CPSC, Leifheit International USA Announce Recall of Apple Slicer/Corer

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Leifheit International USA Inc. of Melville, N.Y. is voluntarily recalling about 31,000 apple slicers/corers. The cutting blade can separate from the center-coring ring during use causing cuts to consumers' hands and fingers.

Leifheit has received two reports of the blades separating, resulting in minor cuts to the user's fingers.

The recall includes Pro Line apple slicers/corers. The slicers/corers are made of shiny chrome metal with two handles. "Leifheit" is printed on the top of one handle. A symbol code on the underside of the slicer/corer shows a number and dot sequence indicating the date of manufacture. Any product with a "1" or those with a "2" accompanied by one or two dots are included in the recall.

Houseware and gourmet cooking stores sold the slicers/corers nationwide from January 2001 to July 2002 for about $18.

Consumers should stop using these apple slicers/corers immediately and return them to either the place of purchase or the company. Consumers will have their choice of receiving a replacement or a refund. For more information, consumers can contact Leifheit at (866) 695-3434 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.leifheitusa.com. (08-29-02)

CPSC, Babyliss Pro Announce Recall of Hairdryers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Babyliss Pro of Stamford, Conn. is voluntarily recalling about 23,000 hairdryers. The hairdryers do not have an immersion protection device on the power cord and could present a serious electrocution hazard if exposed to water.

CPSC and Babyliss Pro have not received any reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled hairdryers have the model number BAB2002BLX, are rated at 1875 watts and are pistol-shaped. The model number is printed on the barrel of the hairdryer and a label on the side reads, "BABYLISS 2002BLX." The hairdryer also has a hang tag that reads in part, "FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY, DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR LICENSED COSMETOLOGISTS. THIS UNIT IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANALCI OR GFCI DEVICE ... WARNING - KEEP AWAY FROM WATER." These hairdryers were manufactured in China.

Duane Reede Drug Stores in the metropolitan New York area, Metro Beauty in Miami, Fla. and Bu-Ba Beauty in Reseda, Calif. sold these hairdryers between December 2000 and January 2002 for about $50. These hairdryers were intended for professional use, but could have been sold to consumers for personal use.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately and return them to Babyliss Pro for a free replacement unit with an immersion protection device. For information on how to return the hairdryer to the company, call Babyliss Pro at (800) 726-4202 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. (08-29-02)

CPSC and Shindaiwa Announce Recall of Hedge Trimmers Sold in California

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shindaiwa Inc. of Tualatin, Ore. is voluntarily recalling about 3,100 gasoline-powered, professional hedge trimmers. The catalytic muffler can overheat and damage the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Shindaiwa has received eight reports of the catalytic muffler overheating. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recalled hedge trimmers have red engine covers and a label on the recoil starter that reads "Professional Shindaiwa." The recall includes model HT231 with serial numbers between 10100004 and 1111239 and model DH231 with serial numbers between 10100001 and 1100149. The serial numbers are printed on a nameplate on the engine cover.

Shindaiwa dealers sold the hedge trimmers in California from April 2001 to September 2001 from $390 to $450 depending on the model.

Consumers should stop using these hedge trimmers immediately and contact their authorized Shindaiwa dealer for a free inspection and muffler system upgrade if required. For more information, consumers can contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. (08-20-02)

CPSC, Black & Decker Announce Recall to Repair Cordless Drill/Drivers

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. of Towson, Md. is voluntarily recalling about 950,000 cordless drill/drivers. The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing hazard to consumers.

Black & Decker has received 45 reports of drill switches overheating, causing two minor burns.

The recalled cordless drill/drivers are orange and bear the word "Firestorm" or jade and bear the words "Quantum Pro." The drill/drivers have the following model numbers and date codes:

14.4 volt Firestorm; CD632; 990852 thru 20005052
14.4 volt Firestorm; HP532; 990152 thru 20001652
14.4 volt Firestorm; FS1442; 20002252 thru 20011852
14.4 volt Quantum Pro; Q145; 990252 thru 20001152
15.6 volt Firestorm; FS1560; 993752 thru 20000752
18 volt Firestorm; FS1802; 20002452 thru 20010652
18 volt Firestorm; HP932; 990152 thru 20012452
18 volt Quantum Pro; Q185; 990252 thru 20011052

The model numbers are located on the name plate on the side of the drill, and the date codes are located on the bottom of the handle where the battery is inserted (remove battery to locate date code). These drill/drivers were manufactured in China.

