RXV Golf Cars recalled by E-Z-GO after 9 reports of broken bones, abrasions

Hip restraints can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers

On June 27, 2008, E-Z-GO recalled about 16,500 RXV Golf Cars because the hip restraints on the cars can detach at the base, posing a fall hazard to consumers. The company received 20 reports of hip restraints breaking, including nine reports of broken bones and abrasions resulting from falls.

Included in the recall are electric and gasoline-powered Fleet RXV, Freedom RXV and RXV Shuttle 2+2 golf cars. Model names and the E-Z-GO logo are printed on the sides and front panel of the recalled vehicles. Serial numbers, ranging from 9300001 to 9300188 and 5000000 to 5021328, are printed on a plate attached to the steering column, as well as the front and rear frames.

Independent golf car dealers and E-Z-GO sold the recalled RXV Golf Cars nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 for between $7,000 and $9,000.

Consumers are advised to contact the nearest E-Z-GO dealer to arrange for a free repair. For more information, customers may contact E-Z-GO at 800-774-3946, or visit the company’s website.

Source: “E-Z-GO recalls RXV golf cars due to fall hazard,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert #08-591, June 27, 2008.

Remote Controlled Indoor Helicopters recalled due to risk of battery overheating

Westminster Inc. received seven reports of overheating, two reports of property damage

On June 26, 2008, Westminster Inc. recalled about 102,000 “Thunder Wolf” Remote Controlled Indoor Helicopters after receiving seven reports of overheating and/or melting of the helicopter. Included in the consumer reports were one report of flames and two reports of minor property damage.

The rechargeable battery located inside the recalled helicopter can overheat, which poses a fire/burn hazard to consumers.

The recalled “Thunder Wolf” Remote Controlled Indoor Helicopter is made of foam and plastic in various colors and is sold with a controller and a separate charger. The helicopter measures about 7 inches by 3 inches, and has “TW0996” printed on the tail of the helicopter. Helicopters that do not have the words “Made in China” stamped on the underside of the helicopter are the only helicopters included in the recall.

Retail stores nationwide sold the recalled Westminster helicopters from June 2007 through December 2007 for about $20.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop playing with the recalled “Thunder Wolf” Remote Controlled Indoor Helicopters and contact Westminster Inc. at 800-618-0023 for a refund. For more information, customers may also visit the company’s website or email the company.

Source: “Westminster Inc. recalls Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys due to risk of fire,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #08-315, June 26, 2008.

Playground Tire Swings recalled by Miracle Recreation Equipment after three reports of injuries

Tire Swings pose a fall hazard to consumers

On June 24, 2008, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company recalled about 1,400 Playground Tire Swings because the hanger clamp can fail, which can cause the tire swing to detach. This poses a fall hazard to children.

The company received three injury reports, including two reports of cuts requiring stitches and one report of a fractured foot.

Recalled Tire Swings consists of a tire that hangs from a swivel and three chains, and includes the following products and model numbers:

• Kids’ Choice Arch Tire Swing Sets, Model # 714-852,
• Kids’ Choice Arch Tire Swing Extension, Model # 714-852-X, and
• Kids’ Choice Arch Tire Swing Swivel Replacement, Model # 278.

Authorized dealers sold the recalled tire swings to schools, parks and municipalities nationwide from February 1995 through March 2008 for between $570 and $2,100.

Consumers are advised to immediately remove the tire swing, including the swivel, chains and tire, from the hanger clamp until a free repair kit is installed. For more information, customers should contact Miracle Recreation by calling 800-523-4202, by visiting their website, or by mailto:recalls@miraclerec.com the company.

Source: “Miracle Recreation Recalls Tire Swings Due to Fall Hazard,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #08-587, June 24, 2008.

Kroger expands ground beef recall due to foodborne illness from E. coli outbreak

Ongoing investigation prompts recall

On July 3, 2008, The Kroger Co. expanded an earlier recall of ground beef products due to an ongoing investigation of a foodborne illness from E. coli outbreak. Included in the recall are ground beef products that were packaged in Styrofoam trays and wrapped in clear cellophane at the following Kroger establishments:

• Fred Meyer - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/05/08,”
• QFC - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/05/08,”
• Kroger stores (except in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Knoxville, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Kroger Mid-Atlantic division - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/19/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Fry’s - “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Ralph’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Smith’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Baker’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08,”
• King Soopers - Product with “Sell By” dates between “6/20/08” and “07/03/08,”
• City Market - Product with “Sell By” dates between “06/20/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Hilander - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Owen’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Pay Less - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Scott’s - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/21/08” and “07/03/08,”
• Dillons - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08,” and
• Gerbes - Product with “Sell By” dates between “05/17/08” and “07/03/08.”

Also included in the recall are 16-ounce packages of “Private Selection Natural Ground Beef,” with “Sell By” dates between “07/11/08” and “07/21/08.” This recalled product was distributed to Kroger retail establishments, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, Smith’s and Fry’s stores.

Consumers are urged to check refrigerators and freezers to determine if they own a recalled Kroger ground beef product, and, if they do, to throw it away or return it for a refund.

Consumers may contact the Kroger Consumer Hotline at 800-632-6900. For more information, customers may also “AskKaren,” the Food Safety and Inspection Service virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture Hotline is available at 1-888-674-6854.

Source: “Ohio firm expands recall of ground beef products due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination,” Food Safety and Inspection Service Release R01-2008, July 3, 2008.

13.8-volt power supplies recalled by RadioShack due to electrocution, fire hazards

Recalled power supplies are incorrectly wired

On July 2, 2008, RadioShack Corp. recalled about 160,000 13.8V DC Power Supplies because they were wired incorrectly, posing an electrocution hazard and a fire/burn hazard to consumers.

Included in the recall are power supplies with catalog numbers 22-507 and 22-508, and with date codes from 08A04 through 01A08. Both numbers can be found on the back of the recalled power supply.

RadioShack stores nationwide sold the recalled 13.8V DC Power Supplies from October 2004 through January 2008 for between $50 and $85.

Consumers are advised to immediately unplug the recalled RadioShack power supply and take it to any RadioShack store for a free repair. For more information, customers may contact RadioShack at 800-843-7422, or visit the company’s website.

Source: “RadioShack recalls power supplies due to electrocution and fire hazards,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #08-319, July 2, 2008.