Growing Your Baby - Parenthood from Pregnancy to Pre-school » Recall

RECALL: Natursutten Baby Teethers Over Contamination Risk

Lisa — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:18:35 +0000

Health Canada issued a recall of two types of Natursutten baby teethers yesterday after tests showed the liquid inside might be contaminated by bacteria.

The Natursutten Liquid-filled Teethers were distributed by EcoBaby Aps of Denmark and were made in Germany. About 2,500 were sold at independent children’s stores across Canada and by online retailers between October 2008 and October 2009.

The teethers are made from EVAtane, filled with water, and labelled as phthalate-free, silicone-free and BPA-free. One recalled model looks like a fish, while another looks like an apple.

The bacterium, Bacillus sphaericus/fusiformis, is a type that generally does not cause illness, but it could cause infection in children with weakened immune systems if the teether is punctured and the liquid ingested. It could also cause infection if it comes into contact with open wounds.

Health Canada has not received any reports of incidents or illnesses but said consumers should take them away from children and return them to the store where purchased for a full credit.

For more information, consumers may contact Monarch Distributing at info@monarchdistributing.ca.

SOURCE

RECALL: Adventure Playsets to Repair Backyard Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard

Lisa — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:51:52 +0000

About 282,000 Adventure Playsets are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada. The plastic coated lumber on the horizontal ladder (monkey bar/swing beam) can weaken over time due to rotting of the whitewood (spruce, pine and fir species), resulting in a fall hazard.

Adventure Playsets has received more than 1,400 reports of rotting ladders involving 16 injuries that resulted in nine emergency room visits. The injuries include two arm fractures, lacerations, scrapes, and bruises to children younger than 8 years old. Most of the reported injuries occurred when the swing came out of the monkey bar/ swing beam that had rotted.

This recall involves wooden play sets with swings, slides and ladders. Each set has an overhead monkey bar ladder that acts as both the monkey bar and swing beam, and an end ladder coated with cranberry or green plastic. The instruction manual has the name ‘Adventure Playsets’ and one of the following model numbers printed on the cover.

The Bellevue,Tacoma and Durango swing sets were previously recalled due to detaching frames and a fall hazard.

The playsets, made in the U.S., were sold at Walmart, Toys R Us, Academy Sports, Menards, and Mill stores nationwide, and online at Walmart.com, ToyRUs.com, Willygoat.com and through the DMSI catalog from January 2004 through December 2007 for between $300 and $600.

Consumers should immediately stop using the swing sets and contact Adventure Playsets to receive a replacement kit.

For more information, contact Adventure Playsets toll-free at (877) 840-9068 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.adventureplaysets.com. Consumers can also email the firm at custservice@adventureplaysets.com

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

VIA CONSUMERAFFAIRS

RECALL: Plum Organics Portable Pouch Baby Food, Possible Botulism Risk

Lisa — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:56:59 +0000

Plum Organics ™ announced today that it is taking the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling one particular batch of its 4.22 oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following universal product code (UPC) #890180001221 located on the bottom of the package. These pouches are sold individually at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us locations nationally.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other Plum Organics products are affected. As a further precaution, samples from every Plum Organics product manufactured before and after this batch were tested and found to be within quality standards.

The recall was undertaken as a precaution due to the risk of potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. Consumers should not use these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the possible health risk. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

“The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level,” said Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team. “Though the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date May 21, 2010.”

“As a mother, the safety and satisfaction of our customers and their children is my highest concern,” said Plum Organics Founder Gigi Lee Chang. Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended. As a result, it did not meet our company’s standard for quality. We are taking the extra step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches with this date to eliminate any question in the minds of consumers about the safety of our products. Plum Organics was founded on the vision of superior quality and nutritious baby food; we are committed to these values and our consumers.”

Consumers who have purchased the Plum Organics Apple & Carrot pouch-based baby food with a best by date May 21, 2010 and with the UPC # 890180001221 can return the product for a full refund at any Toys-R-Us or Babies R Us store.

The recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Consumers with any questions are asked to call 888-974-3555 between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm PST, or email info@plumorganics.com

SOURCE

RECALL: BabySwede Bouncer Chairs Due to Laceration Hazard

Lisa — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:55:09 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with BabyBjorn, today announced a voluntary recall of about 6,500 BabyBjörn® Babysitter Balance and BabyBjörn® Babysitter Balance Air bouncer chairs because small, sharp metal objects found in the padded area of the bouncer chair can protrude, posing a laceration hazard to children.

