WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Harry Potter Bookends

Units: About 36,000

Importer: Giftco Inc., of Vernon Hills, Ill.

Hazard: The paint on the bookends contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves poly-stone bookends painted and shaped in the characters of the Harry Potter book series. Bookend characters include Harry Potter, Hedwig and Hermione, and Crookshank.

Sold at: Elementary school fundraising programs, discount and dollar stores nationwide from June 2004 through January 2006 for between $3 and $28.

Manufactured in: Hong Kong

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled bookends away from children and return them to Giftco for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Giftco Inc. toll-free at (888) 448-6728 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://mail.giftcoinc.com

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Wood Abacus

Units: About 6,000

Distributor: LTD Commodities LLC and ABC Distributing, of Bannockburn, Ill.

Manufacturer: Taizhou Orient Toys Co. Ltd., of Shanghai, China

Hazard: The wooden rods on the abacus can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: LTD Commodities has received four reports of small parts detaching from the wood abacus. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled wood abacus is a multi-sided activity center that has a chalkboard, movable block letters with pictures, sliding shapes, a fun maze with gears, and a blue and yellow clock on the side of the activity center with two pink moving hands. Product code E7A is printed on the packaging near the UPC bar code.

Sold by: LTD Commodities and ABC Distributing catalogs nationwide and Web site from December 2006 through February 2008 for about $12.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the abacus away from children immediately and contact LTD Commodities for instructions on receiving a product credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LTD Commodities toll-free at (866) 736-3654 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.ltdcommodities.com/home/info/service/recall.asp or www.abcdistributing.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Simplicity Brand Drop Side Cribs

Units: About 600,000

Retailers:

AAFES, of Dallas, Texas
Babies“R”Us, of Wayne, N.J.
Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot, of Burlington, N.J.
K’s Merchandise (out of business)
Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Nebraska Furniture Mart, of Omaha, Neb.
ShopKo, of Green Bay, Wis.
Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc, of Bentonville, Ark.

Importer/Distributor: Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. (this company is no longer in business)

Hazard: Due to sizing problems with the crib’s hardware, the drop side can come off the tracks. When the drop side detaches or partially detaches, it creates a hazardous gap, which can lead to infant entrapment and suffocation.

Incidents/Injuries: SFCA and CPSC are aware of nine incidents in which the drop side detached on cribs that are part of this recall. There have been no injuries.

Description: This recall of Simplicity drop side cribs involves models that used a different style of hardware from those cribs recalled in September 2007. The recalled model numbers include: 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8778, 8810, and 8994. The recalled drop side cribs have a date code, which can be found on a label on the headboard under the mattress support, which ends in 05DH, 05GB, 06DH, 06GB, 07DH or 07GB (examples: 1806 DH or 0507 GB). The recalled model names include: Aspen and Crib N Changer Combo, Gabrielle, Camille, Providence and Shenandoah. Only the brand name “Simplicity” can be seen on the label on the headboard.

Sold by: Department stores, children’s stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 2005 through August 2008 for between $150 and $300.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should return the recalled crib to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. SFCA Inc., of Reading, Pa. is working with retailers to carry out this recall program.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact:

AAFES - (800) 866-3605 – www.AAFES.com

Babies “R” Us - (800) 869-7787 – www.babiesrus.com

Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot - www.babydepot.com

Meijer Distribution Inc. - (866) 280-8419 – www.meijer.com

Nebraska Furniture Mart – 800-359-1200 - www.nfm.com

Shopko - (800) 791-7333 – www.shopko.com

Target - (800) 440-0680 - www.target.com

Wal-Mart - (800) 925-6278 - www.walmart.com

SFCA Media Contact: Amanda Lahan, (202) 466-6210, amanda.lahan@pbnco.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: MacGregor Folding Soccer Goals, Mitre Folding Soccer Goals

Units: About 190,000 units

Distributor: Regent Sports Corporation, of Hauppauge, N.Y.

