Blogs

Companies have a responsibility to manufacture products that are whole and will not harm customers if used properly. Still, recalls of defective products occur on almost a daily basis. These recalls may be because of food contamination or manufacturing defects. They may occur before a product has had the chance to cause harm, but all too often they are a result of injuries or deaths.

CBS News alone has reported eight separate product recalls from various companies just this week. These products range from sippy cups to apparel to recreational vehicles and most of the products have no associated reported injuries. But the potential for harm is present in each case, prompting companies to withdraw them from the market and institute the recalls.

Target has recalled sippy cups with bunny shaped tops due to potential injury. Six incidents have been reported of a child poking himself in the eye with the bunny’s ear while drinking. Three of those children were cut or bruised during use. Approximately 264,000 were sold between February 2012 and April 5, 2012. For more information on this recall, call Target at (800) 440-0680.

All-in-one desktop computers have been recalled by Lenovo. The ThinkCentre M70z and M90z have the potential to catch fire and did on two reported occasions. No injuries

 were reported as a result of the fires. 50,500 computers were previously recalled in March 2012 for similar reasons. More information is available by calling (855) 248-2194.

Both Puma and Me Jane have issued recalls for youth jackets that pose a risk of entanglement due to their drawstrings. No injuries or problems have been reported, but more information is available by contacting Puma at productissue@puma.com or Me Jane at complaints@louiseparis.com.

Whoozit Starry Time Rattles were sold from Sept. 2011 through March 2012. The rattles have the potential to break, releasing small parts and presenting a choking hazard. After two rattles were broken, Manhattan Toys issued the recall of approximately 3,150 rattles sold in the US and Canada. More information is available at www.manhattantoy.com

Gerber Gear is recalling clip knives that have the potential to fold during use, cutting the user. While no cuts have been reported, 3,000 Gerber Instant Knives with black handles sold between February and March 2012 have been called back. Gerber Legendary Blades has more information at (877) 314-9130.

Teryx recreational off-highway vehicles sold from Aug. 2011 through March 2012 have been recalled as they are mislabeled. Teryx 750 FI 4×4, Teryx 750 FI 4×4 LE, Teryx 750 FI 750 4×4 LE SGE and Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport all list a higher occupant capacity than is actually safe. For more information call Kawasaki at (800) 954-7228.

Finally, Gems Sensors has issued a recall of commercial fire sprinkler parts. The defective part could cause the sprinkler to malfunction in the event of a fire. For more information, visit their website.