Baby Clothes Recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Shopko Stores Inc. are recalling about 68,000 newborn and infant "creepers," short-sleeved body suits with two snaps on the shoulder and three snaps at the crotch. The snaps can come off, posing a choking hazard to children.

The 100 percent cotton Peek-A-Babe creepers were sold in sizes 0-3M to 24M. The boys' creepers come in solid and striped knit fabrics. The girls' garments were made in pastel shades of pointelle knit fabric with a satin bow at the neck and an embroidered figure below the bow.

Shopko stores nationwide sold these garments from December 1998 to June 1999 for $4 to $6.

If you have a garment included in the recall, Shopko asks that you stop using it and return it to Shopko for a refund. For more information, call the company at (800) 791-7333. (07/30/99)

Children's Clothing Recalled

More than 7,000 newborn and infant outfits are being recalled because an attached ornament poses a choking hazard to young children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Little Me of Cumberland, Maryland say the garments are described as Mini Fruit Girls' Rompers. The rompers have ornamental cherries hanging from them, and one child has reportedly started to choke on one of the cherries. It was pulled from the child's throat by the attached string.

The 100 percent cotton rompers have a white top and cherry print bottom with a white embroidered collar. They were sold with a floppy hat that also has a cherry print pattern. The ornamental cherries are attached at the waist.

Labels on the garments read "Little Me," "MADE IN PHILIPPINES," and "RN 20864." They were sold in major department stores and children's clothing stores from March 1999 through July 1999 for about $20.

If you have a romper included in the recall, Little Me asks that you stop using it. The company will provide a refund and a voucher for a 30 percent rebate on future Little Me purchases. The company can be reached at (800) 843-8460. (7/27/99)

Utility Lighters Recalled

ECKO Housewares Inc. and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling about 333,000 utility lighters. The lighters can ignite the area where the trigger is pulled, causing burn hazards and risk of fire. ECKO has received four reports of consumers' hands and arms being burned due to the faulty lighters.

The lighters are refillable and contain butane. They are about 9 inches long, with a white plastic base and red plastic handle. Words imprinted on the metal barrel read, "GAS TORCH," and a yellow label on the handle reads, "DANGER: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE CONTENT UNDER PRESSURE.MADE IN CHINA." They were sold in mass merchandise, hardware and grocery stories nationwide from January 1997 to June 1999 for about $3.

ECKO asks that you stop using the lighters immediately and return them to the store for a refund. For more information, call the company at (800) 964-9687. (7/26/99)

NIKE Sport Bottles Recalled

NIKE and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling about 250,000 NIKE sport waterbottles. The drinking valve on the cap can detach, posing a choking hazard.

NIKE has received one report of this happening, but no reports of injuries. The CPSC says the recall is voluntary.

The waterbottle is a curved-shaped 22-ounce bottle with a black screw-on lid. It's available in gray, yellow and blue and has rubber grips on each side. The bottles were sold at major sporting goods and department stores nationwide from April 1999 through July 1999 for about $7.

If you own a bottle included in the recall, NIKE asks that you stop using it immediately. You can either return the bottle to the store from which you bought it, or contact NIKE at (800) 344-6453 for a redesigned cap. (7/27/99)

Reebok Recalls Children's Shoes

Reebok International Ltd. and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling about 140,000 children's side zip sneakers. The side pocket of the shoes has a pull tab that can be twisted off, presenting a choking hazard to small children.

Reebok has not received reports of any injuries, but wants to prevent any from occurring.

The affected sneakers are the Reebok Classic Leather Zip, sold in toddler and child sizes up to size 9. Each sneaker has a small zippered pocket on the side. The zipper's pull tab is imprinted with the Reebok name and logo. When unzipped, the Reebok name and logo appear. "Reebok Classic" is on the front of the sneaker's tongue.

To find out if your child's sneakers are being recalled, call Reebok at (800) 648-5550. The company is offering a full refund or exchange. (7/16/99)

CDC Suspends Use of Rotavirus Vaccine for Infants

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are requesting that doctors stop using the Rotavirus vaccine until November 1999 because it may cause a bowel obstruction called intussusception in some infants.

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in children in the United States. The CDC estimates that the virus is responsible for about 500,000 doctor visits annually, especially during the winter and spring months.

Although bowel obstructions occur in children who have not been given the vaccine, researchers want to analyze data to ensure the vaccine is not increasing the risk.