The recall involves the BabyBjörn’s Babysitter Balance and Babysitter Balance Air bouncers. These bouncing chairs for babies have a red safety latch on the height adjustment mechanism and a plastic footrest with the BabyBjörn® logo. Recalled models and colors are:

BabyBjörn® Babysitter Balance:

Black/Red; Model #009064US
Black/Silver; Model #009065US
Dark Blue/Blue; Model #009066US
Brown/Beige; Model #009069US

BabyBjörn® Babysitter Balance Air:

White; Model 009001US

Consumers should immediately stop using both Babysitter Balance and Babysitter Balance Air bouncer chairs and contact BabySwede LLC for instructions on how to return the recalled products for inspection and relabeling. If any metal pieces are found through inspection, the consumer will be provided with a new BabyBjörn® Babysitter Balance product.

For additional information, please contact BabySwede, LLC toll-free at (866) 424-0200 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.babyswede.com

RECALL: LeapFrog Electronic Plush Toys Due to Choking Hazard

Lisa — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:31:32 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Leap Frog, today announced a voluntary recall of about 3,700 My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dogs because the decals on the paws of the plush toy can be removed and ingested by a child, posing a choking hazard.

LeapFrog has received two reports of children removing the decals from this toy, including one report of a child ingesting part of the decal.

This recall involves My Pal Scout, a green and beige electronic plush dog with plastic decals on its paws. When those decals are pushed, the dog plays songs, speaks and barks. “Scout” is printed on the dog tag at the dog’s neck. The plush dog measures about 9 inches high by 9 inches wide. “LeapFrog Ent. Item No. 19142” is printed on the white tag attached to the dog and on the toy’s packaging. My Pal Scout dogs with embroidered paws are not included in this recall.

Consumers should immediately take the toy away from young children and contact LeapFrog to receive a replacement My Pal Scout with embroidered paws rather than decals.

For additional information, contact LeapFrog at (800) 701-5327 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Thursday, and on Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.leapfrog.com/recall

RECALL: Nuby Teethers Due To Bacteria In The Gel

Lisa — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:24:30 +0000

Luv N’ Care Ltd. of Monroe, La., is initiating a nationwide recall of gel-filled teethers with the brand names “Nuby,” “Cottontails” and “Playschool,” because the liquid inside the gel-filled teethers has been found to contain Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus circulans bacteria in the gel.

Although these bacteria generally do not cause illness in adults, infants and children with weakened immune systems can experience stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and uncommonly more serious disease, if the teether becomes punctured and they ingest the liquid gel.

Consumers who have teethers with the brand names and UPC Codes listed below should immediately stop using them and discard or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The recall includes the following products:

UPC code Brand Name

48526-00451 Nuby
48526-00452 Nuby
48526-00453 Nuby
48526-00454 Nuby
48526-00455 Nuby
48526-00459 Nuby
48526-00467 Nuby
48526-00472 Nuby
48526-00473 Nuby
48526-00482 Nuby
48526-00483 Nuby
48526-00487 Nuby
48526-00490 Nuby
48526-00519 Nuby
48526-00521 Nuby
41520-87115 Cottontails
50428-91511 Playschool
41520-91660 Cottontails

The firm voluntarily recalled the products after learning that the FDA found Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus circulans in the gel in samples from two lots collected by the FDA.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The company distributed the products through retail outlets nationwide. The products have also been found to be marketed on the Internet. The products are packaged in a plastic bubble on a printed card and can be identified by the UPC Codes listed above.

The company has ceased production and distribution of the products and is notifying its distributors to return the products. Consumers are urged to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-256-2399 ext. 3106 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time.

Adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

SOURCE

RECALL: 25,000 Evenflo Telephone Toys Due to Choking Hazard

Lisa — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:19:02 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Evenflo today announced a voluntary recall of about 25,000 Switch-A-Roo Telephone Toys because the mirror decal attached to the toy can peel away, posing a potential choking hazard.

The recall involves Evenflo Switch-A-Roo telephone toys made between October 2008 and June 2009. The model number is 6391911.

Consumers should immediately remove the mirror decal from the toy and permanently dispose of it.

For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at safety.evenflo.com.

