A glance at The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission web site once again reaffirms that China is manufacturing many products sold in the US. Moreover, recalls keep coming. CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the US more than $1 trillion annually, according to the CPSC. CPSC triee to protect consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. However, in AutoInformed’s view, Chinese products remain a problem both in their design and manufacturing quality control. Herewith are some of the latest in Chinese Junk.
Zen Magnets and Neoballs Magnets Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard
When two or more high-powered magnets are swallowed, either accidentally or intentionally, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death. About 10 million magnets, sold individually and in magnet sets are involved.
This mandatory recall involves all Zen Magnets and Neoballs magnets. Zen Magnets and Neoballs are high-powered 5 mm spherical magnets. Zen Magnets were sold individually and in sets of 72, 216 with 6 spares, and 1,728 with 8 spares. Neo balls were sold individually and in sets in the following colors: silver, gold, red, orange, green, red, blue, and purple. “Zen Magnets” or “Neoballs” is printed on the packaging.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnets and contact Zen Magnets LLC for a refund. Zen Magnets claims it is aware of two children who ingested Zen Magnets and required surgery to remove the magnets and parts of their intestines and bowels. In addition, CPSC is aware of other reports of children and teenagers ingesting high-powered magnets and requiring surgery. A 19-month-girl died after ingesting similar high-powered magnets.
Sold online at Neoballs.com and ZenMagnets.com and some Colorado retailers listed beginning in January 2009 for between $12 and $264 per set, or individually for 6 to 10 cents per magnet. Distributor(s): Zen Magnets LLC, of Denver, Colorado. Manufactured in China. Recall number: 21-179.
Nordstrom Recalls Children’s Socks Due to Choking Hazard
This recall involves Nordstrom’s Tucker & Tate-branded socks. The anklet socks were sold in children’s sizes 5 to 7 and in a pack of three pairs of socks containing one gray pair, one white and blue pair and one white and red pair. The socks have a pom-pom attached to the ankle. UPC code 439113514195 can be found on the product packaging. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Nordstrom-Recalls-Childrens-Socks-Due-to-Choking-Hazard
Customers should immediately stop using the recalled children’s socks and contact Nordstrom to receive a full refund. Sold at Nordstrom stores nationwide from May 2021 through June 2021 for about $12. Importer: SABG/Division of GCE International, of Winston-Salem, N.C. Manufactured in China. Recall number: 21-187.
Primark Recalls Scent Stamper Pens Due to Elevated Levels of Benzyl Alcohol, Risk of Skin Irritation
This recall involves 8-pack Scent Stamper Pens. “PRIMARK” and the product number “9799701” appear on a label on the back of the product packaging. The Pens come in 8 different colors, with decorative decals, such as heart, stars, and paw prints, printed on the pens.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Stamper Pens and return them to a Primark store for a full refund. Sold At: Primark US stores located in the northeast region, Florida, and Chicago from January 2019 through May 2021 for about $2. Importer: Primark US Corp., of Boston, Mass. Manufactured in China. Recall number: 21-185.
TJX Recalls Counter Stools Due to Fall and Injury Hazards; Sold at HomeGoods and Homesense Stores
This recall involves swivel counter stools with wooden legs and fabric backrests with rivet trim around the seat. The stools were sold in gray faux leather, and light gray, dark gray and blue/cream herringbone fabrics. The stools measure approximately 36 inches to the top of the backrest, and the seat height is approximately 25.5 inches from the floor. One of the following style numbers is printed on the product hang tag: 61057, 61063, 61064, 62332, 65129, 65130, 66413, 66414. A label printed with “CHINA” is attached to the bottom of the seat.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled counter stools and return them to any HomeGoods or Homesense store for their choice of either a full refund or store gift card. TJX has received 20 reports of stools breaking in which consumers fell, including 17 reports of minor injuries. Sold at HomeGoods and Homesense stores and HomeGoods/T.J. Maxx or Marshalls combination stores nationwide from January 2021 through May 2021 for about $130. Importer: The TJX Companies Inc., of Framingham, Mass. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-184.