Contact your health care provider if your child develops symptoms of intussusception, including persistent vomiting, bloody stools, black stools, abdominal bloating or severe colic pain. (7/15/99)

TV Carts Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Bush Industries, Inc. are recalling about 100,000 television carts that can tip over and injure children and adults.

Bush Industries has received two reports of carts tipping over, with one minor injury.

The carts are black or brown laminated wood, models 5414 and 5014. There is no identifying information on the cart, but the Bush name and the model number are on the instruction booklet that came with the cart. The carts measure 35.25 inches wide, 26.25 inches high with wheels and 15.5 inches deep. The carts are made to hold a 27-inch television and a VCR, and have a bottom cabinet with hinged double doors.

The carts were sold at discount, home and furniture stores around the U.S. from June 1992 through August 1998. They cost $60 to $100 and were sold ready-to-assemble.

You should stop using the carts immediately and call Bush Industries at (800) 950-4782 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.bushfurniture.com. The company is offering a free repair kit.

Infant Carriers Recalled

Cosco and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are recalling about 670,000 infant car seats and carriers because of faulty handle locks.

When used as infant carriers, the handle locks on the Cosco Arriva and Turnabout seats can release unexpectedly, causing the seat to flip forward. This can toss the infant to the ground and cause serious injuries.

There have been 151 reports of the handle of the car seat/carrier unexpectedly releasing, resulting in 29 injuries to children. These reports include skull fractures, a broken arm, bumps to the head, black eyes, scrapes and bruises. According to the reports, some injuries occurred to children who were restrained in the seat.

Cosco will provide a free repair kit for seats sold between March 1, 1995 and September 9, 1997. Seats made after September 9, 1997 have new handle locks.

The seat should not be used as a carrier until repaired, but can still be used as a car seat. To find out if your model is affected, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 6382772 or Cosco at (800) 221-6736. (7/8/99)

Spillproof Cup Lids Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Playskool are recalling about 273,000 spillproof cups. The cup’s spout can tear, causing a small piece of material to come loose and pose a choking hazard.

Playskool has received 115 reports of the spouts tearing. Six children have had pieces in their mouths, but there have been no reports of injuries.

The plastic cups have a twist-on lid with a flexible, yellow spout. The lids come in different colors and have the word “Playskool” on them. The bottom of the cups say, “MADE IN CHINA,” and “HASBRO.”

Seven different models are affected: the 6 oz. and 8 oz. Spillproof Cups, 6 oz. Spillproof Trainer Cup, 7 oz. and 10 oz. Easy Grip Spillproof Cups, and the 8 oz. Spillproof Trainer and 6 oz. Spillproof Cups with Teletubby character decals. They were old in single and two-packs. The Trainer cups have two handles.

The cups were sold at major retailers from January 1998 to July 1999. Playskool is offering a free, redesigned lid. For more information, call Playskool at (888) 690-6166. (7/8/99)

Pacific LA Recalls Hairdryers

Pacific LA, of Los Angeles, Calif., is recalling more than 5,100 portable hairdryers. The hairdryers are both standard and mini or travel hairdryers. Brand names on some of the hairdryers are "LOGIX" and "TraVeller's." Some were sold with brushes, combs, adapter plugs or travel cases.

The hairdryers present shock and electrocution hazards because they are not equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water.

You should stop using the recalled hairdryers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For additional information, you should call Pacific LA at (888) 999-1559 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday or access the company's Web site at www.pacific-la.com (7/5/99)

Toddler Jeans Present Choking Hazard

Gymboree Corp., of Burlingame, Calif., is recalling about 7,000 toddler boys 5-pocket denim jeans. The waist snap on the jeans can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Gymboree has received one report of the snap coming off these jeans, but there have been no reports of injuries.

You should return the jeans to a Gymboree store for a refund. For more information, call Gymboree at (800) 558-9885 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday. (7/5/99)

Gerber Sports Bottles Present Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gerber Products Co is recalling about 300,000 LIL' SPORT Spill Proof Sport Bottles. A valve inside the cap can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

There have been over 30 reports of valves detaching, including three reports of valves found in children's mouths. There have been no reported injuries.

The bottles are colored 12-ounce plastic bottles for children 18 months and older with a curved body shape similar to that of an adult sport bottle. A separate screw-top cap sits on the body and features a spill proof spout covered by a flip-top lid. The Gerber name is featured on top of the lid. The bottle body comes in solid colors as well as one Baby Looney Tunes design.