Hazard: The fixed knot flexible openings in the soccer goal net can pose a head and neck entrapment or strangulation hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Regent Sports and CPSC have received two reports of head entanglement, including the strangulation death of a 20-month-old child who was found with his arm and neck tangled in the soccer goal net.

Description: Both soccer goals have a foldable white frame with a white net that is attached by Velcro strips. When upright, the MacGregor goal measures 6 feet wide by 3 feet high and the Mitre net measures 8 feet wide by 6 feet high. Each has a recalled net with squares measuring 5 inches on each side. The MacGregor soccer goal has model number 97236 printed on the assembly instructions and UPC code number 029807972365 printed on the net’s packaging. The Mitre soccer goal has model number 89186 printed on the assembly instructions and UPC code number 029807891864 printed on the net’s packaging. Nets manufactured after April 2007 with 4 inch by 4 inch square openings are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware and sports and toy stores nationwide from May 2002 through May 2008 for $26.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled soccer goal nets immediately and return them to Regent Sports to receive a free replacement net.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Regent Sports at (877) 516-9707 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Children’s Metal Water Bottles

Units: About 20,000

Manufacturer: Pottery Barn Kids, of San Francisco, Calif.

Hazard: The sip top on the water bottles can pull off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The metal water bottles are about 9 inches tall and have a black rubber pull up sip top. The following water bottles are included in this recall. The style number and “Pottery Barn Kids” are printed on a white sticker on the bottom of the water bottle.

Sold at: Pottery Barn Kids’ stores nationwide, Pottery Barn Kids’ catalog, and online at www.potterybarnkids.com from January 2007 through August 2008 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled water bottles away from children immediately and return them to any Pottery Barn Kids’ store for a full refund. If purchased through the catalog or online, contact Pottery Barn Kids to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Pottery Barn Kids toll-free at (877) 800-9720 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.potterybarnkids.com/cust/recallbottles/index.cfm

WASHINGTON, D.C. – – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware that some bassinets in the Simplicity recall announced August 28, 2008 include the Graco logo and “Winnie the Pooh” motif licensed by Disney Consumer Products. Consumers are urged to check their bassinets to ensure they are not using one of the recalled Simplicity models, including those with the Graco logo or “Winnie the Pooh” motif.

The Simplicity bassinets with the Graco logo were sold between 2001 and 2004. The Simplicity bassinets with the “Winnie the Pooh” motif were sold between 2002 and 2008.

The following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased:

CPSC learned that on August 21, 2008, a 6 ½-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of involving the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: “Protocol” Remote-Controlled Mini Helicopter Toys

Units: About 78,000

Importer: Ashley Collection Inc., d.b.a. Protocol, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The rechargeable battery inside the helicopter can overheat. This can result in the helicopter’s body melting, as well as a risk of fire or burns to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received nine reports of incidents of the helicopter overheating, including one minor burn to a consumer’s fingertip.

Descriptions: This recall involves the “Protocol” remote-controlled mini helicopter toys with model number starting with 1442. The helicopter is made of foam and plastic and measures about 7 inches long. “Protocol” is printed on the tail and on the side of the helicopter. “1442-X” can be found on the packaging. The remote-control component measures 5 1/2 inches by 4 3/4 inches.

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from October 2007 through December 2007 for between $30 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact the firm for information on how to receive a replacement helicopter.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Protocol at (800) 261-1193 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, or visit the company’s Web site at www.protocoldesign.com

Pillows Pose One of the Greatest Dangers Where Babies Sleep

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As parents prepare for a new baby with love and care, CPSC urges keeping safety in the mix. One area of great concern for the CPSC is pillow use in cribs. The CPSC is urging all parents to forego putting any kind of pillows in the crib due to the high risk of suffocation and entrapment. The CPSC is aware of at least 47 infant deaths between January 2006 and May 2008 associated with pillow use in the sleeping environment. In the 16 years between January 1992 and May 2008, pillows and cushions have been associated with 531 infant deaths.

