116 W. Illinois Street, Suite 5E
Chicago, IL 60610-4532
312-595-0649 Phone
312-595-0939 Fax
www.KidsInDanger.org
2007: The Year of the Recall
An examination of children’s product recalls
in 2007 and the implications for child safety
Report by:
Kids In Danger
February 2008
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 1
2007: The Year of the Recall
Executive Summary
What a difference a year can make. Kids In Danger (KID) has been reporting on
children’s product recalls since 2001. Each year, the statistics showed a steady average
of around two children’s product recalls each week. Even that number surprised those
covering the report: most parents and caregivers report hearing of only 3-4 recalls a year.
But 2007, the Year of the Recall, as Consumer Reports Magazine named it, ripped the lid
off of this urgent public safety hazard. With more than four recalls on average each week
and over 46 million items recalled- including lead-contaminated toy trains, collapsing
cribs and drug-tainted arts and crafts projects - consumers suddenly were confronted with
the sorry state of the U.S. children’s product safety system.
During 2007, there were 448 recalls, and 231 or 52% of those were for children’s
products. This percentage is up from last year as more attention was focused on lead in
toys and other children’s product hazards. The majority of children’s product recalls
were for children’s toys. 2007 saw over 100 recalls due to excessive levels of lead in
nursery items, toys, jewelry, and art supplies.
Other findings in this report include:
¾ 2007 saw the largest crib recall in history, one million Simplicity and Graco cribs.
Three deaths were included in the recall announcement, more came to light later.
¾ Magnetix magnetic building sets that led to the death of a child from internal
injuries after swallowing the tiny magnets were recalled again this year. There
were 1500 other reports and 28 injuries prior to this second recall.
¾ Seventeen percent of the recalls took place after a child had been injured or killed.
For nursery products, 48% of the recalls were preceded by injuries or death and
for sporting goods, 53% of the recalls involved injuries.
¾ In all, these recalls involved 657 injuries, an increase of 374% from last year.
Considering that the lead recalls (109 of the 231 recalls) involved no injuries, that
is a particularly disturbing trend.
¾ In 2007, 12 children’s product recalls involved one million or more units.
¾ Operating without a quorum for much of the year, CPSC did little to strengthen
rules, assess fines, or bring strong leadership to the issue of product safety.
Congress instead took the lead, crafting legislation to increase funding as well as
strengthening CPSC’s role in keeping dangerous products off the shelves.
KID concludes these findings with suggestions for parents and caregivers including:
checking www.cpsc.gov
for recall reports, spreading the word to family and friends, and
keeping updated with www.KidsInDanger.org for the latest updates. The full recall report
is available for download at www.KidsInDanger.org
or by calling KID at 312.595.0649.
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission .......................................................... 3
2007: Year of the recall .................................................................................................... 4
Toys lead children’s product recalls ............................................................................... 4
Huge recalls grab public attention .................................................................................. 5
Fisher-Price and parent company Mattel lead recall list .............................................. 6
Lead hazards involved in nearly half of children’s product recalls ............................. 7
Manufactured in….China mostly .................................................................................... 8
1 report, 2 reports….679 reports before a recall ........................................................... 8
Hundreds of children injured while products remain in stores ................................. 10
Spotlight: Crib recalls .................................................................................................... 11
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 13
Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 14
Action for Parents and Caregivers ................................................................................ 14
Methodology .................................................................................................................... 15
Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 15
About Kids In Danger .................................................................................................... 15
Tables
Table 1: Children’s product recalls 2001-2007 .................................................................. 4
Table 2: 2007 Recalls.......................................................................................................... 5
Table 3: Top ten children’s product recalls by unit in 2007 ............................................... 6
Table 4: Multiple (4+) recalls by manufacturer (2007) ...................................................... 7
Table 5: Children’s product recalls by hazard (2007) ........................................................ 7
Table 6: Children’s products with the most incidents reported before recall (2007) ......... 9
Table 7: Injuries and deaths prior to recall by product type ............................................. 10
Table 8: Products involving the most injuries, including deaths, prior to recall .............. 10
Table 9: Crib and Portable Crib Recalls (2007) ................................................................ 11
Table 10: History of the Simplicity Crib Recall ............................................................... 12
Figures
Figure 1: Recalled Products by Type: 2001-2007 .............................................................. 5
Figure 2: Country of Origin ................................................................................................ 8
Appendix: 2007 Children’s Product Recalls
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 3
Introduction
What a difference a year can make. Kids In Danger (KID) has been reporting on
children’s product recalls since 2001. Each year, the statistics showed a steady average
of around two children’s product recalls each week. Even that number surprised those
covering the report: most parents and caregivers report hearing of only 3-4 recalls a year
1
.
But 2007, the Year of the Recall, as Consumer Reports Magazine named it, ripped the lid
off of this urgent public safety hazard. With more than four recalls on average each week
and over 46 million items recalled - including lead-contaminated toy trains, collapsing
cribs and drug-tainted arts and crafts projects - consumers were suddenly confronted with
the sorry state of the U.S. children’s product safety system.
This report will document 2007 data on recalls, comparing it to past years and showing
the vast array of recalled products. While lead-contaminated toys got the majority of the
press coverage, deadly cribs, magnetic hazards and simply poorly designed products were
also pulled from the market, many after causing excruciating injuries and even death.
All numbers in the report are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press
releases of recalls.
TheU.S.ConsumerProductSafetyCommission
Congress created the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1972 under
the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), and CPSC began operating in 1973. In the
Act, Congress directed CPSC to protect the public “against unreasonable risks of injuries
associated with consumer products.”
CPSC has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 types of consumer products, and is charged
with protecting consumers from products that pose fire, electrical, chemical, or
mechanical hazards or can injure children. Nancy Nord is the current acting Chair of the
CPSC with Thomas Moore as the only other commissioner. Since 2006, CPSC has been
operating at this crippling level which doesn’t allow them to take action, since they lack a
quorum. While CPSC was granted special consent by Congress in July 2007
2
to take
action with only 2 commissioners, it expired this month.
Even with permission from Congress, CPSC fined only one children’s product
manufacturer in 2007, Fisher-Price, for failure to report incidents with their Little
People© Animal Sounds Farm. A tiny screw could come loose, posing an aspiration
hazard. At the time of the recall in 2003, there were 34 reports of loose screws, including
one emergency surgery to remove it from a child’s lung.
CPSC has come under much scrutiny in 2007 after a series of high profile recalls, the
subsequent delay in removing dangerous products from store shelves, and the alarming
number of total recalls.
1
2001 Survey of Illinois Voters, Coalition for Consumer Rights. September 2001
2
HR 1, Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 4
2007:Yearoftherecall
2007 saw the greatest number of recalled products since KID began keeping count in
2001. Only 2004 saw a higher total number of units recalled because of one recall of 150
million vending machine trinkets. Otherwise, this year’s 46 million items dwarfs past
years. The percentage of recalls that were children’s products, 52%, also jumped, close to
the previous high of 55%, in 2001. CPSC averaged more than four children’s product
recalls a week, more than double the average rate in every year since 2001. For most
recalls, a press release is often the only action taken to reach consumers. Past experience
would indicate that there are conservatively 30 million of this year’s recalled products
still in homes and child care facilities.
Table 1: Children’s product recalls 2001-2007
Year
Total Recalls
Total Children’s
Product Recalls
% Children’s
Product Recalls
Units of Recalled
Children’s Products
2007 448 231 52% 46,562,901
2006 318 111 35% 18,967,210
2005 329 123 37% 27,891,188
2004 277 87 31% 156,169,990
2003 214 66 30% 6,140,691
2002 210 90 43% 11,155,631
2001 214 118 55% 22,992,667
A series of newspaper articles in the Chicago Tribune
3
helped set the stage for this year
of the recall. The first, by Patricia Callahan, drew attention to the hazard that magnets
pose to children and CPSC’s and manufacturers’ slow response to the threat. Despite
reports of the dangers of magnets in toys to CPSC as early as 2005, CPSC took no action
until March of 2006, and then it only issued a weak, confusing recall, leaving dangerous
products on store shelves. It wasn’t until almost two years later that a full recall was
announced. More news reports followed on cribs, car seats and lead in toys. These
focused Congressional and public attention on the CPSC in a way never seen before.