Home centers and hardware stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada sold the drill/drivers from March 1999 through December 2001 for between $50 and $200. The drill/drivers were sold separately and as part of various tool kits.

Consumers should stop using their drill/drivers immediately, remove the battery and call Black & Decker at 866-821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free repair. For additional information, consumers can log on to the company's Web site at www.blackanddecker.com. (08-20-20)

CPSC, Black & Decker Announce Recall to Repair Table Saws

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc. of Towson, Md. is voluntarily recalling about 6,100 table saws. The motor housing on the saw may crack, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers.

Black & Decker has not received any reports of injuries. This recall to repair is being conducted to prevent the occurrence of injuries.

The recall involves 10-inch table saws made in Taiwan with the model number BT2500 and dates codes 200128-CT through 200148-CT. The model number and date codes are located on a name plate on the front panel above the power switch. The saw is gray with an orange front panel. The name "Black & Decker" is located on the lower right hand portion of the front panel.

Home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold the table saws from August 2001 through April 2002 for about $400.

Consumers should stop using these table saws immediately, unplug them and call Black & Decker at 866-357-0324 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company's Web site at www.blackanddecker.com to arrange for a free repair.

No other Black & Decker table saws are involved in this recall to repair. (08-20-02)

CPSC, Fluke Corp. Announce Recall of Digital Multimeters

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fluke Corp. of Everett, Wash. is voluntarily recalling about 40,000 digital multimeters. About 17,200 were sold in the U.S. Multimeters are used to measure voltage, resistance and current. The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution and thermal burns.

Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia in which users experienced a delayed response while measuring high voltage, though no injuries were reported.

The recalled Fluke digital multimeters measure up to 1,000 volts alternating current (VAC) and direct current (VDC). "Fluke" and "175," "177" or "179" are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black and measures about 7.25 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. Recalled units have a serial number below 79000000. The serial number is written on the back of the instrument under the hinged stand.

Home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers from January 2001 through October 2001 for between $170 and $215.

Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair. Consumers should call Fluke at 800-260-4819 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or go to Fluke's Web site at www.fluke.com/170recall. (08-19-02)

CPSC, Cavagna North America Inc., Announce Recall of Safety Relief Valves for Large Propane Tanks

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cavagna North America Inc. of Branchburg, N.J. is recalling about 6,100 safety relief valves manufactured by Omeca of Bresia, Italy. These valves, imported by Cavagna, are designed to relieve excess pressure in large propane tanks, typically the 500- to 1,000-gallon size. The recalled valves can have sharp internal edges that can cut into gasket seals in the valves, causing a propane gas leak. This poses a risk of fire or burn injuries.

Cavagna has received 18 reports of leaking valves. No fires or injuries have been reported.

The valves, model 66-1031, are approximately 7 inches long. Writing on the valve reads "OMECA 66-1031." Only valves that contain year and batch codes of "99.02," "99.16," "99.27" or "99.28" are included in the recall. The valves from these batch codes were installed on tanks that were refurbished or manufactured after May 1999.

The valves were sold to propane processors and distributors nationwide from May 1999 through May 2002 for between $10 and $15.

LP distributors, LP tank owners and propane gas users with recalled valves should immediately contact Cavagna to schedule an appointment to have the safety relief valve replaced at no charge. For more information, contact Cavagna toll-free at (866) 422-8246 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

These safety relief valves are not used for smaller propane tanks such as those used for home gas grills. (08-15-02)

CPSC, Carrier Guam Announce Recall of Room Air Conditioners

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carrier Guam of Tamuning, Guam is voluntarily recalling about 2,100 window air conditioners. Salty sea spray can cause the electrical capacitor within these units to corrode, posing a possible fire hazard.

Carrier Guam has not received any reports of fires as a result of corrosion in these air conditioners.

These are 7,000 BTU window air conditioners with model number 77ZFA007101. The recalled air conditioners have a serial number within the following ranges:

4895Y10001 to 4895Y10300
2196Y10001 to 2196Y10300
3096Y12302 to 3096Y12700
4396Y00101 to 4396Y00500
1697Y20873 to 1697Y21072
2097Y21165 to 2097Y21464
2997Y20457 to 2997Y20656

The model and serial numbers are located on the top of the plastic evaporator scroll behind the unit's front plastic grill. "Carrier" is written on the front of these units.

