Recalls

Recall: Maytag and Jenn-Air Dishwashers – Fire Hazard

February 2, 2007 By NightOwl

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of product: Maytag® and Jenn-Air® brand dishwashers

Units: About 2.3 million

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa

Hazard: Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher’s internal wiring which can short-circuit and ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasher fires, resulting in product and/or property damage. Four injuries have been reported, including three reports of smoke inhalation and one serious hand laceration when operating a fire extinguisher to put out a fire in the dishwasher.

Description: The recall involves Maytag® and Jenn-Air® under counter or portable plastic tub dishwashers. The dishwashers have black, white, almond, bisque and stainless steel front panels. The following model and serial numbers are printed on a label located on the dishwasher’s plastic frame on top of or to the left of the door opening. Consumers should contact Maytag to determine if their dishwasher is included in this recall.

Brand	Model numbers MUST begin with…	AND serial numbers MUST end with…
Maytag®	MDB3, MDB4, MDB5, MDB6, MDB7, MDB8, MDB9, MDBD, MDC3, MDC4, MDC5, DWU9	SM, SQ, SS, SU, SW, SY, SZ, UB, UD, UF, UH, UK, UM, UQ, US, UU, UW, UY, UZ, WB, WD, WF, WH, WK, WM, WQ, WS, WU, WW, WY, WZ, YB, YD, YF, YH, YK, YM, YQ, YS, YU, YW, YY, YZ
Jenn-Air®	JDB3, JDB4, JDB5, JDB6, JDB7	UB, UD, UF, UH, UK, UM, UQ, US, UU, UW, UY, UZ, WB, WD, WF, WH, WK, WM, WQ, WS, WU, WW, WY, WZ, YB, YD, YF, YH, YK, YM, YQ, YS, YU, YW, YY, YZ

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from July 1997 through June 2001 for between $370 and $800.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire. Contact Maytag for either a free in-home repair, or a $75 cash back reimbursement following the purchase of a new Maytag®, Jenn-Air®, Whirlpool® or KitchenAid® dishwasher. Consumers should not return the dishwasher to the retailer where it was purchased, as retailers are not prepared to take units back.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maytag Corporation at (800) 675-0535 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.repair.maytag.com

Recall: Version-X Hair Dryers

January 30, 2007 By NightOwl

Name of product: Travel’N Baby Mini Hair Dryers

Units: About 18,000

Importer: Detour Corp., doing business as Version-X, of Studio City, Calif.

Distributor: Metropolis Beauty Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif.

Hazard: These electric hair dryers are not equipped with an immersion protection plug to prevent electrocution if the hair dryer falls into water. Electric shock protection devices are required by industry standards for all electric hand-held hair dryers. If the hair dryer falls into water during use and is not equipped with this safety device, it can pose a shock and/or an electrocution hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled hair dryers are made of plastic and are red, blue or green. The hair dryer’s handle folds up. The words “Travel’N Baby” are printed on one side of the hair dryer.

Sold by: Independent beauty supply stores and beauty salons nationwide and online at www.metropolisbeauty.com from January 2004 through January 2005 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these hair dryers immediately and contact Version-X at (800) 871-6824 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the recall Web site at www.metropolisbeauty.com for a replacement hair dryer equipped with an immersion protection plug.

See this recall on CPSC’s web site.

Recall: Holmes Group Tower Fans Fire Hazard

January 29, 2007 By NightOwl

holmes oscillating fan recall Name of product: Holmes® Oscillating Tower Fans

Units: About 300,000

Distributor: The Holmes Group, of Milford, Mass.

Hazard: Electrical arcing in the fan’s wiring can cause a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The Holmes Group has received 16 reports of property damage, including one reported injury involving minor burns and smoke inhalation.

Description: The recall involves the Holmes HT30 Oscillating Tower Fan.
The model number can be found on the silver label on the back of the unit. The tower fans are white. “Holmes®” is printed on the front of the base.

Sold at: Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and additional department and specialty stores nationwide from July 2002 through June 2005 for about $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the fans and contact The Holmes Group for instructions on receiving a free replacement unit at (800) 524-9204 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.holmesfanrecall.com.

See this recall on CPSC’s web site.

Emerson Recalls Ceiling Fans

December 22, 2006 By NightOwl

Emerson Electric Co. Recalls Ceiling Fans for Injury Hazard from Falling Blades

Name of Product: Emerson 60-inch Designer Ceiling Fan

Units: About 4,000

Importer: Air Comfort Products Division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo.

Hazard: The brackets holding the fan blades can break, causing the blade to detach. Falling pieces can hit and injure bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: Air Comfort Products has received one report of a fan blade striking a consumer in the head. The company is also aware of six incidents of the brackets failing. Three incidents resulted in minor property damage.