“Parents should be especially vigilant when preparing for a new baby,” said Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Babies represent our most precious and vulnerable population.”

Nursery Safety

• To reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation, place baby to sleep on his or her back in a crib that meets current safety standards.

   

   

• To prevent suffocation never use a pillow as a mattress for baby to sleep on or to prop baby’s head or neck.

   

   

• Infants can strangle to death if their bodies pass through gaps between loose components, broken slats and other parts of the crib and their head and neck become entrapped in the space.

   

  • Do not use old, broken or modified cribs.

     

     

  • Regularly tighten hardware to keep sides firm.

     

   

• Infants can suffocate in spaces between the sides of the crib and an ill fitting mattress; never allow a gap larger than two finger widths at any point between the sides of the crib and the mattress.

   

   

• Never place a crib near a window with blind or curtain cords; infants can strangle on the cords.

   

Safety Around the House

• Properly set up play yards according to manufacturers’ directions. Only use the mattress provided with the play yard. Do not add extra mattresses, pillows or cushions to the play yard, which can cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

   

   

• Look for a toy chest that has a support that will hold the hinged lid open in any position in which it is placed or buy one with a detached lid or doors.

   

   

• Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.

   

   

• Magnets – For children younger than age eight, avoid building sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.

   

   

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.

   

   

• For all children younger than age eight, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

   

   

• Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor to the floor or attach to a wall.

   

   

• Use outlet covers and outlet plates to help prevent electrocution.

   

CPSC encourages parents to routinely check toys and nursery products against CPSC recall lists and remove recalled products from your home. Sign-up for automatic e-mail recall notifications at http://www.cpsc.gov/

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Fairy Dust Pendants and Candle Charms

Units: About 57,000

Importer: Benjamin International, of Middlebury, Conn.

Hazard: The recalled metal pendants and charms contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled pewter pendants were sold in a collection of 12 pendants. The pendants were sold separately and on candles of various colors and scents.

Sold at: Gift shops nationwide from February 2004 through February 2008 for between $6 and $8 for the pendants and between $12 and $15 for the charms with candles.

Manufactured in: Hong Kong

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these pendants/charms and contact Benjamin International to receive a free replacement pendant/charm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Benjamin International toll-free at (888) 249-7639 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.benjamininternational.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Action Baby Carriers

Units: About 250

Manufacturer: Optave Inc., of Alpena, Mich.

Hazard: The baby carrier’s chest strap can detach from the shoulder straps, posing a fall hazard to the baby.

Incidents/Injuries: Optave Inc. has received two reports of the chest strap detaching from the shoulder straps on the baby carrier. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled carriers were sold under the “Action Baby Carrier” brand name. The carriers are sold in various colors and patterns: blue, brown, green, "so square", "the larrisa" and "spring breeze."

Sold at: Specialty retail stores nationwide and Internet sites from May 2008 through June 2008 for between $80 and $90.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the carrier in the positions that require the use of the chest strap and contact Optave to receive free replacement straps.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Optave Inc. at toll-free (888) 666-6459 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.actionbabycarriers.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Circo Rosette Bobbie Socks

Units: About 330,000

Importer: Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The ribbon on the sock can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Target has received four reports of the ribbon detaching. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves girls Circo bobbie socks. The socks were sold in packs of six (pink, purple, plain white and three pairs with a box), ranging in size from 6- to 12-months, 12- to 24-months and 2T to 5T. The socks are packaged in a green and white sleeve with a Circo-brand logo on the front.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from January 2007 to July 2008 for about $6.

Manufactured in: Hong Kong

Remedy: Consumers should take these socks away from children and return them to the nearest Target store to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.target.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Children’s Hooded Sweaters

Units: About 130

Manufacturer: Empress Arts Ltd., of Monterey Park, Calif.