Hallmark Recalls Teethers Due to Choking Hazard
This recall involves 11 different styles of round teethers made of softwood and with a variety of attachments including plush rattles in the shape of animal heads, plush animal heads, or with attached decorative fabric. The wooden teether ring measures about three inches in diameter and the plush animal heads are about three inches in height and width. The teethers weigh less than one pound. The products were sold with a gray woven brand label with the Hallmark brand crown and a hangtag, in various colors, describing the product as “Plush and Wood Teether and Rattle” or “Wood and Detachable Cloth Teether for Little Droolers.” They were manufactured between 2015 and 2020 with a sewn-in white label with date codes: JUL15, 1117, 0618, 0719, or 1020.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled teethers away from children and contact Hallmark to receive a $25 gift card towards any product at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores or online at www.hallmark.com. Hallmark has received four reports of the wooden teether rings breaking, including one report of a child placing broken wooden parts in their mouth and one report of a pinched lip. Sold at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, boutique gift shops and online at www.hallmark.com from June 2015 through June 2021 for between $10 and $25. Importer Hallmark Marketing Company LLC, of Kansas City, Mo. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-181.
Sold at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, boutique gift shops and online at www.hallmark.com from June 2015 through June 2021 for between $10 and $25. Importer Hallmark Marketing Company LLC, of Kansas City, Mo. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-181.
Intertex Recalls Blower Fans Due to Fire Hazard
This recall involves the model VP-33 blower fans sold under the B-Air® Brand and intended primarily for commercial use for remediation. The recalled blowers were manufactured before January 1, 2018. The recalled air mover, 1/3 horsepower fans were sold in blue, red or green in a neon yellow-colored box. The B-Air logo is on the vent and on the product label.
Purchasers should immediately stop using the recalled blower fans and contact the firm for a free repair kit including an S-3 capacitor and installation instructions. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Intertex-Recalls-Blower-Fans-Due-to-Fire-Hazard. Intertex has received five reports of the capacitor overheating in the blower fans and causing fire-related property damage totaling about $75,000. No injuries have been reported. Sold at Home Depot and Menard’s nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Home Depot.com from February 2013 through December 2017 for about $200. Manufacturer Intertex LLC, of West Chester, Pa. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-182.
Chinese Junk Watch – Six More Recalls from CPSC
A glance at The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission web site once again reaffirms that China is manufacturing many products sold in the US. Moreover, recalls keep coming. CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction.
Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the US more than $1 trillion annually, according to the CPSC. CPSC triee to protect consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years. However, in AutoInformed’s view, Chinese products remain a problem both in their design and manufacturing quality control. Herewith are some of the latest in Chinese Junk.
Zen Magnets and Neoballs Magnets Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard
When two or more high-powered magnets are swallowed, either accidentally or intentionally, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or to another metal object, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and death. About 10 million magnets, sold individually and in magnet sets are involved.
This mandatory recall involves all Zen Magnets and Neoballs magnets. Zen Magnets and Neoballs are high-powered 5 mm spherical magnets. Zen Magnets were sold individually and in sets of 72, 216 with 6 spares, and 1,728 with 8 spares. Neo balls were sold individually and in sets in the following colors: silver, gold, red, orange, green, red, blue, and purple. “Zen Magnets” or “Neoballs” is printed on the packaging.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnets and contact Zen Magnets LLC for a refund. Zen Magnets claims it is aware of two children who ingested Zen Magnets and required surgery to remove the magnets and parts of their intestines and bowels. In addition, CPSC is aware of other reports of children and teenagers ingesting high-powered magnets and requiring surgery. A 19-month-girl died after ingesting similar high-powered magnets.
Sold online at Neoballs.com and ZenMagnets.com and some Colorado retailers listed beginning in January 2009 for between $12 and $264 per set, or individually for 6 to 10 cents per magnet. Distributor(s): Zen Magnets LLC, of Denver, Colorado. Manufactured in China. Recall number: 21-179.
Nordstrom Recalls Children’s Socks Due to Choking Hazard
This recall involves Nordstrom’s Tucker & Tate-branded socks. The anklet socks were sold in children’s sizes 5 to 7 and in a pack of three pairs of socks containing one gray pair, one white and blue pair and one white and red pair. The socks have a pom-pom attached to the ankle. UPC code 439113514195 can be found on the product packaging. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Nordstrom-Recalls-Childrens-Socks-Due-to-Choking-Hazard
Customers should immediately stop using the recalled children’s socks and contact Nordstrom to receive a full refund. Sold at Nordstrom stores nationwide from May 2021 through June 2021 for about $12. Importer: SABG/Division of GCE International, of Winston-Salem, N.C. Manufactured in China. Recall number: 21-187.
