Defective Product News - Edgar Snyder & Associates

Strollers Recalled by Maclaren Caused Amputations

Tues, 10 Nov 2009 16:05:00 EDT

Almost 1 million Maclaren strollers have been recalled after at least 12 reported finger amputations. The amputations occurred when babies or toddlers got their fingers stuck in the strollers' hinges.

The following models are included in the recall: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. They were sold in the United States at retailers such as Target and Babies R Us and open with an "umbrella" mechanism.

Consumers are urged to stop using the dangerous products immediately and to contact Maclaren for a free repair kit.

Personal Help Buttons a Potential Choking Hazard

Mon, 28 Sept 2009 16:08:00 EDT

Philips Lifeline, a medical service designed to reduce the risk of living alone for the elderly, considers its personal help button to be "great looking," "comfortable and convenient," and "flexible." Sounds great? Think again.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to users of the personal help buttons, which are worn around the neck on a cord. The buttons present a potential choking hazard because they are designed to remain in place when pulled, ensuring that they don't accidentally fall off. This same feature increases the risk that, if caught on a wheelchair, walker, bed with guard rails, or any other object, the defective devices could choke the wearer.

The FDA is currently aware of at least six reported choking injuries and deaths between 1998 and 2009 that occurred when the cord on the button became entangled with other objects. Over 500,000 of the devices are being used in the United States and Canada.

Household Cleaners Linked to Asthma, Birth Defects, and Fertility Problems

Fri, 18 Sept 2009 16:04:00 EDT

Many parents worry about their children's safety when they leave the confines of their home, but a recent finding has shown that parents may now have to be cautious about what they bring into their homes.

Manufacturers of detergents, household cleansers, and furniture polish are facing questions from consumers regarding the chemicals in their products. Although many of the chemicals are present only in small amounts, some have been associated with asthma, birth defects, and fertility problems in higher doses. Furthermore, even if the amounts are low, consumers are still concerned about the effects of using these products over the course of a lifetime.

A few manufacturers, like S. C. Johnson, which makes Windex, Shout stain remover, and Glade air fresheners, put all ingredients on product labels. Presently, the government requires only that ingredients posing an immediate danger be included. Some lawmakers argue, however, that consumers have a right to know exactly what is in their kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Medtronic LifePak Defibrillators Recalled

Thu, 17 Sept 2009 16:08:00 EDT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of some Medtronic LifePak CR defibrillators. The devices can malfunction in humid conditions, posing a safety risk to patients.

The defibrillators deliver electric shocks to correct abnormal heart rhythms, and in extreme humidity, the units may not analyze heart rhythms correctly. In such instances, the devices may deliver the shock late or not produce one at all.

The faulty defibrillators were manufactured and distributed from July 9 and August 19 of 2008. The serial numbers of affected models can be found on the FDA's website.

Portex Pediatric Tracheal Tubes Recalled

Wed, 16 Sept 2009 16:08:00 EDT

Various sizes of Portex Uncuffed Pediatric-Sized Tracheal Tubes have been recalled by Smiths Medical. The defective tubes are subject to a Class I recall, which means they pose a probable risk of serious injury or death.

Some of the tracheal tubes may have internal diameters that are smaller than they are supposed to be. This could result in difficulty removing secretions from the tube or airway, potentially leading to an airway obstruction. Seventeen different types of tubes in three different sizes are affected. A complete list of the recalled units can be found on the FDA's website.

Smiths Medical has instructed all customers to return any unused tracheal tubes involved in the recall. The company says that tubes currently in use with a patient don't have to be removed, and advises customers to use a company-supplied Guidance Chart for suction catheter sizes if suctioning a tracheal tube is necessary.

Baby Jogger Strollers Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EDT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of more than 40,000 Baby Jogger City Mini Strollers. The strollers' restraint buckle can break or detach, allowing a child to fall out.

The strollers involved in the recall are Baby Jogger City Mini single and double strollers. Affected item numbers and date codes can be found on the CPSC's website. The strollers were sold at retailers nationwide and online from November 2007 until July 2009.

Consumers are advised to stop using the strollers immediately and to contact Baby Jogger for a free replacement restraint buckle.

Wal-Mart Recalls Durabrand DVD Players

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:55:00 EDT

Wal-Mart has announced the recall of approximately 1.5 million Durabrand DVD players. The defective products can burst into flames, posing a burn risk to consumers.

Wal-Mart has received 12 reports of the DVD players overheating. In five incidents, the overheating lead to a fire that damaged property. The devices were imported from China and sold at Wal-Mart stores from January 2006 to July 2009. They are silver with a U-shaped opening at the top to insert a DVD.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using DVD players affected by the recall and return them to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

Simplicity Bassinets Recalled After Infant Deaths

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:53:00 EDT

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging all parents and caregivers to stop using Simplicity Inc.'s convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets immediately. The CPSC has been informed of two infant deaths that occurred after its August 2008 recall announcement, which was also prompted by two infants who died in their bassinets.