Hazard: The sweaters have drawstrings through the hood. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstring in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. From 1985 through June 2008, CPSC received reports of 27 deaths and 70 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children’s clothing drawstrings.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The cotton knit sweaters are cream colored with a blue stripe at the wrists and waist, a blue ball on the hood, and blue buttons. There is a drawstring through the hood with pom-poms at the ends. The sweaters were sold in children’s size 2T under the brand name “Empress Arts.” “Empress Baby” is sewn into the sweaters tag.

Sold at: Specialty children’s stores nationwide from August 2006 through April 2008 for between $28 and $45.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweaters to eliminate the hazard.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Empress Arts collect at (323) 780-8181 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.empressarts.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bonne Bell Children’s Cosmetics Accessory Bags

Units: About 945,000

Importer: Bonne Bell Co., of Lakewood, Ohio

Hazard: The metal clasps on the handle of the accessory bags contain excessive levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled accessory bags are made of plastic and have a zipper and carrying handle. The bags come with an assortment of cosmetic products, which are not part of this recall. The model name and UPC numbers are located on the hangtag. The following recalled model names and UPC numbers are involved in this recall:

Sold at: Retail stores nationwide and Bonne Bell’s Web site from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $9.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled accessory bag away from children and contact Bonne Bell for a replacement bag.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Bonne Bell toll-free at (866) 288-8643 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or via email at quality@bonnebell.com, or visit the company’s Web site at www.thebonnebellcompany.com/recall/

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Yayita Baby Hammocks

Units: About 100

Distributor: FlagHouse Inc., of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

Hazard: The hammock can flip over, posing a serious fall hazard and strangulation hazard to infants who get entrapped in the seat’s restraint straps while upside down.

Incidents/Injuries: FlagHouse has received one report of an incident in which the hammock flipped over entrapping a 7 month old boy in the restraint straps. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled baby hammock is cream-colored canvas and hangs from a wooden pole. The hammock measures about 29 x 43 inches. It has three restraint straps with red buckles and is attached to a cushioned pad for the infant. A mounting fixture, also called a fixing set, is sold with the hammock. “La Siesta” is printed on a tag located below the restraint straps. Model number YABP-1 is printed on a white tag sewn into the hammock’s side seam.

Sold by: FlagHouse Inc.’s catalog, and online at www.flaghouse.com, and at BJ Wholesale Club’s Web site, www.bjs.com, from September 2007 through August 2008 for about $90.

Manufactured in: Colombia

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the baby hammock and contact FlagHouse to receive a full refund, or credit toward the purchase of another product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact FlagHouse at (800) 793-7900 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.flaghouse.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging retailers across the country to protect the health and safety of babies by stopping sale and recalling nearly 900,000 dangerous Simplicity bassinets. Yesterday, CPSC warned parents, caregivers and consumers to immediately stop using convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa., due to a serious safety risk. Today, CPSC is announcing that the following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased:

• Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Ark. – (800) 925-6278 or www.walmart.com
  
  
• Toys "R" Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J. - (800) 869-7787 or www.toysrus.com or www.babiesrus.com
  
  
• Kmart Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill. – (800) 659-7026 or www.kmart.com
  
  
• Big Lots!, of Columbus, Ohio – (866) 244-5687 or www.biglots.com
  
  
• Target of Minneapolis, Minnesota sold at www.target.com only
  
  
• J.C. Penney, of Plano, Texas – (888) 333-6063 or www.jcp.com
  
  

These additional retailers have subsequently agreed voluntarily to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased:

Below is a listing of Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Convertible "Close-Sleeper" model bassinets that are included in this recall. The model number can be found on a label on the underside of the bassinet.

CPSC learned that on August 21, 2008, a 6 ½-month-old girl from Shawnee, Kan. was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. This is the second strangulation death CPSC has learned of in the co-sleeper bassinets. On September 29, 2007, a 4-month-old girl from Noel, Mo. became entrapped in the metal bars of the bassinet and died.

The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.

Due to the serious hazard these bassinets pose to babies, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.