CPSC responded with recalls based on the hazards outlined in the newspaper stories, and
media outlets around the country began to take a closer look at children’s product safety.
Toysleadchildren’sproductrecalls
Toys represented 45% of the children’s products recalled last year and were 23% of all
product recalls. By units, toys were 64% of children’s product recalls; over 30 million
individual toys were found to be dangerous for children. While the toy industry touts that
even that large number is a tiny fraction of the number of toys they sell each year, it still
appears to be an avalanche of danger for children.
3
Tribune Investigation: Hidden Hazards, Kids at Risk. www.ChicagoTribune.com/safety.
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 5
Table 2: 2007 Recalls
# Recalls
% of Total
Recalls
% of Children’s
Product Recalls
# of Units
All Recalls 100% - -
Children’s Recalls 231 52% 100%
46,562,901
Toys 104 23% 45% 30,061,510
Nursery 29 7% 13% 4,147,380
Sporting Goods 15 3% 6% 366,381
Clothing 32 7% 14% 1,628,900
Furniture 3 .5% 1% 37,800
Jewelry 34 8% 15% 7,652,670
Art Supplies 9 2% 4% 753,060
Other 5 1% 2% 1,915,200
*Jewelry and art supplies are separated for 2007, but included in the toy figures in the following
chart, as they were in past years.
Figure 1: Recalled Products by Type: 2001-2007
Hugerecallsgrabpublicattention
There were twelve recalls involving one million individual units or more. The largest,
7.3 million Polly Pocket dolls and accessories by Mattel, was due to the risk of magnetic
ingestion. At the time of the recall, the company reported three serious injuries from
these products and over 400 reports of product failure. The second largest recall was for
4.2 million Aqua Dots beading sets from Spin Master, tainted with a chemical that
induced comas in children; followed closely by Mega Brands second recall of four
million Magnetix building sets, linked to one death and 28 severe injuries caused by
magnet ingestion or aspiration. The largest recall for lead tainted products was four
million ‘Groovy Grabber’ bracelets by A&A Global Industries. Of the recalls involving
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
%ofChildren'sProductRecalls
RecalledProductsbyType:2001‐2007
Toys
Nursery
SportingGoods
Clothing
Furniture
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 6
over one million units, there were three each for magnet ingestion and lead poisoning.
Together these recalls were responsible for 125 known injuries and four deaths.
Table 3: Top ten children’s product recalls by unit in 2007
Product Manufacturer # Injuries Hazard # Units
Polly Pocket dolls
and accessories Mattel Inc. 3 Magnet ingestion 7,300,000
Aqua Dots Spin Master 2 Poisoning 4,200,000
Magnetix sets Mega Brands
28 ( 1 death)
Magnet ingestion 4,000,000
"Groovy Grabber"
Bracelets
A&A Global
Industries 0 Lead poisoning 4,000,000
Thomas & Friends
Railways
4
RC2 Corp. 0 Lead poisoning 1,700,000
Cub Scouts Totem
Badges
Kahoot Products
Inc. 0 Lead poisoning 1,600,000
“Laugh and Learn”
Bunny Toys Fisher-Price 0 Choking 1,200,000
Doggie Day Care
play sets Mattel Inc. 0 Magnet ingestion 1,000,000
Easy-Bake Oven
Easy-Bake,
(Hasbro 82 Entrapment/Burn 1,000,000
Cribs (12 styles) Simplicity Inc.
7 (3 deaths)
Entrapment 1,000,000
Pink and Orange
Glow Sticks
Dunkin' Donuts
LLC 0 Choking 1,000,000
Bumbo "Baby
Sitter" Seats
Bumbo
International 3 Bodily Injury 1,000,000
FisherPriceandparentcompanyMattelleadrecalllist
Thirty-eight manufacturers recalled more than one product in 2006. This is up over 600%
from seven in 2006. Mattel led the industry with 13 total recalls – seven under the Fisher-
Price brand and six Mattel branded products. Schylling, RC2, and Target all recalled five
products each.
4
Two recalls. RC2 first recalled 1.5 million of the popular trains in June and had to announce a recall of an
additional 200,000 in September, including a bonus train given in response to the first recall.
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 7
Table 4: Multiple (4+) recalls by manufacturer (2007)
Manufacturer # of Recalls # Units Hazards Injuries
Fisher-Price 7 2,585,900
Lead poisoning,
entrapment, choking
64
Mattel 6 10,256,000
Magnet ingestion, lead
poisoning
3
RC2 5 1,960,800 Lead poisoning, fall 12
Schylling Associates Inc 5 81,700 Lead poisoning 0
Target 5 899,300
Choking, lead
poisoning, laceration
0
Dollar General 4 1,031,000 Lead poisoning 0
Jo-Ann Stores 4 119,060 Lead poisoning 0
Leadhazardsinvolvedinnearlyhalfofchildren’sproductrecalls
With the attention on lead in children’s products this year, it is not surprising that
poisoning led the list of hazards involved in recalls. Almost half (49%) of the recalls
were because of poisoning. Of the 112 poisoning hazard recalls, only three were for
substances other than lead. Aqua Dots bead kit was recalled because it contained a toxic
chemical that transformed into the date rape drug when ingested – sending two American
children into comas. A fake eye ball was recalled because it contained kerosene and a
boy’s jacket because the attached compass contained mineral oil that can be poisonous.
Eleven products were recalled that contained magnetic ingestion hazards, a relatively new
hazard as toy manufacturers turned to powerful NIB magnets with little thought to the
potential hazards – sending 32 children to surgery to remove the small parts from their
intestines and lungs and killing Kenny Sweet in November 2005.
Choking, a leading cause of product-related death among young children, accounted for
16% of the recalls. Bodily injury including falls, laceration and impact, accounted for
17%. The totals add up to more than 100% because some products were recalled for more
than one hazard. For instance, recalled jackets had compasses that could break, posing
both a choking hazard and a poisoning risk as the liquid inside is toxic. All the burn
hazards this year were from clothing that failed to meet federal flammability standards.
Table 5: Children’s product recalls by hazard (2007)
Hazard
# of
Recalls
% of Children’s
Product Recalls
# of Units % of Units
Poisoning
112 49% 21,482,410 46%
Bodily injury (fall, laceration, impact)
40 17% 3,238,491 7%
Choking, aspiration
38 16% 5,402,160 11%
Strangulation, entrapment,
entanglement
27 12% 2,924,340 6%
Magnet ingestion
11
5%
13,520,400 29%
Burns
8 3% 1,414,500 3%
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2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 9
average of 28 incidents per recall before the product was pulled from shelves. The chart
below shows those recalls that involved the most reports of incidents prior to recall.
Table 6: Children’s products with the most incidents reported before recall (2007)
Manufacturer Product # Incidents Hazards
Mega Brands Magnetix building sets 1,500
Magnet
ingestion
Evenflo Company Inc.
Evenflo Embrace Infant
Car Seat / Carriers 679 Bodily Injury
Mattel Inc.
Polly Pocket dolls and
accessories with magnets 400
Magnet
ingestion
Easy-Bake, a division
of Hasbro Inc Easy-Bake Oven 278 Entrapment/Burn
Stokke LLC Xplory Baby Strollers 258 Bodily Injury
Intex Recreation Corp
Above-Ground Pool
Ladders 172 Bodily Injury
Graco Children's
Products Inc.