Description: The recall involves the “Emerson Designer 60-inch Ceiling Fan.” The recalled fans have a 60-inch diameter and come in seven types of finishes including weathered bronze, pewter, antique brass, white, antique white, oil rubbed bronze and brushed steel. The following model numbers are included in the recall and can be found on the base of the fan.

Sold by: Menards and other lighting showrooms, electrical distributors and hardware stores nationwide from May 2005 through September 2006 for between $90 and $300.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

See this recall on CPSC’s web site
Remedy: Consumers should stop using these fans immediately and contact Air Comfort Products to receive a voucher for a free Emerson replacement fan of comparable value. Air Comfort will reimburse consumers up to $75 for charges incurred in the removal and installation of replacement fans from Air Comfort.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should contact Air Comfort toll-free at (866) 478-8564 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.emersonfans.com

Farberware Fruit Slicers and Corers – Lifetime Brands Inc. Recall

December 21, 2006 By NightOwl

Farber Fruit Slicer and Corer Name of Product: Farberware Classic Series Fruit Slicers and Corers

Units: About 207,000

Manufacturer: Lifetime Brands Inc., of Westbury, N.Y.

Hazard: The metal blade can separate from the plastic handle during use, resulting in cuts to consumer’s hands and fingers.

Incidents/Injuries: Lifetime Brands has received 34 reports of the blade separating from the handle, including nine reports of cuts to consumers’ hands and fingers.

Description: The recalled product is the Farberware(r) Classic Series(tm) Fruit Slicer and Corer with model number 78350. The model number is written on the packaging. The fruit slicer/corer is an eight-section round metal blade encircled in hard black plastic with two handles. “FARBERWARE” is printed on the top of the handle.

Sold at: Grocery, hardware, discount and other retail stores nationwide from January1999 through October 2006 for about $4.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these fruit slicer/corers immediately and return them to Lifetime Brands Inc. for a refund.

Customer Contact: For additional information, contact Lifetime Brands Inc. at toll-free (888) 568-1533 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or write an email to fruitslicer@lifetimebrands.com

See this recall on CPSC’s web site.

Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. Recalls Christmas Light Sets Due to Shockand Fire Hazards

December 15, 2006 By NightOwl

December 14, 2006
Release #07-055

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 326-7931
Firm’s Media Contact: (617) 421-0543
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. Recalls Christmas Light Sets Due to Shock and Fire Hazards

Name of Product: Hobby Lobby Christmas Light Sets
Units: About 2.3 million sets
Importer: Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla.
Hazard: The lights have undersized wires which can separate from the plugs and/or the light sockets, posing an electric shock and fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: CPSC has received one report of a minor shock when a consumer touched a light string. Hobby Lobby has received one report of melting wires.
Description: The light sets listed in the chart below are included in the recall:

100 Count Indoor/Outdoor Super Bright Mini Light Set
BulbColor WireColor Item# E# Retail
Multi Green CUL11001 E-214285 $2.47
Clear Green CUL11000 E-124315 $2.47
Clear Green CUL11000 E-65692 $2.47
Clear White CUL1100A E-214285 $2.47
Red Green CUL11003 E-214285 $2.47
Blue Green CUL11004 E-214285 $2.47
Green White CUL1100J E-214285 $2.47
Multi White CUL1100J E-214285 $2.47
Blue White CUL1100J E-214285 $2.47
Red White CUL1100J E-214285 $2.47
Green Green CUL11005 E-214285 $2.47

50 Count Classic Colors Indoor Super Bright Mini Light Set
BulbColor WireColor Item# E# Retail
FrostWhite Green CUL05200 E-124315 $2.99
RoyalPurple Green CUL05203 E-124315 $2.99
AngelicGold Green CUL05204 E-124315 $2.99
Pink Green CUL05205 E-124315 $2.99
Red/Green/White Green CUL05206 E-124315 $2.99

150 Count Indoor/Outdoor Ribbon Style Net Light Set
BulbColor WireColor Item# E# Retail
Multi Green CUL15519 E-214285 $6.99
Clear Green CUL15519 E-214285 $6.99

100 Count Outdoor/Indoor Miniature Trunk Net Light Set
BulbColor WireColor Item# E# Retail
Clear Green CUL15530 E-214285 $5.99
Multi Green CUL15531 E-214285 $5.99
Red Green CUL15533 E-214285 $5.99
Green Green CUL15535 E-214285 $5.99

300 Count Indoor/Outdoor Hang-Straight Icicle Light Set
BulbColor WireColor Item# E# Retail
Multi White CUL3003B E-214285 $9.99
Blue White CUL3003E E-214285 $9.99
Clear White CUL3103A E-214285 $9.99
Clear Green CUL31030 E-214285 $9.99

Sold at: Hobby Lobby stores nationwide from June 2006 through early December 2006 for between $2.50 and $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the lights immediately and return them to the nearest Hobby Lobby store to receive a Hobby Lobby exchange card.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact the Hobby Lobby Call Center at (800) 326-7931 anytime, or log on to the firm’s Web site at www.hobbylobby.com

See this recall on CPSC’s web site.

