The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·11320·Announced 2011-09-08

Target Recalls Embark Resistance Cords Due to Eye Injury Hazard

Target is recalling approximately 447,000 Embark resistance cords because the door anchor ball can release and strike users, causing eye injuries.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports, specifically two incidents of permanent vision loss, which meets the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.

Plain-English summary

Target Corporation is recalling approximately 447,000 Embark brand resistance cords and cord kits. The recall involves individual resistance cords in green, blue, or black, as well as kits containing three cords. These products were sold at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com from July 2009 through August 2011 for between $10 and $20.

The hazard exists because a black plastic ball attached to the resistance cord's door anchor can unexpectedly release and strike the user. Target has received three reports of incidents where consumers were struck in the eye by the door anchor ball. Two of these incidents resulted in permanent vision loss, while the severity of the injury in the third incident is unknown.

Consumers should immediately stop using the resistance cords and remove the door anchor strap before resuming use. Alternatively, consumers can contact Target Guest Relations at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.target.com to receive instructions to repair the cords and eliminate the hazard.

The recalled product

Product
Embark Resistance Cords and Cord Kits
Manufacturer
Target Corporation, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Category
Consumer Product — Exercise Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
447,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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