Agency
CPSC oversees more than 15,000 categories of consumer products — toys, juvenile gear, electronics, recreation equipment — and announces recalls jointly with manufacturers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees the safety of more than 15,000 categories of consumer products — toys, baby gear, kitchen appliances, furniture, recreational equipment, electronics, batteries, and most household goods. CPSC excludes anything covered by another federal agency: food, drugs, cars, firearms, boats. If it's something a household buys and uses, and no other agency owns it, CPSC owns it.
Unlike FDA and USDA, the vast majority of CPSC recalls are voluntary corrective actions negotiated between the agency and the manufacturer. CPSC publishes the joint announcement on its press-release feed; that's what The Recall Desk ingests. Hazards skew toward fire risk (especially lithium-ion batteries and small appliances), choking risk for juvenile products, fall risk for furniture and infant carriers, lead-paint violations on imported goods, and recently a rising count of magnet-set ingestion recalls.
The announcement always lists the model number, the date range of affected units, where the product was sold, and the remedy — usually a free replacement, a refund, or a free repair kit. If you bought a recalled product, save the receipt and check the manufacturer's website for the claim form before disposing of the item.
ITT Water Technology is recalling approximately 21,000 sump and effluent pumps sold between December 2009 and July 2010 due to an electric shock or electrocution hazard.
Quoizel Inc. is recalling about 150 outdoor hanging lanterns because the glass can separate from the support ring and fall, posing an injury risk to nearby people.
Black Diamond Equipment is recalling about 3,500 Avalung backpacks because the air intake tubing can crack in cold temperatures, posing a suffocation hazard.
Salsa Cycles is recalling specific CroMoto handlebar stems that can crack or break, posing a fall hazard to riders.
American Honda is recalling about 18,500 snowblowers because a fuel tank joint and O-ring can seep or drip fuel, posing a fire hazard.
QVC is recalling about 14,000 metallic spinning candle holders sold in November 2010 because they can catch fire. The company has reported 19 ignition incidents, including two minor burns and one puncture wound.
BabyLegs is recalling about 4,500 pairs of baby socks and leg warmers with heart appliqués that can detach and pose a choking hazard to small children.
STIHL is recalling about 5,000 MS 361C chain saws because the throttle trigger may stick, posing a laceration risk to users or bystanders.
Michaels is recalling silver tree-shaped tealight candle holders because the flame can ignite the holder, posing fire and burn risks.
Bad Boy Enterprises is recalling approximately 9,300 Classic Buggies because they can accelerate without warning, posing a risk of injury to users and bystanders.
Oriental Trading Company is recalling ceramic piggy and lion banks because the yellow surface paint contains excessive levels of lead, which is prohibited by federal law.
Kindermusik is recalling Zoom Buggy Cars and Dream Pillow Stars because detachable parts pose a choking hazard to young children.
Fagor America Inc. is recalling about 1,400 refrigerators because the control board can overheat, posing a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported.
Wal-Mart is recalling approximately 2.2 million electric heaters sold nationwide from 2001 to 2009 because they can overheat, smoke, or catch fire.
STIHL is recalling FS 310 bike handle trimmers because vibration may cause the head to detach, posing an injury risk.
Sterno is recalling about 37,500 portable butane stoves because the on-off valve may fail to close completely, posing a fire and burn hazard.
TOA Electronics is recalling SC series paging horn loudspeakers because the housing can crack, causing the speakers to fall and pose an impact injury risk.
Splendid is recalling approximately 900 girls' hooded zip jackets and vest sets because the hood drawstrings pose a strangulation or entrapment hazard to children.
CDX Group is recalling about 1,600 desk and table lamps sold in New York and Kentucky due to substandard electrical wiring that poses fire and shock risks.
Ryobi is recalling RTS20 portable table saws because the saw blade could be misaligned, posing a laceration hazard.
Extech Instruments is recalling specific digital clamp and multimeters because they may display incorrect voltage readings, posing an electrocution risk.
CPSC is recalling Technique brand enamel-coated 8-inch cast iron skillets sold by QVC because the enamel coating can pop off when heated, posing a burn hazard.
Seattle Bike Supply is recalling approximately 200 Redline D640 bicycles because the head tube can separate from the frame, posing a risk of serious injury.
American Eagle Outfitters is recalling about 1,200 toddler girl pants and shorts because a metal clasp can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Meyer Corporation is recalling Rachael Ray brand teakettles because hot water can spill and spray during pouring, posing a burn risk.