Primark Recalls Scent Stamper Pens Due to Elevated Levels of Benzyl Alcohol, Risk of Skin Irritation
This recall involves 8-pack Scent Stamper Pens. “PRIMARK” and the product number “9799701” appear on a label on the back of the product packaging. The Pens come in 8 different colors, with decorative decals, such as heart, stars, and paw prints, printed on the pens.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Stamper Pens and return them to a Primark store for a full refund. Sold At: Primark US stores located in the northeast region, Florida, and Chicago from January 2019 through May 2021 for about $2. Importer: Primark US Corp., of Boston, Mass. Manufactured in China. Recall number: 21-185.
TJX Recalls Counter Stools Due to Fall and Injury Hazards; Sold at HomeGoods and Homesense Stores
This recall involves swivel counter stools with wooden legs and fabric backrests with rivet trim around the seat. The stools were sold in gray faux leather, and light gray, dark gray and blue/cream herringbone fabrics. The stools measure approximately 36 inches to the top of the backrest, and the seat height is approximately 25.5 inches from the floor. One of the following style numbers is printed on the product hang tag: 61057, 61063, 61064, 62332, 65129, 65130, 66413, 66414. A label printed with “CHINA” is attached to the bottom of the seat.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled counter stools and return them to any HomeGoods or Homesense store for their choice of either a full refund or store gift card. TJX has received 20 reports of stools breaking in which consumers fell, including 17 reports of minor injuries. Sold at HomeGoods and Homesense stores and HomeGoods/T.J. Maxx or Marshalls combination stores nationwide from January 2021 through May 2021 for about $130. Importer: The TJX Companies Inc., of Framingham, Mass. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-184.
Hallmark Recalls Teethers Due to Choking Hazard
This recall involves 11 different styles of round teethers made of softwood and with a variety of attachments including plush rattles in the shape of animal heads, plush animal heads, or with attached decorative fabric. The wooden teether ring measures about three inches in diameter and the plush animal heads are about three inches in height and width. The teethers weigh less than one pound. The products were sold with a gray woven brand label with the Hallmark brand crown and a hangtag, in various colors, describing the product as “Plush and Wood Teether and Rattle” or “Wood and Detachable Cloth Teether for Little Droolers.” They were manufactured between 2015 and 2020 with a sewn-in white label with date codes: JUL15, 1117, 0618, 0719, or 1020.
Consumers should immediately take the recalled teethers away from children and contact Hallmark to receive a $25 gift card towards any product at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores or online at www.hallmark.com. Hallmark has received four reports of the wooden teether rings breaking, including one report of a child placing broken wooden parts in their mouth and one report of a pinched lip. Sold at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, boutique gift shops and online at www.hallmark.com from June 2015 through June 2021 for between $10 and $25. Importer Hallmark Marketing Company LLC, of Kansas City, Mo. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-181.
Sold at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, boutique gift shops and online at www.hallmark.com from June 2015 through June 2021 for between $10 and $25. Importer Hallmark Marketing Company LLC, of Kansas City, Mo. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-181.
Intertex Recalls Blower Fans Due to Fire Hazard
This recall involves the model VP-33 blower fans sold under the B-Air® Brand and intended primarily for commercial use for remediation. The recalled blowers were manufactured before January 1, 2018. The recalled air mover, 1/3 horsepower fans were sold in blue, red or green in a neon yellow-colored box. The B-Air logo is on the vent and on the product label.
Purchasers should immediately stop using the recalled blower fans and contact the firm for a free repair kit including an S-3 capacitor and installation instructions. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Intertex-Recalls-Blower-Fans-Due-to-Fire-Hazard. Intertex has received five reports of the capacitor overheating in the blower fans and causing fire-related property damage totaling about $75,000. No injuries have been reported. Sold at Home Depot and Menard’s nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Home Depot.com from February 2013 through December 2017 for about $200. Manufacturer Intertex LLC, of West Chester, Pa. Manufactured in China. Recall number 21-182.