Recall recap: Champion Portable Generators; Bose Home Theater Speaker Systems; Britax Convertible Child Seats and more
By Rita Colorito on November 9, 2012 in
Well, it may be getting colder outside, but the heat is on with several recalled products this week. For those still without power thanks to Sandy, you'll want to avoid using certain Champion portable generators. Nearly 9,000 of these units were recalled because fuel can leak from the carburetor, posing a fire hazard to consumers and property. And the following other products were recalled because they pose a fire or burn hazard: Master Forge gas grills; Halloween projection lights; Hustler and BigDog lawn mowers; and Bose home theater speaker systems.
In other news, Britax recalled three different models of convertible child seats because they pose a choking hazard to children. And, salmonella and E-coli continue to make healthy food choices unhealthy. For all the details, read on.
Fire hazards
Champion Power Equipment recalled 8,600 portable generators after 11 reports of fuel leaking from the carburetor, including eight reports of the generator catching fire and two reports of related property damage. The recall involves portable generators with model number 41332 and model number 41532. The generators were sold exclusively at Costco Wholesale stores nationwide from December 2011 through July 2012. Consumers may contact Champion Power Equipment at (855) 236-9424 or email support@cpeauto.com, for a free repair kit to be installed by an authorized dealer, or return the unit to Costco for a full refund. For more information, click on the "Important Product Recall Notice" link on the company's website. Looking to replace or purchase a portable generator, read our report.
A fuel leak caused Excel Industries to recall nearly 18,000 Hustler and BigDog Lawn Mowers. The firm is aware of 152 incidents of the vent valve fittings failing, causing fuel to leak. While this poses a fire hazard, no injuries or property damage have been reported. The recalled mowers were sold at Hustler and BigDog dealers nationwide from September 2010 to May 2012. Consumers may contact a Hustler or BigDog dealer to schedule an appointment for a free repair. Excel is contacting its customers directly, but consumers may reach the firm at (800) 748-8223. Our lawn mower report offers six top picks as alaternatives.
Lowe's recalled some 37,000 Master Forge Gas Grills because if improperly installed, the hose connecting the gas tank and regulator to the burner control may touch the burner box and cause the hose to melt and rupture when the grill is lit, posing a fire and burn hazard to the user and those nearby. The manufacturer, Guangdong Vanward, has received two reports of hoses melting and rupturing, though no injuries. The recall involves Master Forge Gas Grills with model number GD4825 sold exclusively at Lowe's stores nationwide from November 2011 through May 2012. Consumers should contact Guangdong Vanward Electric at (888) 584-3648 for revised installation instructions and a warning label to apply to the grill that shows how to properly install the hose and the regulator. To avoid getting burned when shopping for a new gas grill, our gas grill report offers the latest reviews.
In home entertainment news, Bose Corporation recalled 20,500 Dual-Voltage CineMate II Home Theater Speaker Systems. A component in the bass module can fail when used outside of the United States in electrical outlets rated at 220 volts or higher. Bose has received two reports of the bass modules igniting when used in 220-volt electrical outlets in Europe. Why is this a problem? The recalled systems were sold at U.S. Military Exchanges and select U.S. retailers from September 2009 through September 2012, so if your family happens to be based overseas, this theater system poses a fire hazard to you. Consumers may contact Bose at (877) 354-1004 to arrange for a free repair or replacement of the bass module. Consumers outside the United States may reach Bose at 001 (508) 614-1842 or get more information online. Want a replacement system? Check out the top picks in home theater.
Other consumer product recalls
Britax recalled three models of convertible child car seats because the soft HUGS chest pad material may be bitten or chewed into pieces by a child using the seat, posing a choking hazard. The 55,455 recalled units include: the Britax Advocate 70 G3; Britax Boulevard 70 G3; and the Britax Pavilion 70 G3, all manufactured from June 2012 through August 2012. Britax will provide registered owners with replacement HUGS pads that are made from a firmer material and replacement instructions free of charge. Owners may remove the HUGS pads, using the online instructional video and continue using the seat until replacement pads are received. Owners may contact Britax Customer Service Department at (888) 427-4829 with questions or to request replacement pads if they haven't previously registered with Britax. For a replacement car seat, check out our top picks.
Sauder Woodworking recalled 70,000 Gruga Office Chairs after receiving 17 reports of seat plates breaking, including two reports of consumers receiving bumps and bruises from the fall hazard. The recall involves 31 Gruga chair models sold at Meijer, Menard's, Shopko and Target and a variety of retail outlets nationwide, and online retailers including BestBuy.com and Kohls.com from August 2009 to September 2012. Consumers may contact Sauder at (888) 800-4590 for a free replacement seat plate and attachment tool. If you want a new office chair, consult our report for the best options.
In food safety recalls
- Bolthouse Farms, limited quantity of Bolthouse Farms 16-ounce Carrot Chips, possible salmonella contamination;
- Charlee Bear, Protein Crunch Bars, possible salmonella contamination; and
- Kroger Deluxe French Vanilla Ice Cream, sold at the company's Dillons, King Soopers/City Market, Fry's Food and Smith's Food & Drug operating divisions in 11 states, undeclared pecan allergens.
And Wegmans Food Market issued three recalls:
- Some 31,000 lbs. of Wegmans Organic Spinach and Spring Mix sold in 5 oz. (UPC 77890 16437) and 11 oz. (UPC 77890 16411) clam shell packages in the produce department of its stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts between October 14 and November 1, possible E.coli contamination;
- All code dates of Wegmans Pumpkin Roll, sold between September 1 and October 30, 2012, in all 81 stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Virginia, the product may contain pieces of clear plastic from the packaging, which may be sharp or could present a choking hazard; and
- An expanded recall of Wegmans Gluten Free; Double Chocolate Brownie Mix, All Purpose Baking Mix, Honey Cornbread Mix, and Chocolate Cake Mix, undeclared milk, soy or pecan allergens.
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