You should stop your children from using these bottles immediately, and return the bottles to the store where you purchased them for a refund. For more information, you should call Gerber at (800) 4-GERBER anytime or visit their Web site at www.gerber.com. (7/2/99)

Star Wars Lightsaber Toys Can Cause Burns

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hasbro Inc., of Pawtucket, R.I., is recalling 618,000 Star Wars Lightsaber toys. The batteries can overheat and rupture, which might cause burns.

Hasbro has received 38 reports of Lightsaber batteries overheating, including six reports of batteries rupturing. Three people have experienced minor burns.

Both the Darth Maul Double-Bladed Lightsaber, which has retractable red plastic "light blades" on both sides of a hand grip, and the Qui-Gon Jinn Lightsaber with a single green plastic "light blade" are being recalled. Both toys operate with two "C" batteries. Lightsabers currently being sold with the sticker, "Now with battery protector" are not being recalled.

You should stop using these Lightsabers immediately, and call Hasbro to get a free repair kit. The repair kit contains instructions on how to install a battery protector. To get this repair kit or for more information, you should call Hasbro at (888) 690- 6141, or go to their Web site at www.hasbro.com. You can also can write to: Hasbro Lightsaber Repair Program, P.O. Box 200, Pawtucket, RI 02862. (6/25/99)

Evenflo and Hufco-Delaware Recall Soft Infant Carriers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Evenflo Company Inc., of Vandalia, Ohio, and Hufco-Delaware Inc., of Miamisburg, Ohio, are recalling about 327,000 model 075 and model 080 Snugli Front & Back Pack soft infant carriers. Small infants can shift to one side, slip through the leg openings and fall. Infants under 2 months of age are at greatest risk.

There have been 13 reports of infants slipping through the leg openings of the carriers. One infant reportedly suffered a fractured skull and two infants received bruises in falls to the ground from the carrier.

These soft infant carriers have model numbers beginning with 075 and 080. The model number is on a tag inside the carrier which reads, "SOFT CARRIER/" and the model number. The carriers are in color combinations of royal blue with magenta trim, teal with navy blue trim, and navy blue with purple trim.

You should immediately stop using these carriers and call Evenflo at (800) 398-8636 to receive instructions on how to exchange your carrier for a free, new carrier with smaller leg openings. (6/25/99)

Companies Recall Swimming Pool Dive Stick Because of Impalement Risk to Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Fifteen firms are announcing the recall of more than 19 million dive sticks used in swimming pools. Children can fall and land on them in shallow water and suffer impalement.

There have been six reported cased of rectal or vaginal impalement from using the dive sticks, and one child needed stitches to her face. Although the number of reported incidents is relatively low, the severity of the injuries that have occurred is very significant.

The dive sticks being recalled are hard plastic and are either cylinder-shaped or shark-shaped. The cylinder-shaped plastic sticks measure about 4 inches to 8 inches long and are 1 inch or less in diameter. The shark-shaped plastic sticks measure about 7 inches long and have an egg-shaped bottom. Most are packaged in kits of three to six sticks, and some are packaged with other pool diving games.

You should stop using dive sticks immediately and throw them out. Depending on the sticks owned, you can receive a refund, replacement or repair. (6/25/99)

Table Can Trap Child's Head

Crate & Barrel of Northbrook, Ill., and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are recalling more than 4,000 children's tables for repair after four incidents of children getting trapped in a 6-inch hole cut into the center of the table.

The hole is big enough for a child's head to get stuck, and can require emergency personnel to get the child out.

The tables were sold individually or in a set with two chairs. It's made of natural hardwood and is 27 inches by 27 inches. The cutout in the center of the table is fitted with a red canvas bag meant to hold toys, and it comes with a red disc that fits over the opening as a lid.

Crate & Barrel will provide a free disc to permanently close the opening in the center of the table. Anyone who has a table affected by the recall should call Crate & Barrel at 800-897-5919 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday, or stop by a Crate & Barrel store for the new part. Until then, you should not let your children use the tables. (6/25/99)

Restoration Hardware Inc. Recalls Stuffed Sock Monkeys

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Restoration Hardware Inc., of Corte Madera, Calif., is recalling approximately 12,000 Sock Monkey stuffed animals. Sewing needles or pins have been found in the stuffing of these monkeys, presenting a laceration hazard.

