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.
Crown Boiler Co. is recalling Bermuda BSI and Cayman CWI Series gas boilers because they can generate excessive carbon monoxide, posing a poisoning hazard.
Wal-Mart is recalling Holiday Time Christmas Mug Gift Sets because buttons on the plush characters may detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Lifetime Brands is recalling Farberware Fruit Slicers because the metal blade can separate from the handle, causing cuts to hands and fingers.
ThinkGeek is recalling Dragonfly King HX-242 remote-control helicopter toys because the batteries can overheat and catch fire, posing a burn hazard.
DeVilbiss is recalling about 692,000 pressure washers and air compressors because pneumatic tires with plastic hubs can burst, posing laceration and fracture risks.
Square D is recalling about 27,600 General Duty Safety Switches because they may continue to supply electricity when in the OFF position, posing a shock or electrocution risk.
Nintendo is replacing wrist straps for Wii controllers because the cords may break during use, posing a risk of injury to bystanders.
Hobby Lobby is recalling about 2.3 million Christmas light sets sold nationwide from June to December 2006 because undersized wires can separate, posing electric shock and fire risks.
Macy's is recalling about 500 Baby Greendog girls' knit coveralls because leg snaps can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Clarion is recalling N.I.C.E. P200 navigation system batteries because they can overheat or melt, posing fire and burn risks to consumers.
Wal-Mart is recalling Holiday Time Stuffed Christmas Beagles because red pompoms on the attached wreath can detach and pose a choking hazard to young children.
Rhode Island Novelty is recalling about 48,000 children's Powerpuff Girls necklaces because they contain high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children.
U.S. Toy Co. is recalling children's butterfly necklaces because the clasps contain high levels of lead, posing a poisoning risk to young children.
BRIO Corp. is recalling about 5,550 wooden bell rattles because small parts can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Lifetime Brands is recalling Gemco Lemonade Jars because the metal spigot contains lead that can leach into beverages. No injuries have been reported.
See Kai Run is recalling 'Ellis' children's boots because metal snaps can detach and pose a choking hazard to young children.
Emerson Electric is recalling 60-inch Designer Ceiling Fans because brackets can break, causing blades to fall and injure people.
Liberty Mountain is recalling Edelweiss Challenge climbing harnesses because the leg loop buckles could fail, posing a fall hazard to climbers.
GAMO USA Corp. is recalling specific air rifle models because the scope mount can be installed incorrectly, causing the rifle to fire unexpectedly.
The Land of Nod is recalling approximately 2,000 pieces of Antique White Cottage Collection furniture because the paint contains high levels of lead.
Stanley Security Solutions is recalling about 25,000 5K Series door handle locks because they may fail to unlock from the inside, posing an entrapment risk.
Really Useful Products is recalling about 51,600 children's necklaces due to high lead levels. Consumers should remove the jewelry from children and return it for a refund.
HSN is recalling Ultrex-brand pressure cookers because the lid can open under pressure, causing burns. Two injury reports have been received.
Trane is recalling about 10,580 PTEE and PTHE series air conditioners because a displaced heating element can cause the unit to overheat and smoke.
Dollar Days International is recalling 180 children's parka jackets with hood drawstrings due to a strangulation hazard. No injuries have been reported.