Recalls
|
Recalls from communist countries are not new, but they are getting more press recently. "I think we have reached a point unfortunately where Made in China is now a warning label in the United States," said a Democratic senator, Richard Durbin, recently. In the first half of 2007, 19.1% of products made for domestic consumption were found to be substandard, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement on 8/28/07. Among products made by small firms, the failure rate was nearly 30%. "These are not isolated cases," Han Yi, director of the administration's quality control and inspection department, told the state media. Underlining his concerns, officials said hundreds of bottles of fake human blood protein were found in hospitals and excessive amounts of additives and preservatives were detected in children's snacks." http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2118920,00.html According to the FDA: "Lead is very toxic and dangerous to humans, especially children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and their unborn children. Although people with lead in their blood often do not exhibit the symptoms of lead toxicity, such symptoms include the following: stomach aches, colic, nausea, vomiting, abnormal irritability, and insomnia. Lead can also permanently damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning difficulties in school children as well as cause other long-term health problems." On September 2, 1977 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned lead-containing paint and on toys and furniture coated with such paint. This action was taken to reduce the risk of lead poisoning in children who may ingest paint chips or peelings. So this is not a NEW regulation that these companies didn't know they had to follow, which means the products are being produced without regard to the safety of well being of the children that will be exposed to them. Wei Chuanzhong, of the General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, one of China's product safety watchdogs, said that while China "would not avoid our problems, we also do not agree to playing up the situation regardless of the facts." "regardless of the facts", does he mean even if it's true, they don't want the media talking about it? On June 28, 2007 Commerce Ministry spokesman Wang Xinpei said China "has paid great attention" to the safety of its exports, especially food, "It can be said that the quality of China's exports all are guaranteed,"
Toys:
Feb. 2008: Pokemon lollipops, bar code 073964209109.
Made in China. Various metals from staples to metal shards found in the
lollipops. The product is imported by Sherwood Brands, and sold in Dollar
Stores. The wrapping was not punctured, the objects had to be embedded during
the manufacturing process.
Oct. 2007: Razor USA Recalls E300 Electric Scooters; Handlebars Can Detach Causing Loss of Control - China - A weld can break causing the handlebar to detach. This can cause the rider to lose control and fall from the scooter. Oct. 2007: Antioch Publishing Recalls Bookmarks and Journals Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard - China - Paint on the spiral metal bindings of the journals, clip of the bookmarks and the clear coating on the marquis bookmarks and bracelets contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban. Oct. 2007: CKI Recalls Children's Decorating Sets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold Exclusively at Toys "R" Us - China - Surface paint on the back of the recalled mirror contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. These Totally Me! - Funky Room Décor Sets are designed to make various room décor projects and includes a clock, clock movement, satin fabric, round box, door hanger, mirror, paper mirror frame, glitter glue, sticker sheet, foam shapes, sequins, seed beads, elastic cord, fabric flowers, and gem stones. The part containing lead is the mirror. Oct. 2007: Kids II Recalls Baby Einstein Color Blocks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard - China - Surface paint on the blue block contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. The recall involves the blue block included with the Baby Einstein Discover & Play Color Blocks, Model 30726 and Model 30881. The blocks are made of soft textures and come in different colors. Only date codes of GE7, GF7, and GG7 are included in this recall. The model number and date code are printed on the labels affixed to the green-colored block. Oct. 2007: KB Toys Recalls Wooden Toys Due to
Violation of Lead Paint Standard - China - Surface paints on the toys can
contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint
standard. Clip Bookmarks: Winnie the Pooh (© Disney) Lady Bug & Flower, Hope & Courage, Star, Sun & Rainbow, Sun & Moon, Coffee, Follow Him & Cross, Monkey & Bananas Marquis Bookmarks: Dragon, Hugging Cat Bookmarks Sold with Bracelets: Mother's Touch, Breast Cancer Journals: Cherry Blossoms, Sweetheart, Sassy Children's Necklaces Sold Exclusively at Accessories Palace Recalled by United Imports Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead September 04, 2007 The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Mattel Inc., announced that it is recalling about 700,000 Chinese-made toys that have excessive amounts of lead paint. The recall covers 675,000 units of various Barbie accessory toys that were manufactured between Sept. 30, 2006, and Aug. 20, 2007. The action also involves 8,900 different toys involving Big Big World 6-in-1 Bongo Band toys from the company's Fisher-Price brand. Those products were sold nationwide from July 2007 through Aug. 2007. In the U.S., there are seven recalled Barbie®-branded toys. The specific