An 18-month-old girl in Utah received a needle stick on her lip. Restoration Hardware has since found an additional 17 monkeys in store inventory containing needles or pins.

These monkeys are about 16 to 20 inches tall and made of a brown tweed-like knit fabric with white hands and feet. They have red lips, black felt eyes and a red patch directly under the tail. They have a brown tweed and white knit caps on their heads. They do not contain any buttons or other plastic parts.

Restoration Hardware's stores, catalogs and Web site sold the onkeys from October 1997 through May 1999 for about $29. The monkeys were produced both domestically and overseas.

You should return the monkeys to any Restoration Hardware store for a refund and a discount merchandise certificate. Catalog purchasers will be contacted directly by Restoration Hardware. For more information, call Restoration Hardware at (877) 747-4671 anytime, or go to their Web site at www.restorationhardware.com. (6/21/99)

Doll Feeding Sets Recalled

Creative Designs International Ltd., of Feasterville, Pa., is recalling about 7,000 toy Magic Doll Feeding Sets. Each set contains two bottles (one bottle contains formula and is decorated with an alphabet design; the other bottle is empty and is mostly orange) a plate of food, jar of baby food, box of rice, spoon, folk and a bib. The set is packaged in a box labeled in part "Binky(r)...No. 8221...MAGIC DOLL FEEDING SET...Creative Design International, Ltd...Made in China." Toy and variety stores in California, Connecticut, Kentucky, New York, Washington and Puerto Rico sold the sets from January 1998 through December 1998 for about $5.

The nipple on the orange baby bottle separates, presenting a serious choking hazard to young children.

You should take the recalled toys away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information about this recall, call Creative Designs International toll-free at (888) 869-7234, or write to the company at 207 E. Pennsylvania Blvd., Feasterville, PA 19053. Consumers in Puerto Rico can call the company collect at (215) 953-2800. (6/21/99)

Mead Johnson Recalls Baby Formula After Labeling Error

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Mead Johnson Nutritionals recalled 7,000 cases of ProSobee baby formula after a labeling error resulted in at least one can of Vanilla Sustacal -- an adult nutritional supplement -- being mislabeled as the formula.

Mead Johnson officials said the 8-ounce can labeled as ProSobee really contained Vanilla Sustacal. Some babies who are fed Sustacal could face severe medical problems. So far, no cases of illness have been reported.

The ProSobee is sold in four-pack fiberboard cartons. The batch being recalled is coded 1NOV99/PROSOB/AKN13; it was shipped to stores in late 1998.

If you have questions about the recall, call the Mead Johnson Customer Resource Center at 1-888-587-7275. (6/8/99)

Tonka Toy Trucks Recalled

New York, NY -- Tonka is recalling about 3,300 Tonka toy trucks. The trucks involved in this recall are those distributed with Isaac Morris' line of Tonka toddler T-shirts, sized 2T and 3T. The trucks were packaged separately, but attached to the T-shirts. The trucks are yellow die-cast metal with black wheels. They look like grader trucks. "Tonka" is on the truck. "Maisto...Made in Thailand" is on the bottom of the truck. Discount and toy stores nationwide sold the T-shirts with the trucks attached from November 1998 through March 1999 for about $10.

The toy trucks contain small parts, presenting a choking hazard to young children. Only trucks distributed with toddler T-shirts are being recalled because the trucks' small parts pose a choking hazard for children under age three.

You should take the toy away from young children immediately and contact Isaac Morris Ltd. at Hasbro to obtain a $1 refund for the toy's value and postage reimbursement. For more information, call (800) 248-6652 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. (6/8/99)

Stairway Gates Recalled

Stairway Gates - North States Industries Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., is recalling about 3,200 stairway gates. The recalled gates are white plastic, measuring 26 inches high and can be used in openings from 26 inches to 41 inches wide. "INTENDED FOR USE WITH CHILDREN FROM 6 UP TO 24 MONTHS OF AGE...MMFG. ID NO. 8675...NORTH STATES" is on a warning sticker on the side of the gates. Ames, Ann & Hope, Hambleton & Carr, and Value City department stores nationwide sold the gates from March through April 1999 for about $15.