RECALL: 400,000 Simplicity Drop Side Cribs Recalled by Retailers Due to Risk of Death from Suffocation

Lisa — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:28:28 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Simplicity Inc. and SFCA Inc, today announced a voluntary recall of 400,000 Drop side cribs because the crib’s plastic hardware can break or deform, causing the drop side to detach. When the drop side detaches, it creates space between the drop side and the crib mattress. Infants and toddlers can roll into this space and become entrapped which can lead to suffocation.
CPSC is aware of one death involving an 8-month-old child from Houston, Texas who became entrapped and suffocated between the drop side and the crib mattress when a plastic connector on the drop side broke. The child’s death was previously reported by CPSC. CPSC also is aware of an additional 25 incidents involving the drop side detaching from the crib. In six of these incidents, the drop side detached because the plastic flexible tab deformed or broke. In four of the drop side detachment incidents, other plastic parts, including connectors or tracks, deformed or broke. In two of the incidents, two children became entrapped between the drop side and the crib mattress. There were no reported injuries.

This recall involves all drop side cribs with a different or “newer” style of plastic hardware from those cribs recalled in September 2007. This newer style of Simplicity hardware can be identified by a flexible plastic tab at the top of the lower tracks. The recalled model numbers include but may not be limited to: 8050, 8325, 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8765, 8778, 8810, and 8994, 8995, 8996.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby and immediately return the crib to the place of purchase for a refund, replacement or store credit.

Other Recent Recalls:

RECALL: Simplicity Play Yards Due to Fall and Entrapment Hazards

RECALL: Jardine Recalls Another 96,000 Cribs Sold by Babies’R’Us Due To Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards

RECALL: Eddie Bauer Play Yards with Rocking Bassinets by Dorel Due to Suffocation Hazard

RECALL: LaJobi Bonavita “Cabana” Drop Side Cribs Due To Entrapment and Strangulation Hazards

Lisa — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:14:16 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lajobi, today announced a voluntary recall of about 2,000 Bonavita “Cabana” Drop Side Cribs because the wooden crib slats can detach or break creating a gap, which can pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers.
LaJobi has received 16 incident reports of crib slat failures, including 10 reports of slats falling out of rails and 6 reports of slats breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Bonavita “Cabana” wooden drop side cribs with metal mattress supports. The cribs were manufactured from January 2006 through October 2008 and have production dates between 01 JAN 2006 and 31 OCT 2008. The model name, color, product order (PO) number, production date and other crib identifiers are printed on a label located on the inside bottom rail of the headboard or footboard. The cribs were sold in three finishes, antique white, classic cherry and montego brown. Cribs with other production dates are not affected by this recall.

The CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact LaJobi to receive replacement crib side rails.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LaJobi toll-free at (866) 688-9009 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.LaJobi.com

Health Canada Warns Expectant or Nursing Moms To Not Take Maxum Matragen And/or Maxum Multi Vite Supplements

Lisa — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:17:57 +0000

Health Canada is advising expectant mothers and breastfeeding women not to take the vitamin-mineral supplements Maxum Matragen or Maxum Multi-Vite by Seroyal International Inc. Maxum Multi-Vite has been approved as a vitamin-mineral supplement for only the general public but lacks the required cautionary statement on the label regarding pregnant and/or breast feeding women. The product Maxum Matragen is being promoted by the company as a prenatal supplement; however, neither product has been authorized for sale by Health Canada for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Both products contain ingredients such as Ginkgo biloba, Green Tea Extracts and Vanadium, whose safe use during pregnancy or in breastfeeding women has not been well established. Products containing these ingredients require a cautionary label warning consumers to consult with a health care practitioner prior to use if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, neither Maxum Matragen nor Maxum Multi-Vite carries such a warning on their labels.

In addition, the daily doses as labelled for Maxum Matragen and Maxum Multi Vite do not provide the minimum recommended daily dose of 400 mcg of folic acid and the recommended 16-20 mg of iron for expectant, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Health Canada has not received any adverse reaction reports associated with Maxum Matragen and/or Maxum Multi-Vite. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who may be taking Maxum Matragen or Maxum Multi-Vite are advised to consult their health care professional prior to continuing use of these products.

The company Seroyal International Inc. has voluntarily recalled these products from the market.

Please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website for more information on healthy living during pregnancy.

Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada’s public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.