Soft Block Tower Toys (on
Baby Einstein Activity
Centers) 137 Choking
Artcraft and Foremost
Inc. Sippy / Tumbler Cups 90 Choking
Bassettbaby
Wendy Bellissimo
Convertible Cribs 85 Entrapment
Simplicity Inc. Cribs (12 styles) 65 Entrapment
Fisher-Price
Rainforest Open Top Take-
Along Swings 60 Entrapment
Battat Inc
Parents Magazine Record-
A-Voice Toy Cell Phones 54 Choking
The high number of reports of Magnetix incidents highlights an important fact about
recall notices. Often, the last information the public will get about a product’s hazards is
in the recall notice. So if the CPSC takes action after one incident, or even before
incidents are reported, it looks as if there is little trouble with the product. When CPSC
first recalled Magnetix in 2006, they had only 34 incidents – although one was a death
and four were serious injuries. A year later when they expanded the recall, they reported
over 1500 incidents including many more injuries. The same is true for the Easy Bake
Oven. It was first recalled in February after 29 reports of entrapments, including 5 burns.
When they changed the remedy and re-announced the recall in July, they had an
additional 249 reports of entrapments including 77 burns, one severe enough to result in
an amputation.
This gives a rare glimpse into the secrets held at CPSC. For the other recalls that aren’t
repeated, it is virtually impossible to get that information and so the earlier lower
estimates are all that are available. These two ‘double’ recalls show that CPSC may be
under reporting the number of injuries and incidents involving recalled products.
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 10
Hundredsofchildreninjuredwhileproductsremaininstores
While the huge increase in toy recalls for lead paint got a lot of media attention, no
injuries were attributed to these recalls. Unfortunately, this isn’t because no injuries
occurred, but because it is unlikely that parents and health care providers can narrow
down the source of lead if a child’s level is high or even recognize the damage as coming
from lead. Overall, injuries were up 374% from last year: from 177 to 657. Considering
that almost half the recalls, those that involve lead, had no reported injuries, that is a
disturbing trend. In particular, nursery products (48%) and sporting goods (53%) recalls
were most likely to be after injuries or death.
Table 7: Injuries and deaths prior to recall by product type
Type Recalls Injuries Percent of recalls involving
injuries
Children’s Products 231 40
17%
Sporting Goods 15 8
53%
Nursery 29 14
48%
Furniture 3 1
33%
Toys 104 16
15%
Clothing 32 1
3%
Jewelry 34 0
-
Art Supplies 9 0
-
Other 5 0
-
Individual products had frighteningly large numbers of injuries prior to being pulled from
store shelves, homes and child care centers. The Evenflo Embrace car seat had the most
injuries, 160, including skull fractures and concussions.
Table 8: Products involving the most injuries, including deaths, prior to recall
Manufacturer Product # Injuries Type of Injury
Evenflo
Company Inc.
Embrace Infant Car
Seat / Carriers 160
Skull fracture, two concussions,
cuts, scrapes and bruises
Intex Recreation
Corp
"Intex, "Easy Set
and "Sand N Sun”
Above-Ground
Pool Ladders 127
Lacerations requiring up to 21
stitches, bone fractures, back
injuries, torn ligaments, sprained
ankles, and other minor injuries
Easy-Bake, a
division of
Hasbro Inc Easy-Bake Oven 82
Burns, including second and third-
degree; one report of a serious burn
that required a finger amputation
Graco Children's
Products Inc.
Soft Block Tower
Toys (on activity
centers) 81
Choking, gagging, ingesting plastic
Fisher-Price
Rainforest Open
Top Take-Along
Swings 60
Cuts, bumps, bruises and red
marks
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 11
Manufacturer Product # Injuries Type of Injury
Estes-Cox Corp
Sky Ranger Park
Flyer Radio
Control Airplanes 33
Ear pain or hearing loss; burns to
hands, faces or eyes; chest impact
from debris; eye injuries; and cuts.
Mega Brands
Magnetix building
sets 28
Intestinal perforation and blockage,
lung perforation
RC2 Corp.
The First Years
Newborn-to-
Toddler Reclining
Feeding Seats 12
Falls
Simplicity Inc. Cribs (12 styles) 10
Entrapment, death
Artcraft &
Foremost
Next Step Sippy
Cups 6
Cuts and scrapes
Spotlight:Cribrecalls
There should be no margin for error in the design or manufacture of cribs and portable
cribs. These products are intended to safely protect unsupervised infants -- parents must
depend on them completely. But should they? There were six recalls involving cribs or
crib mattresses in 2007 and one involving millions of portable cribs.
Table 9: Crib and Portable Crib Recalls (2007)
Recalled Product Hazard Units Incidents
Injuries and
Deaths
Song Lin Ind. Sleigh Round Crib
Mattress set too
high, fall hazard
180 0 0
Simplicity Nursery in A Box Crib
Faulty
instructions, side
rail can detach,
entrapment
hazard
40,000 1 0*
Stokke Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses
Mattress too
small, gap can
cause entrapment
1,000 0 0
NettoCollection Moderne and Loft
Cribs
Crib slats can
separate,
entrapment
hazard
400 3 0
Simplicity and Graco Cribs (12
models)
Side rail
detaches,
entrapment
1,000,000
65
7 injuries, 3
deaths
Bassettbaby Wendy Bellissimo Crib
Bolts come
loose,
entrapment
hazard
8,900 85 1
Kolcraft portable cribs
Strap on
changing table
can cause
entrapment
425,000 46 1 death
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 12
Simplicity had two crib recalls last year, including one for over one million units. In the
last three years, there were four Simplicity crib recalls (some cribs were even recalled
twice in this period), at least four deaths, numerous reports of injuries, product defects
including hardware failure, drop-side detachment and mattress support failure, and
hazards such as choking, falls, suffocation and entrapment.
When CPSC announced a recall of one million cribs in September after at least three
deaths, they said the hazard was so urgent that no child should sleep for another night in
the defective cribs. But parents had to wait...and wait...and wait. It was thirty days before
the company began to offer a repair kit and KID is aware families still waiting. Worse
yet, durable products like cribs can remain out in the stream of commerce for years -
ticking time bombs that could hurt a child at any time. And yet CPSC has taken no action
against the company beyond the recalls.
Table 10: History of the Simplicity Crib Recall
Date
April 2005
Liam Johns dies in his Graco Aspen 3 in 1 crib
December 21, 2005
CPSC recalls the Graco branded Aspen 3 in 1 crib, not for the flaw
that killed Liam but for mattress support flaws
January 6, 2006
A Washington State boy dies in the Aspen 3 in 1 crib from the mattress
support flaw, just weeks after the recall
November 2006
A Georgia baby dies in a Nursery-In-A-Box Crib
June 6, 2007
CPSC recalls 40,000 Nursery in a Box cribs for faulty instructions that
allow the side to be put on upside down – a contributing factor in the
Johns and Georgia’s deaths, but the Aspen 3 in 1 was not included in
this recall
September 2007
Simplicity recalls 1 million cribs, 12 models, including both the
Nursery in a Box and Graco Aspen 3 in 1. The company stresses in
the press release that the cribs were put together wrong and have an
older version of hardware, although there are incidents involving cribs
put together correctly and/or with the new hardware.
September 2007
Chicago Tribune carries major investigative piece on the Simplicity
cribs. It was questioning from the reporter that finally got CPSC to look
at the crib in the Johns death and they announced the recall just prior to
the publication of the article.
October 2007
CPSC and Simplicity have no fix for the problem in place. Customers
who report the faulty recalled crib must wait over a month until a ‘fix’ is
available. This retrofit is to be mailed to all consumers, many of whom
have problems with the wood and hardware of their cribs. Refunds or
replacement cribs are not offered in most instances.
February 2008
CPSC refuses to release information on the progress of the Simplicity
recall. KID is aware of families still waiting for the fixes for their cribs.
CPSC refuses to say if kits have been mailed out, if further injuries have
taken place or what actions Simplicity is taking to remedy the situation.