The locking mechanism can release when the gate is shaken and the gate will no longer act as the barrier it is intended to be. If the gate is placed at the top of stairs and the lock fails, a child could fall down the stairs and be injured. You should stop using these gates immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For additional information, call North States Industries Inc. at (800) 848-8421 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. (6/8/99)

Sauder Woodworking Recalls Television Carts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sauder Woodworking Co., of Archbold, Ohio, recalled about two million television carts. The carts can tip over and injure children and adults when the cart and the television fall. Sauder has received 13 reports of these carts tipping over and the television falling. Two injuries have been reported. A three-year-old girl suffered a skull fracture, and an adult woman suffered a bump to the head and a cut finger.

The television carts being recalled are brown oak (model 5155), black oak (model 5055) or white oak (model 5251). The model number is not on the cart, but it is on the instruction booklet that came with the cart. The carts can hold a television and a VCR. The shelf holding the television swivels, and there is a bottom shelf with hinged double doors.

Discount stores, home centers and furniture stores nationwide sold these television carts from March 1989 through September 1998 for about $35 to $49. The carts were sold ready-to-assemble.

Consumers should remove their televisions and VCR's from the carts immediately and call Sauder toll-free at (888) 800-4590 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or access their web site at www.sauder.com. Sauder will help consumers identify if their cart is part of this recall, and send them a free repair kit. The repair kit will help prevent the cart from tipping over. (6/1/99)

Infant Cardigans Recalled

New York -- Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A. Inc. is recalling about 3,800 infant cardigans. The recalled fleece cardigans range in size from 3 to 24 months in colors red or navy. There are four plastic snaps on the front of the cardigans. The cardigans have long sleeves and two front pockets. High-end department stores nationwide sold the cardigans from August 1998 through October 1998 for about $36.

The cardigans' snaps can detach, presenting a choking hazard to infants. Tommy Hilfiger has received one report of a snap detaching from a cardigan. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using these cardigans immediately, and call Tommy Hilfiger Consumer Relations Department toll-free at (877) TOMMYCARES anytime to arrange for an exchange or full refund. (6/1/99)

E and I Inc. Recalls Bungee Baby Bouncer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), E and I Inc., of Bancroft, Idaho, is recalling about 4,000 Bungee Baby Bouncers. The device allows a baby to bounce while supported in a harness or "belly band" by an elastic "bungee cord," suspended from a doorway. Knots tied in the black rope that supports the bouncer can unravel, causing the baby to fall.

CPSC and E and I Inc. have received six reports of knots failing. In four of these incidents, babies bumped their heads from falls. The Bungee Baby Bouncer includes a purple harness, a clamp that attaches to the doorway frame, two wooden dowels measuring 15.5 inches and 3.875 inches long, a rope and a purple elastic bungee cord. "E and I's BUNGEE BABY BOUNCER" is written on the harness, and "BUNGEE BABY BOUNCER" is written on the doorway clamp. The product's safety precautions advise the bouncer is to be used for babies approximately 4 months old to walking age, and for babies not heavier than 25 pounds.

Chelsea and Scott's One Step Ahead catalogs, and baby specialty retailers in Utah and Idaho sold the bouncers from September 1998 through March 1999 for between $35 and $40. Consumers should immediately stop using their Bungee Baby Bouncer and return only the bungee assembly to E and I Inc. for a free repair. Consumers will be reimbursed postage charges. Consumers can send their bungee assembly to: E and I Inc., P.O. Box 66, Bancroft ID 83217-0066. For more information, consumers should call E and I Inc. at (800) 853-6001 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MDT Monday through Friday. (6/1/99)

IKEA Recalls Wooden Stacking Ring Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), IKEA U.S. Inc., of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is voluntarily replacing the red ball pieces on top of the wooden stacking rings on about 28,000 stacking ring toys. The red ball that tops this toy poses a choking hazard to young children.

IKEA has received one report of a four-year-old boy in Europe choking to death on the top ball portion of the stacking ring toy.

The stacking ring toy, called "MULA," is 8.5 inches high. The toy consists of eight brightly colored, wooden rings; a red, top ball; and a pedestal base with a stacking rod.