affected parts include: August 30, 2007 Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases, the printed ink on the packaging contained lead. Toys "R" Us bought the sets from Funtastic, a unit of a Hong Kong distribution company called FPL Group. They are manufactured by a company in Ningbo, China, called Danxiang International Trading. Toys "R" Us sold about 8,300 of the art kits nationwide from October 2006 through August. Martin Designs Inc. Recalls SpongeBob SquarePants™ Character Address Books and Journals Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Children's Charm Bracelets Sold by Buy-Rite Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Thomas and Friends trains, again lead paint. Hasbro recalled 1 million Easy-Bake Ovens after reports of burns. The ovens are made in China. Mattel recalls going back to 2003: About 65% of Mattel's toys are made in China. The rest come from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico. Check the labels! Fisher Price recalls Aug 07: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html Website with photos of the toys. 08/14/2007 08/14/2007 08/14/2007 08/01/2007 05/30/2007 02/15/2007 Nov 2006 Description: The product is a baby activity toy available in various animal shapes. It consists of a soft, stuffed body with a rattle component inside the body and two smooth wooden rings attached to loops at the end of each arm. The product is available in four different styles: Rumba Lion Activity Toy with style number 58553, Gazoo Giraffe Activity Toy with style number 58554; Wango Horse Activity Toy with style number 58555, and Tippy Cow Activity Toy with style number 58556. "Woodles™" and the style number are located on the sewn-in label. Sold by: Independent specialty toy stores
nationwide and in Canada from June 2005 through April 2006 for about $12. 11/20/2006 1/18/2006 6/14/2005 6/14/2005 5/10/2005 5/10/2005 4/14/2004 11/13/2003 11/13/2003 6/19/2003 3/1994 Infant:
Oct. 2007: Target
Recalls Plush Boys Rattles Due to Choking Hazard - China - The recalled rattles
can break open releasing the small beads inside, posing a choking hazard to
young children. The recalled rattles were sold in three styles: a white baseball
with red stitching, a brown football with white stitching, and an orange
basketball with black stitching. The tag sewn into the rattle contains:
"Reg. No. PA5706(CN), Distributed by Double Nice Co Ltd. 3f-2 No. 325, Wu
Chuan Road, Taichung, Taiwan, Made in China."
Retailer Toys "R" Us Hamco Inc.'s vinyl baby bibs, made in China, found samples of bibs containing excessive amounts of lead. Apparel:
August, 2007:Caterpillar brand boots: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07291.html
incorrectly labeled as resistant to electrical current.
Nov. 2006 Dollar Days International Recalls Children's Parka Jackets with Drawstrings for Strangulation Hazard Description: The jackets come in seven color combinations: black with a grey stripe along the sleeves, light blue with a black stripe along the sleeves, grey with a black stripe along the sleeves, navy blue with a gray stripe along the sleeves, yellow with a grey stripe along the sleeves and navy blue with a white stripe across the chest, and black with a white stripe across the chest. The jacket's zipper goes all the way up to create a mock turtleneck. The removable hood attaches with a zipper and has a drawstring. There is elastic at the sleeves, side pockets, and a drawstring at the waist. Sold at: Dollar Days International stores and online at www.dollardays.com from December 2005 through November 2006 for between $7.50 and $10. Manufactured in: Vietnam Housewares:
Oct. 2007: Sports Authority Recalls Aluminum Water
Bottles Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard - China - The surface paint on
the water bottle contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead
paint standard.
Oct. 2007: Key Chains Recalled by Dollar General Due to Risk of Lead Exposure - China -The key chains contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. This recall involves key chains with a coiled cord and a metal charm with one of the following engraved words: "wisdom", "truth", "believe", "love", "hope", or "dream". The key chains were sold on a cardboard tab with floral designs and the words "Metal Keyring" and "$1" on the front. Oct. 2007: Dollar General Recalls Tumblers Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard - China - Surface paint on the center of the eyes of some of the cups can contain high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. The recall includes green, plastic, Frankenstein head-shaped tumblers. Oct. 2007: Eveready Battery Co. Recalls Toy Flashlights Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard - China - Surface paints on the leather strap attached to the medallion squeeze light contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. The recall involves "Pirates of the Caribbean" medallion squeeze lights, which is gold-colored and about 1¾-inches across. It is attached to a leather strap and metal clasp. Oct. 2007: Salton Inc. and QVC Recall Electric Toasters Due to Fire Hazard - China - The toaster can turn on without bread in the slots and ignite items placed on top of it, posing a fire hazard. This recall involves the "Cook's Essential" four-slice wide slot electric toasters model CET 401. These toasters are made of stainless steel and measure 12 inches long, 13 inches wide and 8 inches high. Each toaster has "Cook's Essentials Classic Look Toaster, Model: CET401" printed on a plate located on the underside of the toaster. Various Metal Key Chains Recalled by Dollar General for Lead Poisoning Hazard sold for 1.25 12/05 - 01/07 Hayes Company Inc. Recalls Outdoor Candles