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 13
Conclusion
This report details what is known about recalls in 2007. However, what it reveals about
what is not known and available in public information is just as important. For instance,
recall notices are often inaccurate, or omit vital information, such as indicating when the
manufacturer learned of the flaw in their products, when they reported it to CPSC and
how long after that the public was alerted to the hazard. This is all protected information
at CPSC. It is known that Aqua Dots, a particularly heinous product laced with the date
rape drug, was recalled in a matter of days, but indications are that most products take
much longer. A quick review of some of the products causing the most injuries show
periods of months, even years between the last date of production and the date it is
recalled – perhaps an indicator of when the problem came to light.
Consumers are also in the dark about injuries and deaths that take place after the product
is recalled or that come to light after the recall release is published. For instance, after
the CPSC recalled the 12 models of Simplicity and Graco cribs, there were numerous
press reports of other deaths in these products. However, the only deaths attributed to the
products by CPSC are the three referenced in the release.
And perhaps most importantly from a safety perspective, it is unclear how many of the
units of recalled products this year will be retrieved from homes and child care facilities.
CPSC has repeatedly denied KID’s requests for this information on the Simplicity crib
recall.
The same system that failed to keep the recalled portable crib that killed Danny Keysar
out of his licensed childcare facility is still in place – with less funding, less staffing, less
power. Unfortunately, in a largely reactive product safety system, someone often has to
get hurt or killed before any action to remove unsafe products from the shelves is
initiated. Contrary to what most consumers believe, children’s products are not required
to undergo mandatory safety testing before being sold. There are many reasons why
dangerous products are still ending up in the hands of children –none are acceptable.
However, this year’s record setting recalls trained the harsh spotlight of public security
on the deeply rooted, systemic problems in children’s product safety oversight. With a
series of high-profile recalls of trusted brand names, consumers are highly concerned
about this urgent public safety hazard - and Washington is finally listening. Legislation
currently under consideration in Congress would enact the most sweeping reforms to
CPSC ever. The heightened media attention has created new opportunities to reach
people with lifesaving recall information. With the possibility of meaningful change
finally within reach, now is the time to become advocates for the safety of all children.
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 14
Recommendations
Kids In Danger has reported on children’s product recalls since 2001. Each year, the
report highlights products that don’t meet current existing standards; injuries and deaths
from products that came to market without adequate testing; and far too many injuries
before companies take action. Moreover, as in the past, this year there were millions of
products in homes, schools, and childcare that were found to be hazardous but will never
be recovered. This year has brought increased public scrutiny to CPSC and product safety
and legislation from Congress to strengthen the product safety system in the US. KID
recommends the following actions be part of any strengthening legislation.
• The current fine cap for violations of manufacturer’s self-reporting requirements
must be lifted. The threat of a large fine must be available to CPSC to encourage
compliance.
• Given companies’ lack of compliance with self-reporting requirements, CPSC must
reevaluate their reliance on that information for safety actions. CPSC needs additional
staff and funds to investigate potential dangers, rather than waiting for companies to
report them.
• Recalled products are next to impossible to retrieve. Congress should allow CPSC to
set mandatory standards and require certification of testing to those standards prior to sale
of infant and toddler products. Children should not be guinea pigs for unsafe products.
• Children’s products should come with product registration cards for the sole purpose
of notifying consumers when a product has a defect or is recalled.
• States should enact legislation to ban the sale of recalled products or their use in
childcare facilities. Only eight states, including Illinois, now have a Children’s Product
Safety Act.
• KID supports a ban on lead in any products intended for use with or by a child age
12 or under. KID supports the American Academy of Pediatrics proposed limit of 40
parts per million.
• Information on injuries and incidents reported with products should be available to
the public at www.cpsc.gov
. Even if CPSC decides not to issue a recall, parents should be
able to decide for themselves if they want to take the risk.
ActionforParentsandCaregivers
KID urges every parent and caregiver to take the following three steps to protect the
children in their care.
1) Be aware of the problem: Visit www.KidsInDanger.org
for more information on
children’s product safety and to sign up for free email alerts to keep up-to-date on
recalled products. Consumers can also sign up at www.cpsc.gov
to receive notice of
recalls by email.
2) Always check products: Take an inventory of the products used with children—at
home, at childcare and elsewhere—and check it against the list of recalls at
www.cpsc.gov. Check for safety information on car seats at www.nhtsa.gov. Repeat the
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 15
check every time a new product is bought or a gift or hand-me-down is received. Report
any injuries or problems with products to both the manufacturer and CPSC.
3) Spread the word: After learning of a recall, share the news with friends and
family and urge them to pass it along. Also, always fill out product registration cards so
manufacturers can send recall information.
4) Report any product that appears dangerous. Sometimes it is the only way to bring a
dangerous product to CPSC’s attention.
5) Become an Advocate: Urge every state to take steps to protect children by
adopting the Children’s Product Safety Act that bans the sale or lease of recalled products
or their use in childcare. Find out more at www.KidsInDanger.org advocacy pages.
Methodology
Kids In Danger obtained all recall information for this report from monthly lists of press
releases generated by the CPSC and issued jointly by product manufacturers and the
CPSC. Press releases outline the incidents, failures, and injuries caused by the product
prior to the date of recall. All numbers, facts, and figures contained in this report were
taken from these press releases. Only children’s products under the jurisdiction of the
CPSC were considered. This excludes car seats and booster seats that are regulated by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, CPSC does have oversight of
car seats that can also be used as infant carriers.
Definitions
A children’s product is defined as any product designed or intended for the care of or use
by children. Products that pose potential dangers to children but that are not intended for
their use, such as cigarette lighters with faulty child resistance locks, are not counted as
children’s products.
Children’s products were further categorized for this report by the type of product
(clothing, furniture, nursery products, sporting goods, jewelry, art supplies and toys). The
product name, manufacturer, date of recall, number of units recalled, type of hazard
posed, and number of incidents and injuries were also recorded for children’s products
recalled in 2007. (Appendix A)
AboutKidsInDanger
Kids In Danger is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving
children’s product safety. KID was founded in 1998 by Linda Ginzel and Boaz Keysar
after the death of their 16-month-old son, Danny, in a dangerous portable crib. For more
information, call 312.595.0649 or visit www.KidsInDanger.org.
Appendix A:
2007 Children’s Product Recalls
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 16
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
Art Supplies
3/7/2007 Discount School
Supply
Elite 5-in-1 Easels Paint on chalkboard
contains high levels of lead
Lead poisoning 2,500 0 0
3/13/2007 Tri-Star
International
Children's Stationary Sets Contains a razor blade w/ a
sharp edge
Laceration 360 0 0
8/22/2007 Martin Designs Inc. SpongeBob SquarePants
Address Books and Journals
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 250,000 0 0
8/30/2007 Toys "R" Us Inc. Imaginarium Wooden
Coloring Cases
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 27,000 0 0
10/4/2007 Antioch Publishing Bookmarks and Journals High levels of lead Lead poisoning 150,000 0 0
10/11/2007 J.C.Penney Deluxe Wood Art Sets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 19,000 0 0
10/17/2007 Antioch Publishing Cool Clip and Mini Cool
Clip Bookmarks
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 200,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Discount School
Supply
Shaving Paint Brushes High levels of lead Lead poisoning 20,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Raymond Geddes Children's Pencil Pouches High levels of lead Lead poisoning 84,200 0 0
Clothing
1/5/2007 Samara Brothers
LLC
Starting Out Shirt and
Overalls
Snaps contain excessive
amounts of lead
Lead poisoning 200 0 0
1/10/2007 Seena International Children's Hooded
Sweatshirts w/ Drawstrings
Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 45,000 0 0
2/7/2007 L.L. Bean Faux-Shearling Infant
Booties
Small metal zipper tab on
the booties can detach
Choking 4,400 6 0
2/8/2007 G & W Industries
Inc.