RECALL: Atico Espresso Makers

November 8, 2006 By Appliance

Atico International USA, Inc. Recalls Espresso Makers for Burn and Impact Injury Hazards

Name of Product: Espresso Express(tm) Espresso Makers

Units: About 54,000

Distributor: Atico International USA, Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Hazard: The espresso maker’s heating element can forcefully separate from its base during the brewing cycle. This poses burn and impact injury hazards to nearby consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Atico International has received 42 reports of incidents involving the heating element forcefully separating from its base. Among these incidents, there were nine reports of minor scald burns and seven reports of consumers being hit by parts of the espresso maker.

Description: The Espresso Maker has a black base and a silver water reservoir. The coffee carafe is smoke-colored plastic with a back handle. The words “EspressoExpress(tm)” are imprinted on the black base. The item number is W14A7166, which is located underneath the base.

Sold at: CVS Pharmacy, Farmacias El Amal, Happy Harry’s, Navarro Discount Pharmacies, Kerr Drug, Bartell Drug and Lewis Drug from August 2005 through October 2005 for between $15 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled espresso makers and contact Atico for product verification and instructions on returning the product for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Atico International USA, Inc. at (877) 546-4835 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go the company’s Web site at www.aticousa.com

See this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product.

RECALL: Weil-McLain Ultra Series Gas Boilers

November 8, 2006 By Appliance

Name of Product: Weil-McLain Ultra Series Gas Boilers

Units: About 16,000

Manufacturer: Weil-McLain, of Michigan City, Ind.

Hazard: These boilers were manufactured for use with natural gas, but could have a blue tag incorrectly indicating to installers that they are intended for use with LP (propane) gas. If an installer connects one of the boilers to LP gas without installing a propane conversion kit, carbon monoxide (CO) can build up due to incomplete combustion, posing a risk of CO poisoning.

Incidents/Injuries: Weil-McLain is aware of one incident where two consumers reported CO poisoning when the boiler installed in their home was connected to LP gas.

Description: The recall involves Weil-McLain Ultra 80, Ultra 105, Ultra 155, Ultra 230 and Ultra 310 condensing, high-efficient, gas-fired boilers for space heating. The user’s manual and installation manual have “Ultra Gas-Fired Water Boiler” on the cover. The boilers are wrapped in a glossy silver/flat black jacket and either stand on the floor or are wall-mounted. The serial numbers range from CP5071716 through CP5327000. When the panel on the front of the boiler is removed, a bar-coded label with the serial number is located on the lower right hand side of the boiler itself. “Weil-McLain” is written on the front panel of the boilers.

Sold by: Plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbers and contractors nationwide from May 2005 through July 2006 for between $4,000 and $7,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers who had a Weil-McLain Ultra series boiler installed for use with propane and have not already been contacted by their installer should contact the installer or a heating professional for a free safety inspection. If the boiler was not installed with a propane conversion kit, one will be installed at the time of the inspection at no charge. Heating professionals may contact Weil McLain Technical Service at (219) 879-6561 for more information.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Weil-McLain toll-free at (866) 426-6172 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.weil-mclain.com

See this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product

Starbucks Barista Aroma Coffee Maker Recall

October 18, 2006 By Appliance

Starbucks Announces Recall of 8-Cup Coffee Brewers Due to Possible Fire
Hazard – October 17, 2006

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 453-1047
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Starbucks Media Contact: (206) 318-7100

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Starbucks Barista Aroma(tm) Stainless Steel 8-Cup Coffee Brewers
Units: About 73,000

Distributor: Starbucks Coffee Company, of Seattle, Wash.

Hazard: The coffee brewer has defective electrical wiring that can result in overheating, smoking, burning and melting, posing a possible fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Starbucks has received 23 reports of melting in the plastic housing of the brewers. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall includes the Starbucks Barista Aroma 8-Cup Coffee Brewer only. “Starbucks Barista Aroma” is embossed on the front of the brewer and the brewer has silver control panel buttons and a chrome finish. The Starbucks Barista Grande 12-Cup Coffee Brewer and Starbucks Barista Solo Coffee Brewers are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Starbucks company-owned and operated stores nationwide between March 2005 and September 2006 for about $100.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled coffee brewers immediately and contact Starbucks for a full refund. Consumers will receive a postage-paid package along with instructions on how to return their brewer. Starbucks is also offering a coupon (valid through 1/31/07) for a free pound of coffee as an incentive to return the recalled machine.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should contact Starbucks’ Barista Aroma recall hotline at (800) 453-1047 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT (11 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET), or visit the company’s Web site at www.starbucks.com – consumers may also write to Starbucks Coffee Company at Customer Relations, Starbucks Coffee Company, mailstop S-RC1, P.O. Box 3717, Seattle, WA 98124-3717.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07006.html