Due to Fire and Burn Hazards Sold at: Ace Hardware stores nationwide from February 2006 through June 2007 for about $8 International Home Fashions and Bilt-Safe Technologies Recall "Classic Beautyrest" Electric Throws Due to Fire Hazard Chopsticks: A Beijing factory recycled used chopsticks and sold up to 100,000 pairs a day without any form of dis-infection. The owner, identified only by his surname Wu, said he had sold the recycled chopsticks for 0.04 Yuan a pair and made an average of about 1,000 Yuan ($130) a day. Wu, who had no license to sell the goods, said he had sold 100,000 pairs a day when business was good. Nov 2006: Pottery Barn Recalls Gourd Candles for Fire Hazard Hazard: The gourd candles can have excessive flame height and could fail to self-extinguish when burning down to the bottom of the candle, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. Description: This recall involves five styles of individual gourd-shaped candles and a set of eight mini-gourd candles. The style number for the candles can be found on the price ticket, receipt or shipping invoice. Gourd-Shaped Candles Style Number Price Sold at: Pottery Barn stores nationwide, the Pottery Barn catalog and PotteryBarn.com from September 2006 through October 2006 for between $12 and $24. Manufactured in: Vietnam. Oct 2004 Hazard: Choking hazard from red plastic feet that can detach from chair legs. Description: Fargglad multi-color children's chairs have the article number 400.548.40 and the supplier number (either 16592 or 17128) on a label on one of the chair's rear legs, or on the underside of the chair seat. The chair has a tubular steel frame with woven multi-color solid plastic piping used for the chair's seat and back. The plastic feet are red. Sold at: IKEA stores sold the recalled children's
chair from May 2003 through September 18, 2004, for about $15. Automotive:
August 2007 Clarion Expands Recall of Vehicle Navigation and
Entertainment System Batteries Due to Burn and Fire Hazards Manufactured in:
South Korea
Tires: June 2007 the Hangzhou tires at issue were sold under at least four brand names Westlake, Compass, Telluride and YKS in these sizes: LT235/75R-15; LT225/75R-16; LT235/85R-16; LT245/75R-16; LT265/75R-16; and LT3X10.5-15. Pharmaceuticals:
The former head of the Chinese drug and food safety agency
was recently sentenced to death for taking bribes from companies he regulated.
Private inspectors hired by U.S. companies to check out foreign plants find very
good ones but also some without walls and that are open to dust and pests,
chemical equipment crowded in ways that could lead to cross-contamination, and
one plant that had a hornet's nest atop a drugmaking vat. There have also been
scandals related to fake or poorly made drugs. Last summer, 11 people were
killed by antibiotics that contained diethylene glycol, an industrial toxin. In
2005, two boys in Guangdong province died from rabies after receiving bogus
vaccinations. A year before, at least 50 babies in Anhui province died and more
than 100 were malnourished after being fed fake milk formula, some of which had
only 6% of the vitamins, minerals and protein needed for a growing infant.
Toothpaste:
Gilchrist & Soames Initiates Urgent
Worldwide Toothpaste Voluntary Recall Manufacturer: Jiangsu Soho Intl. Group
Corp
Flora Fresh Toothpaste Manufacturer: Ningbo Powerwell Fine Chemical Healing Care Toothpaste in Dental Kit Manufacturer: Goldcredit International Enterprises LTD Products: (MainStar America, Selective Imports, Donnamax) Cooldent ICE Oralmax Extreme Pack Kit Bright Max Peppermint Flavor ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste Freshh Spearmint (Following up with Mandalay
International, Ogden, UT) Crescent Toothpaste (Dollar Ocean #4, Wheaton, MD
and H&Y Trading Co, Capitol Heights, MD) Pacific Fluoride Toothpaste Tian Qi Toothpaste The FDA has identified the following counterfeit
products: Food:
Feb. 2008: Pokemon lollipops, bar code 073964209109.
Made in China. Various metals from staples to metal shards found in the
lollipops. The product is imported by Sherwood Brands, and sold in Dollar
Stores. The wrapping was not punctured, the objects had to be embedded during
the manufacturing process.
Nov 2006 A dye farmers fed to ducks to make their eggs look fresher is found to contain cancer-causing properties. June 28, 2007 Seafood: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a broader import control of all farm-raised catfish, basa, shrimp, dace (related to carp), and eel from China and will detain these products at the border until the shipments are proven to be free of residues from drugs that are not approved in the United States for use in farm-raised aquatic animals. The contaminants are antimicrobials nitrofuran, malachite green, gentian violet, and fluoroquinolone. Nitrofuran, malachite green, and gentian violet have been shown to be carcinogenic with long-term exposure in lab animals. The use of fluoroquinolones in food animals may increase antibiotic resistance to this critically important class of antibiotics. None of these substances is approved for use in farm-raised seafood in the United States, and the use of nitrofurans and malachite green in aquaculture is also prohibited by Chinese authorities. Chinese officials have acknowledged that fluoroquinolones are used in Chinese aquaculture and are permitted for use in China. Animal food/treats:
March 2007
Melamine is found in wheat gluten exports from China for use in pet food, prompting a recall of at least 100 pet food brands. Cat Food Recalls: Dog Food Recalls: Ferret Food Recalls: |
[China] - [Cuba] - [North Korea] - [Laos] - [Vietnam] - [Made in U.S.A.] - [Support Taiwan] - [Opinion/Editorial] - [Spread the Word]- [HOME]