The Carrier Guam store in Tamuning, Guam sold these air conditioners from October 1995 through July 1997 for about $380.

Consumers with one of these recalled air conditioners should call Carrier Guam at (877) 467-3544 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Guam time Monday through Friday. Carrier Guam will schedule a free inspection and repair visit. Alternatively, consumers may elect to purchase a brand new unit at half price to replace the old unit. (08-14-02)

CPSC, Adams Manufacturing Corp. Announce Recall of Folding Chair

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Adams Manufacturing Corp. of Portersville, Pa. is voluntarily recalling about 2,740 plastic folding chairs. Some of the legs on these chairs were misassembled by the installer, and a piece of the chair could be bent out of shape. This can allow the chair to collapse during use, causing consumers to suffer injuries from falls.

Adams Manufacturing has received two reports of folding chairs collapsing. No injuries have been reported.

The folding chairs have the brand names Adams Quik Fold Chair (as individual chairs) and Quik Fold Café Set (as a set, including a table and two chairs). The recalled individual chairs include item numbers 8575-48-3750, 8575-16-3750 and 8575-38-3750. The recalled chair sets include item numbers 8590-48-3600, 8590-16-3600 and 8590-38-3600. The chairs are made of white, green or sandstone molded plastic. A label on the backrest of the chair reads "Adams Quick Fold Chair."

Discount department, hardware and home stores nationwide sold the folding chairs from February 2002 through March 2002 for about $20 for the individual chair and about $100 for the set.

Consumers should stop using the folding chairs immediately and return them to the place where purchased to receive a replacement chair or a refund. For additional information, contact Adams Manufacturing at (800) 237-8287 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can visit the firm's Web site at www.adamsmfg.com. (08-07-02)

CPSC, Crate & Barrel Announce Recall to Repair Media Carts

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Crate & Barrel of Northbrook, Ill. is voluntarily recalling about 5,000 media carts. The media cart has metal and plastic casters that can break, causing a television or other objects on the cart to fall and injure consumers nearby.

Crate & Barrel has received seven reports of casters breaking, all of which involved property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled media carts have the model name "Elements Media Carts." They have an ash wood veneer with a dark brown stain and measure 31.75 inches x 19 inches x 23.5 inches. The media carts contain a VCR shelf and a second compartment shelf for CDs. These media carts were manufactured in Denmark.

Crate & Barrel retail stores, catalogues and Web site sold the carts nationwide from January 2001 through March 2002 for about $180.

Consumers should stop using the recalled media carts immediately and call Crate & Barrel toll-free at (877) 477-0653 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or contact the store from which the cart was purchased to receive new casters free of charge. Consumers can also log on to the company's Web site at www.crateandbarrel.com/customer.

Media carts that have the word "KAMA" printed on the rubber of the wheel are not included in this recall. (08-07-02)

CPSC, Greenlee Textron Inc. Announce Recall of Electrical Testing Meters

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Greenlee Textron, Inc. (Greenlee) of Rockford, Ill. is voluntarily recalling about 650 electrical testing meters. The meters are used to measure voltage and current of electric-powered equipment. An incompatible grommet, located in the battery compartment to protect internal wires, can cause the meter to provide inaccurate voltage and current readings. A meter that inaccurately indicates 0 voltage or current creates the potential for electric shock or an electrocution hazard from the equipment being tested.

CPSC and Greenlee have not received any reports of injuries or property damage. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

This recall involves certain CM-700 and CM-750 electrical meters. The 8-inch meters are dark green with bright yellow features. The model number and the words "Greenlee Test Instruments" are printed across the front of the meter. A silver plate on the back of the meter displays the serial number (S/N). Serial numbers included in the recall range from 0203540001 through 0203540650. The electrical meters were made in Taiwan.

Home Depot (model CM-750 only) and electrical supply stores sold the meters nationwide during April 2002. The CM-700 model sold for about $100 and the CM-750 for about $140.

Consumers should stop using the recalled meters immediately and contact Greenlee to receive a replacement meter. For more information, consumers can contact Greenlee toll-free at (800) 435-0786 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.greenlee.textron.com.

