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.
Easton Sports is recalling about 6,400 bicycles with EA30 stems because the stems can crack, causing riders to lose control and fall.
Homelite is recalling about 85,000 backpack blowers because the fuel tank can leak gasoline, posing a fire hazard.
Gehl Foods is recalling about 115,000 commercial nacho cheese and chili sauce dispensers because a fan blade can contact the heater coil, posing fire and burn risks.
IBM recalled power adapters for RDX hard drives because a plastic weld can fail, exposing live electrical contacts and posing a shock hazard.
Maclaren USA is recalling about one million strollers because the hinge mechanism can cause fingertip amputations and lacerations to children.
Adventure Playsets is recalling wooden play sets because the plastic-coated ladder can rot and break, causing falls. Consumers should stop using the sets and contact the company for a replacement kit.
The Life is Good Company is recalling about 15,000 Fall 2009 Newbury Travel Mugs because they can become excessively hot to the touch, posing a burn hazard.
MacPherson's is recalling Young Artist Easels because the chalkboard surface contains high levels of lead, violating federal standards. No injuries have been reported.
Samsung is recalling about 43,000 over-the-range microwave ovens because an installation bolt could contact electrical components, creating a shock hazard.
Arctic Cat is recalling about 3,000 Model Year 2009 Turbo snowmobiles because oil leaks and fuel tank wear pose a fire hazard. No injuries have been reported.
Target is recalling Halloween flashlights sold in 2009 because they can overheat and melt, posing a burn risk. Consumers should stop using the products and return them for a refund.
Sony is recalling approximately 69,000 VAIO computer AC adapters because insulation failure can cause electrical shock. No injuries have been reported in the United States.
Whole Space is recalling Faux Suede Roman Shades sold by Hanover Direct because exposed cords pose a strangulation hazard to children.
Belkin is recalling specific SurgeMaster surge protectors because the rotating plug molding can crack or detach, posing a shock hazard.
IKEA is recalling ISDANS, TUPPLUR, and ENJE roller blinds because the bead chain can pose a strangulation hazard if the tension device is not installed.
Louis Hornick & Co. is recalling Dublin Energy Solution Roman Shades sold at Bed Bath & Beyond because exposed inner cords pose a strangulation hazard to children.
Blair LLC is recalling approximately 138,000 women's chenille robes, jackets, and tops because they fail federal flammability standards. The company reported nine deaths allegedly linked to the garments catching fire.
Coby Electronics is recalling rechargeable batteries sold with portable DVD/CD/MP3 players because they can overheat and cause fires. No injuries have been reported, but eight fires caused property damage.
Toro is recalling about 4,100 liquid-cooled Z Master ZRT mowers because the coolant overflow container can over-pressurize and spray hot coolant, posing a burn risk.
Cambridge Silversmiths is recalling Fiesta Masquerade and Home Olympic flatware sets because plastic handle inserts can detach, posing a choking hazard to children.
Idea Village is recalling about 1.3 million Handy Switch wireless light switches because the receiver can overheat and cause fires.
Bad Boy Enterprises is recalling about 3,900 Classic Buggies because they can accelerate without warning, posing a risk of injury to users and bystanders.
Coyne's & Co. is recalling Haunted House Screen Tea Light Holders sold at Yankee Candle because the window panes can ignite, posing a fire hazard.
Wincraft Inc. is recalling about 145 rotating sports table lamps due to electrical problems that pose fire, burn, and shock hazards. No injuries have been reported.
Raynor Marketing is recalling Quantum office chairs because seatback bolts can loosen, posing a fall hazard. Consumers should stop using the chairs and contact Raynor for a free repair kit.