In September 2008, a two-month-old baby suffocated in the fabric siding of the Simplicity bassinet. In January 2009, a six-month-old baby appears to have become fatally entrapped in the bassinet's bar opening created when the Velcro fasteners weren't secured. The CPSC received to other reports involving babies whose heads became entrapped but were freed by caregivers without injury.

The affected products are Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets, including those with the Graco logo and "Winnie the Pooh" motif. They were manufactured before May 18, 2008, and the model numbers can be found on the CPSC's website. A number of retailers have agreed to provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the bassinet to the store from which it was purchased.

Little Tikes Recalls Children's Toys

Fri, 14 Feb 2009 15:52:00 EDT

Little Tikes toy workshop sets and trucks present a choking hazard to children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Little Tikes and the CPSC have announced a recall of the potentially dangerous toys and warn consumers to stop using them immediately.

The recalled workshop sets and trucks have oversized, plastic toy nails on which young children can choke. Approximately 1.6 million of the toys were sold nationwide, both online and at retailers like Toys "R" Us, from March 1994 through June 2009. The names, model numbers, and UPC code of the recalled products can be found on the CPSC's website.

Little Tikes received a report of an 11-month-old choking on a toy nail that became lodged in his throat. Consumers should remove the defective toys from children and contact Little Tikes for a replacement.

Dual Sensor Fire Alarms Recalled

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:05:00 EDT

About 94,000 faulty smoke alarms have been recalled by Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms can be damaged by electrostatic discharge, resulting in failure to warn of a fire.

The defective Chinese-made alarms have date codes from August 1, 2008 through May 4, 2009 and were sold across the United States. The recalled model has two buttons on the front reading "HUSH" and "PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY."

Installing both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarm sensors is best because one is more sensitive to flames and the other to smoke. For a list of suggested smoke alarms from the National Fire Protection Association, visit their smoke alarm page. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the Home Safety Council:

Test smoke alarms once a month by pushing the button until you hear a loud noise; Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old; Replace batteries once a year and/or when a smoke alarm makes a chirping noise, indicating that the battery is low; Interconnected smoke alarms are best; Interconnected alarms in a home all automatically go off when one alarm is set off by a fire, allowing more time for individuals to escape safely; Since smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed high on walls or on ceilings.

Quick-set Infusion Sets Recalled by Medtronic

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EDT

Quick-set infusion sets recalled The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Medtronic Inc. has voluntarily recalled an estimated 60,000 Quick-set infusion sets used by diabetics across the country. The faulty products may improperly vent air pressure, which could potentially deliver too much or too little insulin to diabetes patients, possibly leading to serious injury or death.

An infusion set delivers insulin from an insulin pump through a thin plastic tube. The recalled Quick-set product is used with MiniMed Paradigm insulin pumps.

Defective infusion sets include reference numbers MMT-396, MMT-397, MMT-398, and MMT-399 with lot numbers starting with the number "8." Customers may visit Medtronic's website to view labels of the "Lot 8" sets, a list of countries affected by the recall, and for more information in regards to the recall.

Starbucks Coffee Grinders Recalled for Laceration Risk

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:03:00 EDT

About 530,000 Starbucks coffee grinders have been recalled due to laceration risks posed to consumers. More than 170 incidents have been reported, including three hand lacerations that occurred when consumers were cleaning the machine.

In the reported cases, the defective device either turned on unexpectedly or failed to shut down. The products were sold in Starbucks stores and Seattle's Best Coffee stores between March 2002 and March 2009. The recalled products and their SKU numbers include the following:

Starbucks Barista Blade Grinders - Stainless Steel (171884), Green (195234), Pink (195235), Orange (220623), Teal (220624), Cranberry (242275), Olive (344476), and Black (454482). Seattle's Best Coffee Blade Grinder - Brown Metallic (474881).

Consumers should stop using the grinders and can contact Starbucks for a replacement. Consumers are also urged to report other incidents or injuries to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Eddie Bauer Play Yards Recalled

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:09:00 EDT

A recall has been announced for over 70,000 Eddie Bauer Soothe and Sway Play Yards. The bassinet portion of the defective product poses a risk of suffocation or positional asphyxiation to children.

The play yard's rocking bassinet attachment can tilt even when secured in the non-rocking mode or can remain tilted while in the rocking mode. This can cause an infant to roll to the corner or side of the bassinet and become wedged in the corner or pressed against the side or bottom of the bassinet.

Eddie Bauer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have received 10 reports of infants rolling to one side, including six whose faces pressed against the side or the bottom of the bassinet. According to reports, one child was turning purple and was out of breath when found.

The recall involves Eddie Bauer Soothe and Sway convertible portable play yards with a bassinet and changing station feature. Models included in the recall are 05046 (all units) and 05044 units manufactured before December 1, 2008. The units were sold at Target, Sears, and Burlington Coat Factory stores nationwide and online from January 2008 through May 2009. The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the bassinet attachment of the play yard.