangerous or have failed national safety standards. It's important that you keep up to date on this information. Remember: Just because a product has been pulled off the market doesn't mean you won't find it in a garage sale or second-hand store,so check it out before you buy it. The sites listed below contain an up to date list of product recalls and archives of products recalled in years past. Bookmark these sites.

Consumer Reports

http://www.consumerreports.org/Recalls/index.html

Consumer Product Safety

Commissionhttp://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html

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