quick clicks

article archive

expert q & a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Seasonal Items

Name of Product: Screech and Scream Fountain Fireworks

Distributor: Black Cat Fireworks, of Prairie Village, Kan. They were manufactured in China.

Hazard: The firework can produce a loud bang and unexpectedly scatter debris, posing an injury hazard to the user and bystanders. No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Description: The recalled Screech and Scream Fountain is a firework item with a yellow and red cylinder with red balls. The model name is printed on the front of the tube.

Sold at: Various fireworks stores nationwide from October 2006 through June 2008 for about $7.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to either the place of purchase or Black Cat Fireworks for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Black Cat Fireworks collect at (913) 649-0537 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.blackcatfireworks.com. (7-04-08)

Name of Product: Log Swings

Importer/Distributor: Far East Brokers and Consultants Inc., of Jacksonville, Fla. They were manufactured in China.

Hazard: A missing nail connecting the back of the log chair to the seat can cause the back to separate from the seat while in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received six reports of the chair separating, including three reports of minor injuries.

Description: The recall involves a wooden log swing that seats two people. The log swing hangs from a log frame. The swing measures 71 inches high by 62 inches wide.

Sold at: Grand Union Family Markets, Ingle's Markets, VG's Food Center, Plumb's Valu-Rite Foods and Central Shoprite stores nationwide from February 2008 through May 2008 for about $150.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled log swing, disassemble it and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Far East Brokers and Consultants toll-free at (877) 695-8354 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit firm's Web site at www.fareastbrokers.com. (6-03-08)

Name of product: Best Value Park Benches

Distributor: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, of Hudson, Ohio. They were manufactured in China.

Hazard: The benches can become unstable and break, posing a fall hazard to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Best Value park benches with a green metal frame and wooden slats. The benches measure 50 inches long by 22 inches wide by 30 inches high.

Sold at: Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores nationwide from January 2008 through March 2008 for about $30.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled park benches and return the product to the nearest Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Jo-Ann Stores toll-free at (888) 739-4120 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or e-mail the firm at guest.services@jo-ann.com.Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at www.joann.com. (5-30-08)

Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers

Importer: Shindaiwa Corp., of Tualatin, Ore.

Manufacturer: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co. Ltd., of Hiroshima, Japan

Hazard: The blower's impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of 13 incidents involving broken impellers. One incident involved a minor head injury and minor property damage to a nearby automobile.

Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial # 7014728 are included. The backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX), which are located on the side label. These machines are black and blue with a red and black label that reads, "EB8510, Shindaiwa."

Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.shindaiwa.com. (5-15-08)

Name of Product: Rio Beach High-boy Folding Beach Chairs

Manufacturer: Rio Brands, of Philadelphia, Pa. They were manufactured in China.

Hazard: The rear leg of the chair can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Rio Brands has received one report of an incident involving minor bruises.

Description: This recall involves the Rio Beach High-boy folding beach chairs with UPC and model numbers listed below. The chairs have aluminum tubing frames, striped or solid color fabric slings and wood arms with an attached storage pouch with cell phone pocket. "Rio Beach High-Boy," the UPC number and the model number can be found on the hand tag and on a sticker on the rear leg.

UPC # : MODEL #
SC640-702 : 0-80958-26396-2
SC640-812 : 0-80958-26465-5
SC640-818 : 0-80958-26466-2
SC640-8182 : 0-80958-27165-3
SC641-084-BB : 0-80958-27015-1

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from January 2008 through March 2008 for between $40 and $50.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and return them to the location where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Rio Brands at (800) 866-8520 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.riobrands.com. (5-06-08)

Name of Product: LawnBott Lawn Mowers

Importer: Kyodo America Industries Co. LTD., of Lawrenceville, Ga. They were manufactured in Italy.

Hazard: The cutting blades continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground and the spacing on the side of the lawn mower could allow room for a consumer's foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade. Both instances pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Kyodo America has received one report of a consumer lifting the mower from the ground and suffered minor lacerations from the moving blade.

Description: This recall involves LawnBott lawn mowers with model numbers LB2000, LB2100, LB3000 and LB3200. The robotic lawn mowers freely and automatically cut grass by detecting the signal of a perimeter cable. The mowers have a docking station for recharging and a shiny plastic cover sold in red, green or blue. "Evolution" or "deluxe" is printed on the side of the mower.