Toddler Pants Sets Zipper pull on the jacket
can detach
Choking 1,800 1 0
2/13/2007 Samara Brothers
LLC
Heavyweight Outerwear
Jackets
Snaps on outside contain
excessive amounts of lead
Lead poisoning 8,000 0 0
2/13/2007 Vacation Clothing
(aka Basix USA)
Hooded Sweatshirts and
Windbreakers
Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 20,000 0 0
3/8/2007 Nordstrom Inc. N-Kids Girl's & Pine Peak
Blues Boy's Flannel
Drawstring Pants
Material fails to meet
children's sleepwear
flammability standards
Burn 78,000 0 0
3/8/2007 Cobmex Inc. Cobmex Youth Jackets w/
Drawstrings
Children can get entangled
and strangle in drawstring
Strangulation 16,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 17
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
3/8/2007 H&M Boy's Jackets w/ an attached
compass
Compass can break -
choking; Liquid inside
leaks out - poisoning
Choking / poisoning 2,700 1 0
3/19/2007 Hanna Andersson Hanna Andersson Children's
Crossover Tee & Lounge
Pant Set
Material fails to meet
children's sleepwear
flammability standards
Burn 12,300 0 0
4/17/2007 Independent
Trading Co.
Life is good Children's
Sweatshirts
Drawstring through the
hood
Strangulation 1,200 0 0
4/17/2007 Disney Stores
North America
Baby Einstein Caterpillar &
Baby Einstein Duck
Sleepwear
Sleepwear fails to meet
children's flammability
standard
Burn 200 0 0
5/2/2007 Payless ShoeSource Children's Airwalk Compel
Shoes
Plastic rivets to attach strap
can detach
Choking 690,000 1 0
5/16/2007 Samara Brothers
LLC
Three Piece Shorts Sets Decorative fish buttons can
detach
Choking 360 0 0
5/17/2007 Mervyns Little Girls Capri Pants w/
Snap Roll Cuff
Buttons inside waistband
can detach
Choking 228,000 0 0
6/7/2007 Personal Creations Red Baby Long Johns Metal snaps can detach Choking 5,500 10 0
6/14/2007 Nordstrom Inc. Pine Peak Blues Children's
Jackets
Zipper pull on the jacket
can detach
Choking 1,900 1 0
6/14/2007 Nordstrom Inc. Calypso Sandals Jewel decorations on shoe
can detach
Choking 1,800 0 0
7/17/2007 Payless ShoeSource Toddler Clog Shoes Plastic rivets to attach strap
can detach
Choking 270,000 0 0
8/23/2007 Millennium
Apparel Group
Basic Editions-brand Girls'
Clothing Sets
Drawstring at the waist Entanglement 4,700 0 0
8/29/2007 Paramount Apparel
International
Toddler and Youth Nylon
Bucket Hats
Hat has a drawstring Strangulation 500 0 0
8/30/2007 Life Is Good Inc. Zippity Hoodie and Sherpa
Full Zip Children's Hooded
Sweatshirts w/ Drawstrings
Drawstring at the hood Strangulation 400 0 0
10/18/2007 Payless ShoeSource Girls' Boots Zipper pull on boots can
interlock while walking
Fall 90,000 5 1
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 18
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
11/15/2007 The Bon Ton
Department Stores
Inc
Girls and Boys Bath Robes Fail to meet children's
sleepwear flammability
standard
Burn 1,000 0 0
11/27/2007 The Bon Ton
Department Stores
Inc.
Children’s Fleece Hooded
Zip-up Jackets with Neck
Drawstrings
Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 3,240 0 0
12/3/2007 Old Navy LLC Performance Fleece-Lined
Boys' Jackets
Entanglement by
drawstring
Strangulation 17,200 0 0
12/6/2007 E. S. Sutton Inc. TKS-brand Children's Pants Ribbon belt at waist Entanglement 6,100 0 0
12/6/2007 A&R Knitwear Personal Identity-brand V-
neck Sweaters with Hood
Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 5,200 0 0
12/6/2007 Scope Apparel L.P. Boys' Hooded Sweatshirts Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 72,000 0 0
12/6/2007 Millennium
Apparel Group
Basic Editions-brand Girls'
Clothing Sets
Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 13,000 0 0
12/21/2007 Liberty Apparel
Co.
Jewel Brand Girls' Hooded
Sweatshirts
Strangulation or
entanglement by drawstring
Strangulation 12,000 0 0
12/27/2007 Gap Outlet "Warmest Jacket" Boys'
Jackets
Entrapment by waist
drawstring
Entanglement 16,200 0 0
Furniture
9/4/2007 d-Scan Inc. Jubee Bunk Beds Wooden side slat supports
can separate causing upper
bunk to collapse
Bodily Injury 500 7 0
11/16/2007 Jetmax
International Ltd.
Children's Wooden Storage
Rack
Rack can tip over Entrapment 36,000 1 1 Death
12/13/2007 Hooker Furniture
Corp.
Bunk Beds Gap between parts of upper
bunk allow body to pass
though not the head
Entrapment 1,300 0 0
Jewelry
1/18/2007 U.S. Toy Co. Inc. Children's Butterfly
Necklaces
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 113,800 0 0
2/7/2007 DM Merchandising
Inc.
Children’s “Ultra Gear”
Bracelets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 86,400 0 0
2/7/2007 Shalom Int. Corp. “Rachael Rose Kidz” Rings High levels of lead Lead poisoning 280,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 19
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
2/23/2007 Crimzon Rose
Accessories
Children's "Kidsite"
Necklace & Earring Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 6,000 0 0
2/23/2007 Lari Jewelry Co "Claudia Jublot" Children's
Rings
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 115,000 0 0
3/13/2007 United Imports Inc. Children's Mood Necklaces High levels of lead Lead poisoning 3,600 0 0
3/15/2007 Claire's Boutiques
Inc.
Children's Necklaces High levels of lead Lead poisoning 58,000 0 0
3/15/2007 Rhode Island
Novelty
Children's Mood Necklaces High levels of lead Lead poisoning 47,000 0 0
4/3/2007 Dollar General Metal Key Chains High levels of lead Lead poisoning 396,000 0 0
4/3/2007 A&A Global
Industries
Children's "Groovy Grabber"
Bracelets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 4,000,000 0 0
4/17/2007 Cardinal
Distributing Co.
Children's Charm Bracelets
and "Sportswear" Necklaces
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 900,000 0 0
5/2/2007 Cardinal
Distributing Co.
Inc.
Children's Rings w/ Dice or
Horseshoes
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 200 0 0
5/2/2007 Oriental Trading
Company Inc.
Children's Religious Fish
Necklaces
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 132,000 0 0
5/15/2007 Cardinal
Distributing Co.
Inc.
Children's Turquoise Rings High levels of lead Lead poisoning 300,000 0 0
5/15/2007 Spandrel Sales &
Marketing Inc.
Children's Necklaces,
Bracelets, and Rings
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 200,000 0 0
5/31/2007 Tween Brands Inc. Children's Metal Jewelry High levels of lead Lead poisoning 103,000 0 0
6/12/2007 Crimzon Rose
Accessories
"Accessories" Silver Stud
Earring Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 5,300 0 0
6/19/2007 GeoCentral Butterfly Necklaces High levels of lead Lead poisoning 19,000 0 0
7/5/2007 Future Industries Essentials for Kids Jewelry
Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 20,000 0 0
7/17/2007 Uncas
Manufacturing
Company
Sleeping Beauty Crown &
Cinderella Star Earring Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 220 0 0
8/22/2007 TOBY N.Y.C. TOBY & ME Jewelry Sets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 14,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 20
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
8/22/2007 Buy-Rite Designs
Inc.
Children's Divine Inspiration
Charm Bracelets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 7,900 0 0
9/26/2007 TOBY N.Y.C. TOBY & ME Jewelry Sets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 23,500 0 0
9/26/2007 Rhode Island
Novelty
Children's Spinning Wheel-
Metal Necklaces
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 850 0 0
10/25/2007 WeGlow
International
WeGlow Children's Metal
Jewelry
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 110,000 0 0
10/25/2007 Greenbrier
International, Inc.
