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.
Beacon Enterprises is replacing seat hardware on over 120,000 stationary bikes sold by Sears, Montgomery Ward, and Alden's due to reports of serious injuries from broken seat posts.
Sears is recalling approximately 160,000 men's terry cloth bathrobes because the fabric may burn rapidly if ignited after repeated washing and drying.
McCulloch is recalling about 8,000 Electramac electric chain saws because the on/off switch may fail, causing the saw to restart spontaneously.
Chloride Pyrotector is recalling specific battery-operated photoelectric smoke detectors because a defective microchip may prevent the alarm from sounding during a fire.
HOME Division of Lear Siegler is repairing MMG Miller gas furnaces used in mobile homes because corroded vent systems may leak carbon monoxide, posing a risk of death or poisoning.
Grace International Apparel is recalling 40,000 CA VA sweatshirts because they fail federal flammability standards. Consumers should return the garments for a full refund.
Radio Shack is recalling over 150,000 electrical test meter lead kits because exposed metal on the probes poses a shock hazard to users.
Robertshaw Controls is recalling Unitrol model 110 and 200 fuel controls for LP gas water heaters due to a defect that may cause gas leaks, explosions, and fires.
Kawasaki is recalling 1978 and 1979 Intruder and Invader snowmobiles because metal bars on the drive tracks can detach and cause serious injuries.
The CPSC is recalling 600,000 LP gas water heaters from multiple brands due to an explosion hazard. A repair program is available following a penalty settlement.
Atlanta Novelty is recalling Squeeze Me Bear stuffed animals because they may contain sharp wires that can cause lacerations and noses that can fall off, posing a choking hazard.
Hudson Brands is recalling millions of Pot Belly stuffed animals due to sharp wires and crushed walnut shells that pose choking and laceration risks to young children.
Playskool is recalling two Bristle Block components that may detach and pose a choking risk to children under 3. No injuries have been reported.
Regal Ware is recalling approximately 6,800 electric coffee makers because deteriorating insulation may expose bare wiring, posing a shock hazard to users.
Black & Decker is recalling 19-inch cordless lawn mowers because a battery defect may cause fires during storage. Consumers are advised to remove fuses and store units away from flammables.
K-Mart, Rolf Brauchli, Nino Originals, and Select Beauty Brands are recalling over 87,000 hair dryers manufactured with asbestos. Consumers and professionals should return units for free repairs or refunds.
Philips is recalling approximately 5,600 stereo turntables because improper wiring may prevent safety fuses from operating, posing a shock hazard.
Albert E. Price is recalling approximately 2,300 stuffed toy mobiles intended for infants due to a strangulation hazard. Consumers should cut off the cords and springs immediately.
Rainbow Artisans is recalling approximately 8,000 Kickers crib decorations because the elastic cords may pose a strangulation hazard to infants.
Sears is recalling 55,000 Craftsman miter saws because carbide-tipped blades may spin off during use, posing a laceration risk.
AMF Voit and Sears recalled aquatic spear guns with defective triggers that may fire accidentally. Consumers should mail the handle assembly for free repair.
Creative Playthings is recalling approximately 400,000 Indoor Gym House sets because a design flaw allows young children to trap their heads, posing a strangulation risk.
Play Spaces International is voluntarily recalling approximately 600 Schowanek crib exercisers because the elastic cords may pose a strangulation hazard to infants.
D.B. Smith is recalling over 40,000 air-compression home and garden sprayers because a defective weld may cause the tank to explode or rupture during use.
Andis and National Presto are voluntarily recalling over 500,000 hair dryers and styling combs manufactured with asbestos to replace the linings with non-asbestos materials.