IKEA stores nationwide sold these stacking toys from October 1991 through April 1999 for about $6. Consumers should take the red ball that tops this toy away from children immediately. Consumers can mail the ball to IKEA or take it to any IKEA store to receive a redesigned top piece. The red ball can be mailed to IKEA U.S. Inc., 496 West Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Consumers also can return the stacking ring toy to any IKEA store for a refund. For more information, consumers should call IKEA at (800) 793-5408 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EDT Monday through Saturday. (5/17/99)

Zainy Brainy Toys Recalled

Zany Brainy, an educational toys retailer, is recalling more than 200 Miffy Wooden Shape Sorters. The toys are houses with different shapes cut into the roof with corresponding shape sorters. They were sold at Zany Brainy stores nationwide between October 1998 and March 1999.

Wooden pegs from the shapes can snap off, creating a choking hazard. Consumers should immediately take the toys away from children and return them to a Zany Brainy store for a full refund. You can call 888-969-5437 at any time for more information. (5/17/99)

Pisces Baby Cribs Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Generation 2 Worldwide of Dothan, Ala. is recalling about 6,600 Next Generation Pisces Cribs. The slats on the headboards and footboards of these cribs can come loose, creating a large opening between the slats. CPSC standards limit the space between side rail slats to no more than 2 3/8 inches. Spacing larger than this enables an infant to become entrapped in the side rails, which can result in serious injury or death.

Generation 2 Worldwide has received 12 reports of slats on these cribs coming loose. No injuries have been reported.

These Next Generation Pisces Cribs are model number 67-8100. They were manufactured between March 4, 1997 and March 10, 1998. The model number and date of manufacture can be found on a sticker at the bottom of the headboard. The Pisces Crib has a high arched headboard and footboard with the middle two slats joined in a small arch underneath the top rails. The crib has a natural wood finish. The drop side rail of the crib has the "NEXT GENERATION" brand name stamped in gold-colored letters. Fully assembled cribs measure 30.2 inches wide, 54.4 inches long and 49.6 inches high.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled cribs until the repair has been performed. Generation 2 Worldwide is offering consumers replacement endboards with instructions and the necessary tool for replacement. The original headboard and foot board should be destroyed after the replacement has been completed. To order the repair kit or for more information, consumers should call Generation 2 Worldwide at (800) 736-1140, Extension 224, between 7 a.m to 4 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. (5/11/99)

Ground Beef Recalled in Three States

OMAHA, Neb. -- More than 82,000 pounds of ground beef are being recalled after E. coli bacteria was found in meat samples from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

All American Meats Inc., of Springfield, Neb., is recalling ground beef produced at an Omaha plant on April 14, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The meat was sold for further processing at places such as butcher shops and grocery stores, but the company is prohibited by law from telling consumers or local health officials which companies bought the meat.

The E. coli was discovered when a product sample taken by the inspection service on April 27 came back with a positive result for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause serious illness and sometimes death, especially in children and the elderly. Symptoms include chills and bloody diarrhea.

To guard against the bacteria, thoroughly cook beef to at least 160 degrees F. (5/11/99)

L.L. Bean Inc. Recalls Second Model of Backpack Child Carriers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), L.L. Bean Inc., of Freeport, Maine, is recalling about 13,000 backpack child carriers, model number W695. Small children can work their way out of the harness and fall through a leg opening or topple out of the top of the carrier, which can cause head and body injuries. On December 10, 1998, L.L. Bean recalled another backpack child carrier, model number AC25, with a similar problem.

L.L. Bean has received 25 reports of children falling out of the harnesses of the model W695 carriers by slipping through a leg opening or toppling out of the top of the carrier. It was reported that five of these children received injuries, including head bumps, a fractured wrist, bruises, abrasions and contusions.

The model number of these backpack carriers, W695, is written on a tag inside the rear storage compartment in the upper left side. They are teal and have gray harness straps. These backpack carriers have kickstands for loading the child into the carriers. The "L.L. Bean " label is on the back of the carrier.

In December 1998, CPSC and L.L. Bean recalled 10,000 backpack child carriers, model number AC25. Small children can become entangled in the carrier's harness, which poses a strangulation risk. Also, like the second model carrier being recalled, small children can work their way out of the harness and fall through a leg opening or topple out of the top of the carrier, which can cause head and body injuries.

These forest green L.L. Bean Child Carriers have gray harness straps, and model number AC25, which is written on a tag inside the rear storage compartment. These backpack carriers have kickstands for loading the child into the carriers. The "L.L. Bean " label is on the back of the carrier.