CM-700 and CM-750 meters outside the above serial number range are not included in this recall. (08-01-02)

CPSC, STK International Announce Recall of Extension Cords

WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), STK International Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. is voluntarily recalling about 190,000 extension cords. The cords have undersized wires, presenting a shock hazard to consumers.

CPSC and STK International have not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these extension cords. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled extension cords were sold in brown (model EC-222) or white (model EC-221) and are approximately 5 feet, 3 inches long. The model numbers are printed in the upper right corner of the packaging. The cords were packaged in a mustard and orange color sleeve with the words "5 Household Extension Cords" and "Made in China" printed on the front. The "Volt Master" logo is printed in the left corner of the packaging. "YWC-981 8 CHINA E157848" is printed on the cord.

Discount stores sold the extension cords nationwide from October 1998 to March 2002 for about $1.

Consumers should stop using and unplug these extension cords immediately and return them to STK International for a refund, including postage. Consumers should mail their extension cords to the attention of EC-221/ EC-222 Recall, STK International, Inc., 5500 East Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, California, 90222. For more information, call STK International at (800) 536-7855 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. (07-30-02)

CPSC, Remington Products Co., LLC Re-announce Recall of Hairdryers Firm Offering Free Upgraded Replacement Hairdryer

WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Remington Products Co., LLC, of Bridgeport, Conn. is again announcing the recall of about 3,000 hairdryers. These hairdryers are not equipped with an appliance leakage current interrupter (ALCI) plug to cut off electrical current in case of contact with water. If dropped in water, the hairdryers pose an electrocution hazard to consumers. This recall was originally announced by CPSC and Remington on March 21, 2001.

CPSC and Remington have not received any reports of electrocutions relating to these hairdryers. This recall is being announced to prevent the possibility of injury.

The 1600-watt hairdryers have a chrome body with black speed and heat controls. The model name, "Remington Vortex Ultra," is printed in black on one side of the air intake grill with the model number V-1030 and the words "Do Not Immerse In Water" and "Made in China" printed in silver on the other side. The hairdryers have a UPC number of 0-74590-87541-6, which is located on the packaging box.

The recalled hairdryers were sold nationwide in K-Mart; Sears; Target; Bed, Bath & Beyond; K's Merchandise; Service Merchandise; Eckerd; Army and Air Force Exchanges and other retailers from July 2000 through January 2001 for between $18 to $25.

Consumers should stop using the hairdryers immediately. Owners of the recalled hair dryers will be sent a postage-paid shipping container to return their unit to Remington. Consumers will receive a new 1875-watt Vortex hair dryer with an ALCI plug. For more information, contact Remington at (800) 992-9686 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. (07-30-02)

CPSC, Young's J.K. Inc. Announce Recall of Novelty Lighters

WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Young's J.K. Inc. of Portland, Ore. is recalling about 1,800 novelty cigarette lighters. These lighters do not have child-resistant mechanisms, as required by federal law. Young children could ignite the lighters, posing fire and burn hazards.

CPSC and Young's J.K. Inc. have not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

These are refillable, gas-fueled, piezo-electric lighters in the shape of beverage cans. One lighter is labeled "Coca Cola," and the other lighter is labeled "Budweiser KING OF BEER." They are attached to key rings.

Grocery, gift and liquor stores, as well as smoke shops and gas station food marts in Oregon and southwest Washington sold these lighters from October 2001 through February 2002 for about $3.

Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Young's J.K. Inc. collect at (503) 252-3022 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. (07-24-02)

CPSC, Flat Rock Grill Co. Announce Recall of Gas Grills

WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Flat Rock Grill Co. of Powhatan, Va. is voluntarily recalling about 1,800 gas grills. The glass casing of the thermometer displays attached to these grills can break or shatter, posing a risk of cuts or other serious injuries to consumers.

Flat Rock Grill Co. has received six reports of the glass casing of the thermometers on these grills breaking. No injuries have been reported.

These heavy-duty, stainless steel grills are Flat Rock Grill Shoreline Series Models 2000 and 3000. The model number is written on a label on the front of the grill. "FRG" is on the front of the grill. The grill has a thermometer display on the grill hood that measures 3 inches in diameter and has a temperature range from 50 to 550 degrees F. The thermometer display has "BBQ-1" or "BBQ Pit Thermometer" written within the glass casing.

Independent retailers in the southeastern and south central U.S. and the firm's Web site sold these gas grills from July 1999 through July 2002 for about $1,200.