Beary Cute, Expressions, and
Sassy & Chic Jewelry
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 198,000 0 0
11/1/2007 Tween Brands Inc. Pearl-like Bead Attachments
sold with Girl’s Gift Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 4,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Buy-Rite Designs
Inc.
Sparkle City Charm
Bracelets and Tack Pin Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 43,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Family Dollar
Stores
Rachel Rose & Distinctly
Basics Metal Jewelry
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 205,000 0 0
11/21/2007 La Femme NY 2
Inc.
La Femme NY Children's
Necklace and Earring Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 4,500 0 0
11/21/2007 Cherrydale
Fundraising
Decorative Stretchable Aqua
Bracelets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 45,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Pure Allure Crystal Innovations Jewelry High levels of lead Lead poisoning 200,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Colossal Jewelry &
Accessories Inc.
Children's Metal Necklaces
& Bracelets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 10,400 0 0
12/13/2007 Codee International Codeena Princess Children's
Metal Jewelry
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 1,000 0 0
Nursery Products
1/18/2007 Graco Children's
Products Inc.
Graco Contempo Highchairs Highchair can collapse if
not fully opened
Bodily Injury 100,000 20 1
1/22/2007 Artcraft and
Foremost Inc.
Sippy / Tumbler Cups Impact if dropped/ banged
it can break into tiny pieces
Choking 43,500 90 6
3/22/2007 Infantino LLC SlingRider Infant Carriers Plastic slider on fabric strap
breaks posing fall risk
Fall 100,000 10 4
3/27/2007 Baby Trend Inc. Baby Trend Back Pack
Carriers
Stitching on the strap can
loosen or detach posing a
fall hazard
Fall 4,000 18 1
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 21
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
4/18/2007 Oeuf LLC Infant Bouncer Seats Tubular metal frame can
break, posing a fall to
infants in the seat
Fall 1,400 6 0
5/2/2007 Graco Children's
Products Inc.
Soft Block Tower Toys (on
Graco Baby Einstein
Discover & Play Activity
Centers)
Plastic covering soft blocks
can detach posing a choke
hazard
Choking 40,000 137 81
5/10/2007 Evenflo Company
Inc.
Evenflo Embrace Infant Car
Seat / Carriers
Handle can unexpectedly
release causing seat to
rotate forward
Bodily Injury 450,000 679 160
5/30/2007 Fisher-Price Rainforest Open Top Take-
Along Swings
Child can shift to one side
and get caught between the
frame and seat
Entrapment 127,000 60 60
5/31/2007 Song Lin Industrial
Inc.
Sleigh Round Cribs Mattress is instructed to be
put at high level
Fall 180 0 0
6/6/2007 Simplicity Inc. Nursery-in-a-box Cribs Improper assembly
instructions can cause side
to disengage
Entrapment 40,000 1 0
7/19/2007 CVS/pharmacy Playskool Toddler "NoSpill"
Sippy Cups
Kids can chew through
plastic spout of cup
Choking 84,000 36 0
7/24/2007 Pottery Barn Kids Matelasse Crib Bumpers Decorative stitching on
edge can come loose
Entanglement 31,000 2 0
7/26/2007 various
manufacturers
Pacifiers Pacifiers’ crystals can
separate easily
Aspiration 1,000 0 0
8/23/2007 Stokke Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses Mattresses are not properly
sized leaving a gap
Entrapment 1,000 0 0
8/23/2007 St. Martin's Press
LLC
Priddy "Trucks" Shaker
Teether Books
Small pieces of teether can
break off
Choking 35,000 2 0
9/4/2007 NettoCollection
LLC
"Moderne" and "Loft" Cribs Crib slats can separate from
side rails
Entrapment 400 3 0
9/21/2007 Simplicity Inc. Cribs (12 styles) Dropside can detach
leaving a gap
Entrapment 1,000,000 65 7 injuries,
3 deaths
9/27/2007 Kolcraft Play Yards (12 styles) Changing table straps pose
strangulation hazard
Strangulation 425,000 46 1 death
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 22
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
10/4/2007 Dollar General Frankenstein Tumblers High levels of lead Lead poisoning 63,000 0 0
10/9/2007 Starbucks Coffee
Co.
Starbucks Children’s Plastic
Cups
Face on cup can break &
leave small parts or sharp
edges
Choking/Laceration 250,000 7 0
10/25/2007 Bumbo
International
Bumbo "Baby Sitter" Seats If placed on elevated
surface child can flip out
onto floor
Bodily Injury 1,000,000 28 3
11/8/2007 Bassettbaby Wendy Bellissimo Collecton
Convertible Cribs
Bolts connecting top
corners can come loose
creating a gap
Entrapment 8,900 85 1
11/21/2007 The Boppy
Company
Boppy Slipcovers Zipper can break and
contains lead
Laceration/Lead
poisoning
38,000 0 0
12/6/2007 RC2 Corp. The First Years Newborn-to-
Toddler Reclining Feeding
Seats
Restraining straps can pull
out of waist strap slots
Fall 100,000 38 12
12/6/2007 RC2 Corp. The First Years 3-in-1 Flush
and Sounds Potty Seats
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 160,000 0 0
12/11/2007 Stokke LLC Xplory Baby Strollers Bolt attaching front wheel
can loosen causing wheel to
fall off
Bodily Injury 2,000 258 1
12/13/2007 Infantino LLC Infantino Lion Teethers Plastic nose can detach Choking 28,000 8 1
12/19/2007 Discount School
Sup.
Giant Measuring Chart High levels of lead Lead poisoning 13,000 0 0
12/21/2007 Empire Silver
Company
Sterling Silver Teething
Rings
Silver ball that holds ring in
place can separate &
release beads inside
Choking 1,000 0 0
Other
10/9/2007 Kahoot Products
Inc.
Cub Scouts Totem Badges High levels of lead Lead poisoning 1,600,000 0 0
10/11/2007 J.C.Penney Breyer 2006 Stirrup
Ornaments
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 2,400 0 0
10/12/2007 Ross Stores Inc. Turtle Sprinklers Can fill w/water causing it
to crack or explode
Laceration 1,800 1 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 23
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
11/8/2007 Dolgencorp Inc. Children's Fashion
Sunglasses
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 51,000 0 0
12/7/2007 FGX International
Inc.
