Recalls of the Week

Time boys and girls for the update on Recalls of the Week. These are some of the most significant recalls which have occurred over the past week. You are welcome to contact me by calling or using the “contact” form here if you have any thoughts or questions on any of these recalls.
1. Maclaren Strollers: This is the big one for the week and the one that has been all over the news. Approximately one million strollers distributed in the U.S. by Maclaren are being recalled because the stroller’s hinge mechanism can cause fingertip amputation and laceration to the child when the consumer is opening the stroller. Maclaren has received 15 reports of children putting their fingers in the hinge mechanism which has resulted in 12…yes 12 fingertip amputation of small children. Not much of a shock, these strollers were made in China. They have been sold at Babies “R” Us, Target and other retailers between 1999 and November 2009 (yup, 10 years this unsafe product has been on the market). The recall involves all “umbrella” strollers, single and double, with the name “Maclaren” on the stroller. If you have one of these strollers, stop using it immediately and contact Maclaren at 1-877-688-2326 to receive a free repair kit. For more information and photos of the type of strollers involved, see here. Consumer Reports has a good suggestion for anyone using any type of stroller with children. Make sure to keep your child far away while you are folding and unfolding the stroller and make sure it is fully opened and engaged before putting your child in the stroller (and buckled up too).
2. Samsung Over-The-Range Microwave Ovens: Approximately 43,000 Samsung Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens are being recalled due to an installation bolt potentially contacting an electrical component inside the microwave and if the oven is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it could cause a shock. This involves the 1000 watt microwave ovens. For the model and serial numbers involved see here. These microwaves were sold nationwide between January 2009 and July 2009. If you have one of these microwaves, unplug it immediately and contact Samsung at 888-402-6974 to schedule a free repair.
3. Adventure Playsets Wooden Playset: These playsets are being recalled because the plastic coated lumber that is on the “monkey bar” can weaken over time as a result of rotting and lead to a fall hazard. Adventure Playsets, which have been sold at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Academy Sports, Menards and Mill stores as well as on line, has received over 1400 reports of rotting ladders and there have been 16 injuries reported. You should immediately stop your children from using the Playset and call Adventure Playsets at 877-840-9068 to obtain ad replacement kit. For a further description of the model sets involved in this recall, see here.
That’s all that is going on presently. Again, if you have any questions about these recalls, or any other recalls, you can contact me toll free at 1-866-977-4529 or through the “contact” form on this page. Until next time, be careful out there.