Sold by: Kyodo America dealers nationwide from January 2006 through December 2007 for between $1,750 and $2,750.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled LawnBott lawn mowers immediately and contact Kyodo America to register their lawn mowers for repairs that will be ready by the end of June. Consumers who have registered their mower with Kyodo America have been sent direct notification by mail.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Kyodo America at (877) 465-9636 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lawnbott.com. (4-28-08)

Name of Product: Flower Writers; Christmas Writers; Easter Writers; and Spooky Writers Seasonal Writing Pens

Distributor: Michaels Stores Inc., of Irving, Texas. They were manufactured in China.

Hazard: The seasonal writing pens' surface coating contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Description: The recalled pens were sold individually as one of four-series pens including Flower Writer; Christmas Writer; Easter Writer and Spooky Writer. Each pen has themed decorations including flowers, Christmas, Easter and Halloween ornamentation.

Sold exclusively at: Michaels retail stores nationwide from August 2007 through March 2008 for about $1.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled pens immediately and return them to any Michaels store to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Michaels' customer service at (800) 642-4235/(800) MICHAELS between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.michaels.com. (4-17-08)

Name of Product: Camouflage Eggs and Spinning Egg Top Toys

Importer: Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla. They were manufactured in China.

Hazard: The paint on the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

The Camouflage Easter Egg Treat Containers have Item #1031 printed on the front of the packaging and are white, brown and green camouflage colors, sold in a package of eight eggs. "Made in China for Tony Development and Mfg Ltd; TST, Kin, HK" and UPC code number 43078 01031 are printed on the back of the packing.

The Easter Spinning Egg Tops have Item #1054 printed on the front of the packaging and are multi-colored and come in packages of a single egg and a rip cord. "Made in China for Tony Development and Mfg Ltd. TST, Kin, HK" and UPC code number 43078 01054 are printed on the back of the packaging.

Sold at: Hobby Lobby Stores nationwide from January 2008 through March 2008. The camouflage egg sold for about $2.50 and the Spinning Top sold for about $2.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled Camouflage Eggs and the Spinning Egg Tops away from children and contact Hobby Lobby to receive a $3 exchange card that can be used toward the purchase of any other products sold at Hobby Lobby stores.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobby Lobby toll-free at (800) 326-7931 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.HobbyLobby.com. (3-21-08)

Name of Product: "Embers" Tea Light Candles

Retailer: Christmas Tree Shops Inc., of South Yarmouth, Mass.

Manufactured in: China and Hong Kong. Embers Tea Light Candles manufactured elsewhere are not subject to this recall.

Hazard: The tea light candles have a clear, plastic shell that can melt or ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 13 reports of the plastic shells of the tea light candles igniting or melting, causing minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled tea light candles were sold in the colors and quantities listed below. The individual candles are 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 5/8 inches high. The recall includes the following models:

Model Name and UPC
Embers Multi-colored Spring Tea Lights (50-count package) – 13826864
Embers Red/Green/White Tea Lights (50-count package) – 14508462
Embers White Daydream Tea Lights (8-count package) –13838218
Embers Celebrate White Tea Lights (8-count package) – 14327056
Embers Daydream Tea Lights (8-count package) – 14326998
Embers Vanilla Tea Lights (8-count package) – 14327100

The model name, UPC and country of manufacture are printed on a label located on the product's packaging.

Sold at: Christmas Tree Shops retail locations in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions from January 2004 through November 2007 for between $1 and $5.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled candles immediately and return them to any Christmas Tree Shops location for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Christmas Tree Shops toll-free at (888) 287-3232 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.christmastreeshops.com. (2-13-08)

Name of Products: Honda Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif. They were manufactured in the United States.

Hazard: The cutting blades could rotate under power when the control lever is released. The lawn mowers do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards for lawn mowers. The spinning blade poses a serious laceration hazard to consumers. No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Honda walk-behind lawn mowers with model numbers HRB217HXA, HRX217HXA and HRX217HMA. The model and serial number are printed on a label located on the upper rear of the mower deck. The lawn mowers are dark gray with a red fan cover. The following serial numbers are included in the recall:

Model HRB217HXA: All Serial Numbers
Models HRX217HXA and HRX217HMA: Serial Numbers 1000001 – 1513628

Sold by: Honda Lawn and Garden dealers and The Home Depot stores nationwide from January 2003 through November 2007 for between $760 and $900.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled lawn mowers immediately and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer for a free repair. Registered owners will be mailed a direct notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (800) 426-7701 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hondapowerequipment.com. (12-21-07)