Children's Sunglasses High levels of lead Lead poisoning 260,000 0 0
Sporting Goods
2/27/2007 Mirraco LLC Mirraco Bicycles Front wheel forks
improperly welded
Fall 11,000 5 0
3/28/2007 Dynacraft BSC Inc Triax PK7 and Vertical PK7
Bicycles
Bicycle frame can crack
causing loss of control
Bodily Injury 32,000 2 2
5/3/2007 Stateside
Powersports
Long Chang Lion 90cc All-
Terrain Vehicles(ATVs)
No front brakes, inadequate
tire labeling and other parts
and safety requirements
Bodily Injury 100 0 0
6/6/2007 Cannondale
Bicycle Corp
Bicycles with Carbon Crank
sets
Crank set can break Fall 2,900 2 1
6/13/2007 Cannondale
Bicycle Corp
Mountain Bicycles w/ Lefty
Speedy SL & Lefty Speed
DLR Forks
Forks can break during use Fall 6,700 15 5
8/3/2007 Raleigh America
Inc
2007 Cadent Bicycles with
Carbonage Carbon
Forks can break during use Fall 1,200 3 3
9/6/2007 Ohalee Inc. Ohalee FA-A70 Youth ATVs No front brakes, tire
pressure gauge, manu-
facture date on tires, front
suspension solid
Bodily Injury 36 0 0
9/18/2007 Recreational
Equipment Inc
Novara Afterburner Trailer
Bicycles
Trailer bicycle can detach
from adult bicycle
Fall 5,200 1 0
10/4/2007 Sports Authority Alpine Design Aluminum
Water Bottles
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 11,200 0 0
10/5/2007 Razor USA LLC Razor® E300 Electric
Scooters
A weld can break causing
the handlebar to detach
Bodily Injury 20,000 25 3
10/16/2007 Procycle Group Inc Rocky Mountain-Solo
Bicycles
Head tube can detach from
frame
Fall 45 2 2
10/16/2007 Huffy Corp 2007 Huffy “Howler” and
“Highland” Bicycles
Crank can unexpectedly
come off causing rider to
lose control
Bodily Injury 22,000 2 1
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 24
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
11/13/2007 Nike Inc. Football Helmet Chin Straps Strap can break exposing
player to facial or head
injuries
Bodily Injury 235,000 18 5
11/21/2007 Baja Motorsports Baja ATV's Lack a tires pressure gauge
and a flag pole mounting
bracket
Bodily Injury 16,000 0 0
12/18/2007 Specialized
Bicycles
Specialized Bicycle Helmets Helmet fails safety standard
testing
Bodily Injury 3,000 0 0
Toys
1/17/2007 Kids II Inc Bright Starts Star Teether
Beads & Bright Start Teether
Beads
Small parts can detach Choking 375,000 24 0
1/18/2007 Target Plush Baby Rattles and Photo
Frame Ornaments
Small parts can detach Choking 460,000 11 0
1/18/2007 Geometix
International
MagneBlocks magnetic
Construction Toys
Magnets detach from
plastic
Magnet ingestion 40,000 1 0
2/13/2007 JAKKS Pacific Inc Battery Packs for Toy
Vehicles
The lithium-ion polymer
batteries used can ignite
while charging
Burn 245,000 33 3
2/15/2007 Jazwares Inc Link-N-Lite™ Magnetic
Light-Up Puzzles
Magnets detach from
plastic
Magnet ingestion 30,000 9 0
2/15/2007 Fisher-Price “Laugh and Learn” Learning
Bunny Toys
The pink pompom nose can
detach
Choking 1,200,000 0 0
2/27/2007 Sportcraft Ltd Bounce Houses Fan and plastic housing
around fan can break
posing impact injury
Bodily Injury 2,600 3 0
3/13/2007 Toy Century
Industrial Company
"Elite Operations" Toy Sets Paint contains high levels
of lead: Sharp edges
Lead
poisoning/Laceration
128,700 0 0
3/20/2007 Casio Computer
Co. Ltd.
Electronic Musical
Keyboards
Keyboards can overheat
when in use, posing a fire
hazard to consumers
Burn 12,000 5 0
3/27/2007 Estes-Cox Corp Radio Control Airplanes
(Models 4153 & 4161)
Airplanes can overheat
while recharging the battery
Burn 66,000 9 1
3/28/2007 Regent Products Stuffed Fun Balls High levels of lead Lead poisoning 7,200 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 25
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
4/4/2007 Hong Kong Toy
Centre
Little Tree Wood Activity
Cart Toys
Orange hubcaps on wheels
of cart can detach, posing a
choking hazard
Choking 18,500 7 0
4/4/2007 OKK Trading Inc "Lovely Baby" and "Happy
Baby" Dolls
Dolls contain small parts Choking 3,500 0 0
4/4/2007 Intex Recreation
Corp
"Intex, "Easy Set and "Sand
N Sun"Above-Ground Pool
Ladders
Ladder's plastic steps can
be assembled backward on
the support brackets
Bodily Injury 466,000 172 127
4/5/2007 Gemmy Industries
Corp
Disney Princesses Easter
Baskets
Silver beads and ribbons
can detach
Choking 8,500 0 0
4/11/2007 Small World Toys "Sounds on the Farm" &
"Sounds on the Go" Puzzles
Knobs on the puzzles can
detach
Choking 78,500 42 0
4/17/2007 Paramount Pictures
Corp
Shrek Ears Headbands Small wire can protrude
through the fabric of the
ears
Laceration 6,000 0 0
4/19/2007 Mega Brands Magnetix building sets small magnets used to
connect pieces can fall out
Magnet ingestion 4,000,000 1,500 28, 1
death
5/2/2007 Target Anima - Bamboo Collection
Games
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 5,000 0 0
5/3/2007 Battat Inc Parents Magazine Record-A-
Voice Toy Cell Phones
Metal pin inside the hinge
of the phone can fall out
Choking 14,000 54 1
5/3/2007 Small World Toys IQ Preschool Take-Apart
Townhouse
Small magnets used to
connect pieces can fall out
Magnet ingestion 8,800 2 0
5/16/2007 MTD Productions
Inc
Budding Gardener Complete
Gardening Set
Gloves contain high levels
of lead
Lead poisoning 80 0 0
5/17/2007 Bookspan Discovery Bunny Books Seam on the left leg can
open exposing a plastic
squeak toy
Choking 16,000 1 1
5/17/2007 Bookspan Baby Buddy Clip-on Books Metal clip used to hold
books to stroller can break
Choking 9,500 1 0
5/23/2007 AAFES Invincibles Transport
Converters Toy Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 3,000 0 0
5/23/2007 Tri-Star
International Inc
Ball Rattles, Wrist Rattles,
Wind Up Toys
Toys contain small parts Choking 2,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 26
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
5/30/2007 The Boyds
Collection Ltd
Eli's Small Drums and
Liberty's Large Drums
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 4,500 0 0
6/7/2007 Gemmy Industries
Corp
Floating Eyeballs Plastic eyeball contains
kerosene
Poisoning 500 0 0
6/7/2007 Creative
Expressions
Children's Party Hats Foil fringe glued on bottom
can detach
Choking 43,100 0 0
6/13/2007 RC2 Corp. Various Thomas & Friends
Wooden Railways Toys
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 1,500,000 0 0
6/28/2007 Target Play Wonder Toy Barbeque
Grills
Ash tray attached to legs of
grill could contain sharp
edges
Laceration 2,300 0 0
7/3/2007 Infantino LLC Shape Sorting Toy Castles Plastic rod can come loose
allowing plastic beads to
slide off of the toy
Choking 68,000 4 0
7/5/2007 Kipp Brothers Mag Stix Magnetic Building
Sets
Small magnets used to
connect pieces can fall out
Magnet ingestion 800 1 1
7/18/2007 AAFES Soldier Bear Brand Toy Sets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 13,000 0 0
07/19/07
5
Easy-Bake, a
division of Hasbro
Inc
Easy-Bake Oven Fingers and hands can get
caught
Entrapment/Burn 1,000,000 278 82
7/24/2007 Estes-Cox Corp Sky Ranger Park Flyer Radio
Control Airplanes
Airplanes launched by hand
can explode near head
Bodily Injury 21,000 45 33
8/2/2007 Fisher-Price Sesame Street, Dora the
Explorer, and other children's
toys
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 967,000 0 0
8/3/2007 The Orvis
Company
Stuffed Plush Horse/Pillows
and Fairy Dolls
Plastic button eyes on horse
& pompom nose on fairy
can detach
Choking 1,520 0 0
8/14/2007 Mattel Inc. Various Polly Pocket dolls
and accessories with magnets
Magnets detach from
plastic
Magnet ingestion 7,300,000 400 3
5
First recalled in February, recall reissued in July with different remedy
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 27
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
8/14/2007 Mattel Inc. Doggie Day Care play sets Magnets detach from
plastic
Magnet ingestion 1,000,000 2 0
8/14/2007 Mattel Inc. Batman™ and One Piece™
Magnetic Action Figure Sets
Magnets detach from
plastic
Magnet ingestion 345,000 21 0
8/14/2007 Mattel Inc. Barbie and Tanner play sets Magnets detach from
plastic
Magnet ingestion 683,000 3 0
8/14/2007 Mattel Inc. "Sarge" die cast toy cars High levels of lead Lead poisoning 253,000 0 0
8/21/2007 Hampton Direct Magnetic Toy Train Sets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 27,000 0 0
8/22/2007 Schylling
Associates Inc.