Consumers should remove the thermometers on these grills immediately. To get a free replacement thermometer, call Flat Rock Grill Co. toll-free at (888) 308-7399 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can go to the firm's Web site at www.flatrockgrill.com.

Thermometers with the word "Trend" written within the casing are not included in the recall. (07-19-02)

CPSC, Wal-Mart Announce Recall of Red Devil Gas Grills Sold at Wal-Mart

WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wal-Mart Stores of Bentonville, Ark. is recalling about 60,000 Red Devil gas grills sold at Wal-Mart. About 155,000 of these grills were manufactured by e4L Inc. of Encino, Calif. and Quantum North America Inc. of Encino, Calif. Because the manufacturer is out of business, CPSC issued a warning about these grills in May 2002.

The product's design allows consumers to light the grill at an air intake tube, instead of at the burner. Though the grill appears to function normally, gas inside the air intake tube ignites. The tube can reach temperatures of up to 750 degrees F and present a burn hazard to consumers. In some earlier grills, the heat produced by lighting the grill at the air intake tube damaged the plastic support piece and caused the grill to fall to the ground. When it collapses, flames from the grill can burn nearby consumers and ignite surrounding combustibles.

There have been 44 reports of consumers suffering burns to legs, hands and fingers, including reports of some third-degree burns, after the grills collapsed during use. More than 1,000 consumers returned their grills to the manufacturer because the grills collapsed. There have been no reports of incidents or injuries involving these grills sold by Wal-Mart.

These red metal gas grills have a tripod stand. They have a logo on the label of the lid and grill base showing a devil cooking at a grill with the writing "Red Devil." The lid also reads "The Portable Outdoor Kitchen." The black plastic base, above the tripod, reads "QUANTUM HOMEWARES." Components sold with the grill include a heat plate, an oversized skillet with handles, a table-safe serving trivet and carrying totes. They were manufactured in Hong Kong.

Quantum and e4L sold these grills directly to consumers through television infomercials from about May 1998 through January 1999 for about $160. This recall only includes grills sold at Wal-Mart.

CPSC sued e4L Inc. and Quantum North America Inc. to obtain a recall, and an administrative law judge granted CPSC a default judgment when these manufacturers failed to appear. The firms are liquidating their assets under bankruptcy law.

Both the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and QVC previously notified their customers directly about the hazard these grills pose and provided a remedy. Since Quantum and e4L have declared bankruptcy, there is no remedy available for grills bought from retailers other than HSN, QVC and Wal-Mart.

CPSC urges consumers to stop using these grills immediately. Consumers who purchased Red Devil gas grills from Wal-Mart can return them to the store for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Wal-Mart Customer Service at (800) WALMART any time or visit Wal-Mart's Web site at www.walmart.com. Consumers who purchased their Red Devil Gas Grills from a retailer other than Wal-Mart should contact the retailer. If that retailer does not provide a refund, repair or replacement for the grill, consumers should contact CPSC at (800) 638-2772 any time. Additionally, consumers who are aware of any incidents with these grills or who want additional information also should contact CPSC.

About 19,300 of these grills, sold directly by e4L, were recalled in July 1998 because the burners could disconnect from the burner pan. The firm received 21 reports of the burners on these grills disconnecting and one consumer suffered burns.

Even if consumers participated in this previous recall program, they should stop using these grills since this warning addresses a different hazard. (07-19-02)

CPSC, Johnson Outdoors Inc. Announce Recall of SCUBAPRO/UWATEC Dive Computer Consoles

WASHINGTON - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Johnson Outdoors Inc. of Racine, Wis. is voluntarily recalling about 1,700 SCUBAPRO/UWATEC™ dive computer consoles. The U-Line submersible pressure gauge that is part of the dive consoles can malfunction and display inaccurate pressure readings. Divers using the consoles could fail to decompress properly during a dive, causing decompression sickness.

CPSC and Johnson Outdoors Inc. have received four reports of the pressure gauge malfunctioning. No injuries have been reported.

Only U-Line submersible pressure gauges contained in UWATEC brand Smart PRO, Pro ULTRA and Sport PLUS dive computer consoles are included in the recall. The consoles are mostly gray in color and the brand name "UWATEC" is written on the front of each console. The pressure gauges are made in the U.S., and the computers are made in Switzerland. All of the recalled consoles have a test code that appears on the back of the gauge as follows:

Test Codes: