Reports from January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002

Click on the News Release
number to see the original report
and images of the product.

CPSC News Release	Check report for additional images	Product and Firm	Problem	Recommendation
See Report 03-065 12/26/02		Wooden Toy Vehicles Sold Nov. 02 - Dec. 02 Kmart Corp. Troy, Mich.	The recalled wooden vehicles include a red wagon, truck and train and were packaged with candy. The wheels on the wooden toys may break off into small parts, which may pose a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should take them away from children immediately and return them to any Kmart store for a full refund. For additional information, consumers can contact Kmart at (800) 63KMART anytime.
See Report 03-060 12/23/02		Bamboo-Stick Sparklers Sold Jan. 02 - May 02 Elkton Sparkler Company Inc. North East, Md.	The recalled sparklers were packaged in a red, white and blue cardboard box and sold with six sparklers per box. The sparklers' bamboo-stick handles can catch fire, burn and disintegrate and emit burning fragments during use. The sparklers present a fire hazard and a risk of burn injury.	Consumers should stop using these sparklers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can contact Elkton Sparklers at (800) 322-3458 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
See Report 03-056 12/20/02		Stuffed Bunny Toys Sold July 02 - Dec. 02 Zutano Inc. Cabot , Vt.	The recall includes bunny toys that measure about 10-inches tall and have jackets that button up the front. "Zutano" is printed on a tag attached to the bunny. "Hip Hoppy" is printed on a hang tag attached to the bunny. The buttons on the front of the bunnies' jacket can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should take these recalled bunny toys away from young children immediately and contact Zutano Inc. to receive a replacement outfit. For more information, contact Zutano at (800) 287-5139.
See Report 03-055 12/20/02		Infant Girls' Garments Sold Aug. 02 - Oct. 02 Wear Me Apparel Corp. New York, NY	The recalled garments were sold under the "Joe Boxer" brand name. The garments were sold as sets that include a light tan sweat jacket with the word "Smile" embroidered on the front and a painted "smiley face" yellow zipper-pull and red sweat pants. The paint on the "smiley face" zipper-pull attached to the sweat jacket of these garments contains lead, presenting a lead poisoning hazard.	Consumers should return the clothing sets to any Kmart store to receive a full refund. For additional questions, consumers can contact Wear Me Apparel Corp. at (866) 469-6257 anytime.
See Report 03-045 11/27/02		Infant Girls' Garment and Shoes Sold Jan. 02 - April 02 Good Lad Apparel Philadelphia, Pa.	This recall involves three separate garment sets. Two of the garment sets include a newborn and infant dress with sandals. The other includes an infant capri set with sandals. The dresses were sold in either, red and yellow or chambray. Both have decorative items like ladybugs and flowers attached. Small, decorative items on the garments can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should stop using these garments and sandals immediately. Consumers should return the garments to the store where purchased to receive a refund. For more information, consumers should contact the company toll-free at (877) 599-5530.
See Report 03-043 11/21/02		Toy Attachments on Baby Walkers Sold Dec. 00 - Oct. 02 Kolcraft Enterprices, Inc. Chicago, Ill.	The walkers are multi-colored and have either a detachable toy bar or a detachable music center on the tray. On each tray are two 6.5-inch stems with 3.5-inch stars on top. The recalled walkers were sold under the "Tot Rider" and "Carter's" brand names. The flower toys on the baby walker's tray can detach from the stems, exposing sharp edges and posing a laceration hazard to young children.	Consumers should remove the detachable toy bars or music center toy trays on these walkers immediately. For information on receiving a replacement toy bar or music center toy tray, consumers can contact Kolcraft toll-free at (888) 695-9988.
See Report 03-042 11/21/02		Repair Infant Swings Sold at Toys R Us Sold Nov. 01 - Sept. 02 Baby Trend Inc. Ontario, Calif.	This recall involves "Trend Swing" stationary infant swings, model numbers 8711 and 8722 found on a label on the bottom of the seat. The swings were sold in khaki/gingham and navy/white plaid, and feature a toy bar, song player and timer. A screw on the swing's support arm can loosen or detach, causing the seat to separate and drop to one side. This presents a fall hazard to infants.	Consumers should stop using these recalled swings immediately and contact Baby Trend to receive a free repair kit. For more information, consumers can contact Baby Trend toll-free at (800) 328-7363.
See Report 03-036 12/12/02		Children's School Supply Sets Sold June 02 - Oct. 02 The Disney Store, Inc. Glendale, Calif.	The school supply sets were sold in 8-inch plastic cases. The sets included the razor knife, pencils, scissors, a ruler, an eraser, a compass, and a tube of glue. Writing on the plastic cases includes "LITTLE WHITE," "LITTLE ARTIST," "GOOD FRIENDS," or "ZHONG BAIO REN." The cases are blue, pink yellow or purple and have pictures of children or animals. The sets contain razor knives, which pose a laceration hazard to children.	Consumers should immediately take these razor knives away from children and return the pencil sets to the store where they purchased them for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Damo Plus Corp. collect at (323) 583-8484.
See Report 03-035 11/21/02		Monster, Inc. Character Plush Dolls Sold July 02 - Oct. 02 The Disney Store, Inc. Glendale, Calif.	The recall includes only the 12-inch Sulley with Boo plush dolls. The Sulley doll is a blue monster with purple spots, a tail and horns. Sulley is holding a Boo doll in his right arm. Both are characters in the 2001 animated film, Monsters, Inc. The Boo doll's hair has ponytail holders that could detach, posing a choking hazard for young children.	Consumers should immediately remove and discard the two pink ponytail holders and two rubber bands from the Boo doll's hair, or return the item to any Disney Store for a full refund. For more information, call Disney at (800) 566-3161.
See Report 03-020 10/17/02		Stuffed Teddy Bears Sold Aug. 01 - Sept. 02 IKEA Plymouth Meeting, Pa.	The recalled SNUTTIG Bear Soft Toys are red, yellow, blue and black and are about six inches tall. The bears have a contrasting color on the nose, ears, and feet. The plastic beads inside of the bears could come out of the seams, posing an aspiration hazard to young children who could inhale the small beads.	Consumers should take these bears away from young children immediately and return them to an IKEA store for a $5 gift card towards another IKEA product. For more information, consumers should contact IKEA at (888) 966-4532).
See Report 03-013 10/10/02		Caterpillar Pull Toy Sold Jan. 02 - Sept. 02 BRIO Corp. Germantown, Wis.	The recalled pull-along caterpillar is bright red and yellow and was sold under the Plan Toys brand name. The wooden caterpillar is about 7-inches long and is pulled by a nylon string. The caterpillar's antenna are two blue protruding pegs that extend about 1/2-inch from the head. The antenna on the pull toy can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should take these caterpillar toys away from children immediately and send them to BRIO® to receive a replacement toy or a refund, including the cost of postage. Consumers should return the recalled toys to BRIO Corp., SAFETY RECALL - Caterpillar, N120 W18485 Freidstadt Road, Germantown, Wis. 53022. For more information, consumers can contact BRIO toll-free at (888) 274-6869.
See Report 03-012 10/10/02		Baby Walkers Sold May 01 - June 02 Oriental International Trading Co. Los Angeles, CA.	The baby walkers can fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these walkers could be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.	Consumers should stop using these walkers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, contact Oriental International Trading Co., Inc. at 866-666-9868.
See Report 03-011 10/10/02		Stuffed Pool Animals Sold April 02 - Aug. 02 Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Chesapeake, Va.	There are eight types of stuffed polyester pool animals involved in this recall; crab, duck, frog, octopus, seahourse, shark, turtle and whale. The seams can separate exposing the polyester stuffing and foam beads. The foam beads pose a chocking hazard to young children. an	Consumers should take these stuffed animals away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Dollar Tree Stores at 800-876-8077.
See Report 03-010 10/10/02		Toy Sponges Sold May 00 - Sept. 01 Dollar Tree Stores Inc. Chesapeake, Va.	There are three types of sponge animals involved in this recall; whales, turtles and fish. The sponge animals are made of soft terry cloth and have suction cups for attaching to tiles or smooth surfaces. The eyes on the toys can detach, posing a chocking hazard to young children. an	Consumers should take these sponges animals away from young children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Dollar Tree Stores at 800-876-8077.
See Report 03-009 10/04/02		Bikepro Baby Walkers Sold Jan. 00 - Aug. 01 Bikepro Inc. Pico Rivera, Calif.	The baby walkers can fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these walkers could be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.	Consumers should stop using these walkers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, contact Bikepro, Inc. at 800-261-2559.
See Report 02-252 9/4/02		Bobble Head Figurines Sold Aug. 02 - Sept. 02 McDonald's Corp. Oak Brook, Ill.	The paint on some of the figurines contains excess levels of lead. If ingested over time by children, the lead from the paint may present a lead poisoning hazard.	Consumers should keep these figurines away from children and contact McDonald's at 800-244-6227 to receive return and refund instructions.
See Report 02-243 9/4/02		Playskool Toy Chest Sold at Target Sold Oct. 01 - Dec. 01 XL Machine Ltd. Eden Prarie, Minn.	Screws in the chests' lid support hinge can loosen over time, and come out from the base of the toy chest. If this happens, the lids of the toy chest can collapse suddenly, possibly causing injuries to children's head, neck, fingers or hands.	Consumers should take these toy chests away from young children immediately and return them to the Target store where it was purchased for a refund or store credit. For more information, contact XL Machine at 866-746-8097.
See Report 02-244 9/4/02		"Bottle Cap Bear" Key Chains Sold Jan. 02 - July 02 Team Beans LLC East Brunswick, N.J.	a miniature "Coca-Cola" bottle that attaches to the body of the plush bear key chain can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should take the key chains away from children immediately, and return them to Team Bear for a refund or credit plus postage. For more information, contact Team Bear at 800-450-5585.
See Report 02-222 8/8/02		Engines Used on Fun Kart Type Go-Karts Sold 1992 - 1997 Briggs & Stratton Milwaukee, Wis.	Fuel from the engine can spill out if the fun-kart overturns, posing serious fire and burn hazard to consumers. Briggs & Stratton has received nine reports of incidents involving fun-karts overturning and caught fire, including four consumers who suffered burns.	Consumers should stop using the fun-karts immediately and contact a local Briggs & Stratton dealer for a free engine repair. Consumers also can contact Briggs & Stratton at 800-999-9444 to arrange for the free repair.
See Report 02-203 7/18/02		Certain Cans of "Smatter" Spray Foam Sold Feb. 02 - June 02 Jakks Pacific Inc. Malibu, Ca.	If the pressurized can is left in a hot automobile, it can forcefully break apart and cause injury to a nearby consumer.	Consumers should immediately take the recalled "Smatter" away from children and contact Jakks Pacific, Inc. at 800-554-5516 for information on receiving a free replacement "Smatter" product.
See Report 02-180 6/12/02		Toy Track on Activity Centers Sold Nov. 01 - May 02 Graco Children's Products, Inc. Elverson, Pa.	The toy track can break, presenting a cut or pinch hazard and exposed small parts pose a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should stop these activity centers immediately, and contact Graco to receive a free replacement track. For information, call 800-345-4109.
See Report 02-175 6/12/02		Pop 'n Scot Ride-on Toys Sold March 02 - May 02 The Little Tikes Company Hudson, Ohio	Young children who lean forward can fall over the handlebars, causing facial injuries.	Consumers should stop using the toys immediately and contact Little Tikes at 866-765-6729 to receive a Little Tikes replacement product.
See Report 02-170 5/24/02		Firestormer and Skyblazer Toy Planes Sold Jan 02 - May 02 Spin Master Toys Toronto, Ontario	The plastic air intake of the air-powered toy plane can burst, throwing plastic pieces, posing a laceration, bruise and abrasion hazard to consumers.	Consumers should stop using the planes immediately and contact Sin Master Toys at 800-622-8339 to receive a free replacement plane.
See Report 02-167 5/21/02		Toy Steering Wheels Sold Jan 01 - Feb. 01 Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc. Chicago, Ill.	The steering wheel can break away from its base, allowing the small plastic turn signal and horn pieces to come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should remove the toy steering wheel on these strollers and contact Kolcraft to receive a free replacement toy steering wheel. Contact Kolcraft at 800-453-7673.
See Report 02-166 5/21/02		Inflatable Baby Floats Sold Aug. 00 - Sept. 01 Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc. Avon, Mass.	The leg holes in the seat can tear, causing children to unexpectedly fall into the water and possibly drown.	Consumers should stop using these recalled floats immediately and contact Aqua-Leisure for a free replacement. Consumers can call 866-807-3998 for more information.
See Report 02-164 5/20/02		Repair Infant Car Seats/Carriers Sold Jan 02 - April 02 Dorel Juvenile Group Inc. Columbus, Ind.	When the seat is used as a carrier, the plastic handle can unexpectedly release from the carrying position and an unrestrained infant can fall to the ground and suffer injuries.	Consumers can continue to use the "Designer 22" as a car seat but should stop using it as a carrier immediately and contact Dorel Juvenile Group to receive a repair kit. Consumers can contact Dorel at 800-536-1090.
See Report 02-154 5/1/02		Duckie Ring Rattle/Teethers Sold Mar 02 - April 02 Prestige Toy Corp. New York, N.Y.	The rattle may break, causing small beads to fall out, which presents a potential chocking hazard to young children.	Consumers should immediately take the rattle away from children and return them to the company to receive a replacement toy or refund. Consumers should send the rattle to Prestige Toy Corp., 131 W. 33rd Street, Room 606, New York, N.Y. Call 888-268-8999 for more information.
See Report 02-149 4/25/02		Vermont Precision Cribs Sold Jan. 00 - Mar. 02 Vermont Precision Woodworks Morrisville, Vt.	The slats on the cribs can loosen and detach from the drop side rail, creating a large opening between the slats where a child's head or neck could become entrapped, resulting in serious injury or death. The recall includes models, 7010Alpine, 7020 Caspian, 7030 Coventry, 7040 Dunmore and 7070 Haystack.	Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled cribs until the repair has been performed. Vermont Precision Woodworks is providing consumers with replacement drop side rails. Contact Vermont Precision Woodworks at 866-869-7974 for additional information.
See Report 02-141 4/18/02		Harry Potter Key Chains Sold Oct. 01 - Nov. 01 Hallmark Cards Inc. Kansas City, Mo.	The key chains can leak petroleum distillates, which can pose an ingestion hazard to children.	Consumers should take the key chains away from children immediately and contact Hallmark at 800-425-5627 for a full refund.
See Report 02-136 4/10/02		Repair of Infant Swings Sold Dec 01 - March 02 Fisher Price East Aurora, N.Y.	The infant swings are being recalled for in-home inspection and repair. It is possible to misassemble the seats of these swings so that they appear secure, but are not. If the seat in not properly attached, the seat and baby can flip forward.	Consumers should stop using these swings immediately and call Fisher-Price for help in inspecting the seat to make sure the seat is properly attached. If the seat is not properly attached, a free replacement seat and revised instructions will be provided.
See Report 02-131 4/2/02		Girl's Capri Pants & Shirt Sold Jan 02 - Feb. 02 Federated Merchandising Group New York, N.Y.	The buttons in the center of the embroidered flowers on the shirt can detach, posing a chocking hazard to young children.	Consumers should stop using these sets immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or store credit. For additional information, contact Federated Merchandise Group at 877-874-2812.
See Report 02-121 3/14/02		Children's Soap Making Kit Sold Aug 97 - Dec 01 Rose Arts Industry Inc. Livingston, N.J.	The soap may get too hot when heated in the microwave and leak from the plastic container posing a burn hazard to children.	Consumers should stop using these kits immediately and contact Rose Art at 800-272-9667 for information on how to receive a full refund and an additional Rose Art product item at no charge.
See Report 3/19/02		Graco Child Car Seat Sold Aug 99 - Feb 02 Graco Children's Products, Inc. Elverson, Pa.	The Graco SnugRide child car seat is being recalled because of the risk they could fly loose during an accident or sudden stop. Metal hooks, used to anchor the "carrier" component of the car seat to their base, may be missing.	Consumers should stop using these products immediately. To determine if your car seat is among the recalled products, call Graco at 800-664-5246 or visit Graco's web site at http://www.gracobaby.com and click on "Recall Information", under "Customer Service".
See Report 02-107 2/20/02		Snack and Activity Tray Sold Aug 01 - Feb 02 Graco Children's Products, Inc. Elverson, Pa.	The Snack and Activity Tray can attach to high chairs, strollers, swings and other flat surfaces. There are four toys on each tray. The trays are sold with detached suction cups that the consumer installs. If the suction cups are not properly attached, they can detach, posing a choking hazard.	Consumers should stop using these products immediately. To receive a new instruction sheet, consumers should contact Graco at 800-345-4109.
See Report 02-105 2/20/02		Plush Snuggle Bears Sold May 97 - May 98 Unilever Home and Personal Care USA Greenwich, Conn.	The plush, cream-colored bears come in three sizes: a 5-inch bean bear, an 8-inch bean bear and a 10-inch stuffed bear. The eyes and noses of these bears can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.	Consumers should take these bears away from young children immediately and contact Unilever Home and Personal Care USA for information on how to receive a free Snuggle fabric softener. Contact Snuggle at 800-896-9479.
See Report 02-104 2/20/02		17 models of Pedal Cars Sold July 2000 - Jan. 02 Gearbox Pedal Car Co. Cedar Rapids, Iowa	There are 17 models of the pedal cars included in the recall. Models include three fire trucks, four police cars, eight sedans, one yellow taxi, and one dump truck. The paint coating on some of these pedal cars contains high lead levels. Young children could ingest the lead from the car's paint coating, presenting a lead poisoning hazard.	Consumers should take these pedal cars away from young children immediately. Consumers can contact Alpha International at 800-368-6367 to receive a replacement car or return the product to the place where purchased to receive a refund.
See Report 02-103 2/20/02		Children's Book Sold Oct. 01 - Jan. 02 Random House New York, N.Y.	The board books are constructed of heavy cardboard with Monsters Inc. cartoon characters on each page. The title "Monster In The Closet" is printed with orange letters highlighted in yellow on the front cover. The snap that secures the book could detach, posing a choking hazard.	Consumers should cut off the snap from these books immediately and mail the snap to : Tri-State, c/o Marie Corsello, 325 Rabro Drive, Hauppauge, NY. 11788 to receive a free replacement book valued a about $9. For more information, call 800-493-0009.

NOTE: Products listed above may have already been repaired or there may be similar products that do not have the identified problems. For assistance in identifying recalled products, call the manufacturer listed or the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.