June 8, 2000
Pacifiers
Playtex is recalling nearly 2-million pacifiers because they could be a choking hazard.
The latex on the nipples of the pacifiers are aging faster than normal. As a result, they can detach from the shield of the pacifier. Playtex has received 21 reports of that happening.
The pacifiers in question are:
- The "Classic Patterns" or "Cherubs" pacifiers. They have the word "Cherubs" embossed in bold block letter on the colored
knob of the pacifier shield.
-
The "Soft Comfort" pacifiers. They are distinguished by a soft, butterfly-shaped shield, available with and without a
swivel handle. The handle is embossed with the Playtex name.
Stores nationwide sold the pacifiers before June for $2 to $4.
Consumers should stop using the recalled pacifiers and return them to Playtex for a free replacement or a $3 coupon. Playtex will reimburse consumers for postage.
Send them to:
Playtex Pacifiers, Playtex Products Inc.
20 Troy Road
Whippany, NJ 07981
For more information, call 800-522-8230 or visit the Playtex web site.
Robes
About 50,000 children's robes are being recalled because they do not meet federal fire safety standards.
The terry cloth robes were sold under the brand names Aegean, Baby Monarch, b kids, Charter Club, Club Room and Jr. By Monarch. They cost from $25 to $52 at Macy's, Burdines, Goldsmith's, Lazarus, Rich's, The Bon Marche and Blomingdale's.
The robes should be returned for a full refund to the store where they were purchased. Consumers can call Federated Department Stores at 800-364-6190 for additional information.
Details from Consumer Product Safety Commission
Smoke Alarms
May 26, 2000
Thirty-four thousand smoke alarms are being recalled.
Most have the brand names of Universal and Safe-T-Alert.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the alarms can fail to detect smoke or fire.
There have been reports of an electrical part in the alarm actually burning, melting the cover, and releasing smoke.
The following brand names and models are involved:
Safe-T Alert / Model SA-785 / AC only unit / Date Code BCSR
Universal / Model SS-785 / AC only unit / Date Code BCSR
Universal / Model SS-795 / AC-DC unit with battery backup / Date Code BESS
USI Electric / USI-1203 / AC-DC unit with battery backup / Date Code BESS
Some alarms do not have the brand name printed on the unit. Consumers should look at the model number to determine if it is a
recalled alarm.
Details From CPSC
Pool Alarm Study
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has tested three types of pool alarms that prevent drownings-- surface, underwater, and the kind children wear on their wrists.
Experts found the underwater alarm sensors to be the most effective.
Ann Brown/CPSC Chairman: "WHEN THE KIDS ARE ACTUALLY IN THE POOL IS NOT WHEN THE TIME OF GREATEST DANGER IS. IT'S WHEN NOBODY IS IN THE POOL. YOU THINK YOUR CHILD IS IN THE HOUSE, YOUR CHILD SLIPS OUT AND ENDS UP DROWNING IN THE POOL."
Researchers say if a small child falls, or is pushed into a pool, the underwater alarm should go off to warn parents.
Details From CPSC
Includes Swimming Pool Alarm Study
