By Rita Colorito on February 1, 2013 in
Air bag problems plagued both Honda and Toyota recently: Honda recalled some 750,000 2009-2013 Pilot SUVs and 2011-2013 Odyssey minivans as a result. Toyota recalled various makes and models, though a much fewer number, at just 3,235 vehicles.
The largest recall this week goes to Hy Cite, for 1.7 million pots and pans of Royal Prestige 9-Ply Thermal Wall Cookware, which can collapse while in use. And 75,600 Perfect Resistance Bands, by Implus Footcare, sold exclusively at Walmart were recalled because they can snap off, posing an injury hazard.
For these and other recalls, read on.
Auto recalls
Honda recalled certain model year 2009-2013 Pilots and 2011-2013 Odysseys, manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012, because rivets on the airbag cover may be missing, and may affect airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Honda will notify owners beginning on, or about, February 16, 2013. Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag module and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at (800) 999-1009.
Airbag issues with various Toyota make and models stem from improper calibration during vehicle upgrades to leather seat covers, seat heaters, or headrest DVD. As a result, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed, posing the risk of injury during a crash. The following were recalled by Southeast Toyota Distributors: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. Southeast Toyota has begun notifying owners, and dealers will recalibrate the occupant sensing system as necessary. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at (800) 301-6859.
Consumer product recalls
Stainless steel's melting point is 2550 degrees Fahrenheit, heat far higher than any kitchen stove could possibly generate. Yet this week Hy Cite Enterprises recalled 1.7 million Royal Prestige 9-Ply Thermal Wall Cookware because the cookware can collapse, warp, or severely deform when exposed to heat, posing a burn and fire hazard to the consumer and nearby property. There have been 1,136 such reports of cookware collapsing, crimping or deforming, including one of consumers getting splattered with hot oil when their pan collapsed inward. The cookware was sold through independent distributors of Hy Cite Enterprises through door-to-door sales. Consumers may contact Hy Cite Enterprises at (800) 609-9577 for instructions for sending the cookware to the firm for repair. Damaged pots and pans will be replaced or if you are looking for another alternative, check out our best picks.
Resistance bands might be tough on your workout, but they shouldn't hurt you literally. Implus Footcare recalled 75,600 Perfect Resistance Bands, sold exclusively at WalMart, and online, because the band may break off from the cloth loops, posing an injury hazard to users or those nearby. Twelve such incidents have been reported, including injuries to the back, hand, and eye. For a full refund, consumers may contact Implus Footcare at (800) 446-7587 select option 2, via email at recall@4implus.com, or online at www.perfectonline.com/recalls.
Mattress Cloud recalled 1,400 new and renovated (rebuilt) twin, full, queen and king mattresses sets, including all mattresses manufactured prior to January 25, 2012. The mattresses fail to meet federal flammability standards. Consumers may contact Mattress Cloud at (855) 622-4233 or via at mattresscloud@yahoo.com.
Dolan Northwest recalled some 1,100 Burien floor lamps because the lamp's on/off foot switch can fail and melt, resulting in shock and fire hazards. The firm has received three reports of melting switches, including one report of damage to the surrounding floor. The recalled lamps were sold at Seattle Lighting, Globe Lighting, and Builders Lighting showrooms in the Pacific Northwest and online at DestinationLighting.com from November 2010 through September 2012. Consumers may return the recalled lamp to the store for a repair. The store will replace the on/off foot switch with a new plug and dimmer. Consumers who purchased the lamps online should contact Dolan NW, at (888) 213-5758 or via email at floorlamprecall@destinationlighting.com, for a replacement lamp.
Food recalls
- Annie's, Annie's Homegrown Frozen Pizza, possible presence of fragments of flexible metal mesh;
- Bimbo Bakeries, Thomas', Sara Lee, Publix and Weight Watcher's Bagels, presence of small metal fragments;
- ConAgra Foods, Hunt's Tomato Sauce, defect in can's inner lining;
- Hartz Mountain Corporation, Hartz Chicken Chews and Hartz Oinkies Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs, contain trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue;
- Sprouters Northwest, 1953 pounds of alfalfa, clover, brocco sandwich sprouts, and spicy sprouts, possible listeria contamination; and
- Whole Foods, Whole Catch Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, possible listeria contamination.