Consumers should stop using both of these carriers immediately and call L.L. Bean at (800) 555-9717 anytime or visit its website at www.llbean.com/recall to receive instructions for returning the carrier for a refund or for any other information about these recalls. (4/27/99)

Recall of Baby Garmets

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- The Spiegel Catalog is recalling 4,200 baby garments because metal snaps have come off some of the clothes and pose a choking hazard to children.

Coveralls, sweaters and long-sleeve tees are being recalled. The affected garments are made with navy-colored, stretch-knit velvet material. The collar tags say: "elements baby...exclusively Spiegel."

The company issued the recall on Thursday after learning that five customers returned garments from which metal snaps had come off. No injuries have been reported, however.

The clothing was sold at Spiegel Ultimate Outlet stores and through Spiegel Ultimate Outlet catalogs from November 1998 through February 1999.

The clothing items are: baby coveralls with long sleeves and snaps at the shoulder, legs and crotch; baby cardigan with snap front; and long sleeve baby tee with snaps at shoulder.

Customers who purchased these items should stop using them immediately and return them to a Spiegel Ultimate Outlet for a refund. (4/20/99)

CPSC and Interstate Engineering Recall Heat Detectors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Interstate Engineering, of Dallas, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 heat detectors. These heat detectors can fail to alarm or alarm for a shorter period of time than intended when fire is present.

Interstate Engineering and CPSC are aware of one incident when a heat detector failed to operate properly during a retail demonstration. Subsequent testing by Interstate Engineering produced approximately 38 additional failures. CPSC is not aware of any failures during use by consumers, and no injuries have been reported.

The heat detectors are round, have an off-white aluminum cover, are roughly 7 inches in diameter and 3 inches high, and have a round, brass-colored metal disk at the center of the cover. They are mechanical, and do not use batteries or electricity. The heat detectors were sold under the following private label brand names and models, which were printed on labels on the back of the detectors:

• MasterGuard model MG-50/70;
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• Responsive model TRI70;
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• Rescue II model R-50FT.

Heat detectors are intended to supplement smoke detectors to warn of fire, but CPSC reminds consumers they should not rely on heat detectors as substitutes for smoke detectors. (4/20/99)

Blue's Clues Toy Notebooks Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Colorbök, of Dexter, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 3.8 million Blue's Clues toy notebooks to replace their coils. The ends of the notebooks' coils can break off, presenting a small parts choking hazard to children.

CPSC is aware of four incidents where the end piece of the coil broke off. In three of these incidents, the end piece was removed from the mouth of a child by a parent. There have been no reports of injuries.

The "Handy Dandy Notebook" includes a crayon and 14 wipe-off pages. Consumers can identify the recalled notebooks by looking for the words "1998 Colorbök Paper Products Inc." on the notebook's back cover.

Chain and toy stores nationwide sold the notebooks from June 1998 through January 1999. The notebooks sold separately for about $5 and as part of an activity set that cost about $10.

Consumers immediately should take the notebooks away from children and call Colorbök anytime toll free at (877) 677-4725 to obtain a free replacement coil. Consumers should not return the notebooks to stores. (4/6/99)

Heinz Baby Food Recall

Consumers across the US are advised to return certain six-ounce jars of Heinz baby food. Officials at the Pennsylvania-based company say there is the possibility of finding some plastic material in jars of Three Broccoli, Carrots, and Cheese. The affected jars have the production code number P-3-3-8-8-E-A stamped on the lid. (4/6/99)

Crib Mattresses Recalled

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cosco Inc., of Columbus, Ind., is recalling about 62,000 mattresses sold with tubular metal cribs. When a baby stands up in the crib, the mattress can compress and be pushed between the bars on the crib's platform. The baby can slip between the bars on the crib's platform and become trapped.

Cosco has received 12 complaints of mattresses compressing and trapping babies. An 11-month old baby boy died after becoming entrapped. Cosco is offering consumers a $25 check for consumers to purchase a new mattress on their own.

The mattresses were sold with Cosco model "M" tubular metal cribs, manufactured from July 1994 through September 1997. The "M" is the third character in the model number. The model number and manufacturing date are stamped on a label on the bottom of the crib's end panel.

You should immediately stop using the crib or place a board, measuring 51 5/8 inches long by 27 1/4 inches wide, between the crib's mattress and platform. Contact Cosco at (800) 221-6736 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Cosco will help consumers identify whether their cribs are involved in this recall. Once you get the new mattress, you should destroy the old mattress by cutting it into at least three pieces. (2/23/99)