Spinning Tops and Tin Pails High levels of lead Lead poisoning 70,700 0 0
8/28/2007 Jo-Ann Stores Inc Robbie Duckie Kids
Watering Cans
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 6,000 0 0
9/4/2007 Mattel Inc. Various Barbie Accessory
Toys
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 675,000 0 0
9/4/2007 Fisher-Price Geo Trax Locomotive Toys High levels of lead Lead poisoning 90,000 0 0
9/4/2007 Fisher-Price Bongo Band toys High levels of lead lead poisoning 8,900 0 0
9/25/2007 BCI Burke
Company LLC
Single Post Swing Sets Connection beam can break
causing swing beam to
collapse
Bodily Injury 670 5 1
9/26/2007 RC2 Corp. Various Thomas & Friends
Wooden Railways Toys
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 200,000 0 0
9/26/2007 Target Happy Giddu Gardening
Tools & Sunny Patch Chairs
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 350,000 0 0
9/26/2007 Guidecraft Inc Floor Puppet Theatres High levels of lead Lead poisoning 10,000 0 0
9/26/2007 Jo-Ann Stores Inc Children's Toy Rake High levels of lead Lead poisoning 16,000 0 0
9/26/2007 RC2 Corp. Britain's "Knights of the
Sword" Series Toys
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 800 0 0
9/28/2007 Estes-Cox Corp X-15 Flying Model Rockets Rocket can fall without
nose cone separating or
parachute deploying
Bodily Injury 80,000 32 1
9/28/2007 Lan Enterprises Mini Zooper Doll Strollers Finger can get caught in the
clip or side hinge
Entrapment 21,000 3 3
10/2/2007 Target Plush Boys Rattles Rattles can break open
releasing small beads inside
Choking 82,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 28
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
10/4/2007 KB Toys Inc. Wooden Pull-Along Blocks High levels of lead Lead poisoning 10,000 0 0
10/4/2007 Dollar General
Merchandising
Key Chains High levels of lead Lead poisoning 192,000 0 0
10/4/2007 CKI Toys Toy Decorating Sets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 15,000 0 0
10/4/2007 Kids II Inc Baby Einstein Discover and
Play Color Blocks
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 35,000 0 0
10/4/2007 Eveready Battery
Co.
"Pirates of the Caribbean"
Medallion Squeeze Lights
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 79,000 0 0
10/11/2007 CBOCS
Distribution
Princess Magnetic Travel Art
Set Lap Desks
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 7,800 0 0
10/11/2007 Flaghouse Inc Kidnastics Balance Beams High levels of lead Lead poisoning 2,400 0 0
10/11/2007 J.C.Penny Disney™ Deluxe Winnie-
the-Pooh 23-Piece Play Sets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 49,000 0 0
10/11/2007 Riddell Inc Collectible “Jeff Gordon”
Mini Helmets
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 2,500 0 0
10/11/2007 Kipp Brothers Bendable Dinosaur Toys High levels of lead Lead poisoning 10,000 0 0
10/17/2007 Guidecraft Inc Tabletop Puppet Theatres High levels of lead Lead poisoning 5,400 0 0
10/17/2007 R.L. Albert & Son Skull Pails Filled with
Halloween Candy Mix
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 55,000 0 0
10/17/2007 Dunkin' Donuts
LLC
Pink and Orange Glow Sticks Not properly labeled that
cap & lanyard can detach
Choking 1,000,000 0 0
10/18/2007 Gymboree Corp Toy Pirate Swords Sword can break creating a
sharp point
Laceration 6,000 11 0
10/23/2007 Global Design
Concepts Inc
Magnetic Game Pieces sold
with "Cars" Themed
Backpacks
Small magnets used to
connect pieces can fall out
Magnet ingestion 110,000 3 0
10/25/2007 Family Dollar
Stores
Purple Halloween Pails with
Witch Decorations
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 142,000 0 0
10/25/2007 Fisher-Price Go Diego Go Animal Rescue
Boat
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 38,000 0 0
10/25/2007 DecoPac Inc Football Bobble Head Cake
Decorations
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 80,000 0 0
10/25/2007 Jo-Ann Stores Inc Children's Toy Gardening
Tools
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 97,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 29
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
10/31/2007 SimplyFun LLC Ribbit Board Games High levels of lead Lead poisoning 1,500 0 0
10/31/2007 Toys "R" Us Inc. Elite Operations Toys High levels of lead Lead poisoning 16,000 0 0
10/31/2007 Amscan Inc. "Ugly Teeth" Party Favors High levels of lead Lead poisoning 43,000 0 0
10/31/2007 Henry Gordy
International Inc.
"Galaxy Warriors" Toy
Figures
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 380,000 0 0
11/6/2007 Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn ™ Learning
Kitchen™ Toys
Pieces of the faucet or
clock hands can detach
Choking 155,000 48 4
11/6/2007 Swimways Corp "Skippy" Pool Toys Elastic tongue can break
and forcefully come out
and cut users hand
laceration 31,000 24 5
11/7/2007 Schylling
Associates Inc.
Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning
Tops
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 3,600 0 0
11/7/2007 Dollar General
Merchandising
Pull-Back Action Toy Cars High levels of lead Lead poisoning 380,000 0 0
11/7/2007 Schylling
Associates Inc.
Duck Family Collectable
Wind-Up Toy
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 3,500 0 0
11/7/2007 International
Sourcing Ltd (ISL)
Dragster and Funny Car Toy High levels of lead Lead poisoning 7,500 0 0
11/7/2007 Schylling
Associates Inc.
Dizzy Ducks Music Box High levels of lead Lead poisoning 1,300 0 0
11/7/2007 Spin Master Aqua Dots Chemical coating on beads
is toxic when ingested
Poisoning 4,200,000 2 2
11/7/2007 Schylling
Associates
"Robot 2000" collectable tin
robot
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 2,600 0 0
11/7/2007 Northern Tool &
Equipment Co.
"Big Red" Wagons High levels of lead Lead poisoning 7,200 0 0
11/8/2007 Marvel Toys Curious George Plush Dolls High levels of lead Lead poisoning 175,000 0 0
11/16/2007 Hobby Lobby
Stores Inc.
Halloween-Themed Baskets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 10,000 0 0
11/21/2007 Paricon Inc. Snow and Sand Castle Kits Kit can crack at handle
causing sharp edges
Laceration 800 0 0
11/21/2007 Sailing (U.S.)
International Corp
Flashing Pacifiers or 2 in 1
Flashing Pacifiers with
whistle Necklace
Nipple can detach from toy Choking 8,000 0 0
2007: The Year of the Recall, February 2008 Page 30
Recall
Date
Manufacturer Product Hazard Hazard Category Units Incident
reports
Injuries
& Deaths
12/5/2007 Bell Racing Co. Collectible Mini Helmets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 1,400 0 0
12/12/2007 United Scientific Horseshoe Magnets High levels of lead Lead poisoning 153,000 0 0
12/12/2007 Far East Brokers &
Consultants Inc
Fishing Games High levels of lead Lead poisoning 14,000 0 0
12/13/2007 Jo-Ann Stores Inc Children's Robbie Ducky
Holiday Water Globes
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 60 0 0
12/13/2007 Greenbrier
International Inc
Baby Toys Baby Bead &
Wire Toys / Speed Racer Pull
Back Cars
High levels of lead Lead poisoning 300,000 0 0
12/19/2007 AAFES Soldier Bear Toys High levels of lead Lead poisoning 11,400 0 0
12/19/2007 Victorias Secret Holiday Cosmetics Stuffer
Bear
Neck medallion zipper pull
can detach
Choking 80 0 0
12/21/2007 Man's Trading
Company
Super Magnets Magnets detach from panda Magnet ingestion 2,800 0 0
12/27/2007 eeBoo Corp. Tot Tower Toy Blocks Plastic covering toy blocks
can detach posing a choke
hazard
Choking 170,000 2 0
