As new products enter the American consumer market, agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission receive and investigate reports of manufactured goods failing, sometimes causing extensive injury and property damage. When products do not meet governmental safety standards, whether discovered by consumers or reported by the manufacturer, recalls are issued so consumers can return or repair faulty items and prevent harm.

In August 2016, more than 40 products were recalled, ranging from heavy equipment to baby toys.

1. Babies ‘R’ Us Pacifier Clips: These fun and colorful pacifier clips were sold exclusively at Babies ‘R’ Us stores, and feature a round plastic cover affixed to a metal spring clip, with the model number 5F6237F engraved on the back cover. The spring clip can break, releasing small parts and creating a choking hazard. If you purchased one of these clips, it should be returned to the store for a full refund.
2. Whirlpool Microwave Ovens:   Sold between January 2014 and April 2016, the Whirlpool microwave oven hood combinations included in the recall have caused a house fire and several fires causing extensive damage to cabinetry due to problems with internal arcing during use.  A full list of affected model and serial numbers is available on the manufacturer’s website.
3. Starbucks Stainless Steel Straws: The coffee giant recently recalled these beverage straws to provide better safety warnings. The straws are rigid, and have caused mouth injuries to children while drinking. Consumers should not allow children to handle or sue these straws.
4. McDonald’s “Step-iT” Activity Wristbands: During the week of August 9-17, 2016, 29 million of these wristbands were sold exclusively at McDonald’s restaurants as part of the Happy Meal. The wristbands are known to pose a burn risk to children and should be returned to the restaurant for replacement.
5. John Deere Tractor Backhoe Attachment: The mounting hardware on these compact utility tractor attachments can come loose, causing the frame of the backhoe to rotate toward the operator, posing a crushing hazard. A complete list of serial numbers and models included in this recall are available on the manufacturer’s website.
6. M&M’s Jewelry: The Mars Retail Group reports that jewelry sold at its M&M’s World stores in Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and Henderson, NV from May 2015 to July 2016. The earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings included in the recall all feature the iconic ‘m’ as a charm or other feature. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled jewelry, place the items out of the reach of children, and contact M&M’S World or visit an M&M’S World store to return the jewelry for a full refund.
7. Safety 1st Travel System: Dorel Juvenile, maker of the Safety 1st “Step and Go Travel System” reports that the stroller tray folding mechanism can partially disengage on model TR314 when the infant system is attached, posing a fall risk. Consumers should contact Safety 1 ^st for a repair kit.
8. Sauder Woodworking Dresser: Sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores, these chests of drawers do not comply with safety standards, posing a serious tipping hazard.  Sauder Woodworking reports that the recall is due to a manufacturing problem, and they are contacting all known purchasers directly– sending free repair kits and wall anchoring kits. If a consumer is unable or unwilling to attach the repair kit, they should contact the company for a full refund. Consumers who request a refund will be provided instructions by Sauder on how to safely dispose of the chests.
9. Xenith Youth Football Helmets: This recall involves Xenith Epic Varsity, X2 Varsity, X2E Varsity and Youth football helmets with a gloss or metallic-painted polycarbonate shell sold or factory-reconditioned between May 1, 2015 and March 18, 2016. These helmets were sold by dealers through direct sales to schools and through retailers. The outer shell of the helmet can crack, posing serious risk of head injury. Recalled helmets should be returned to Xenith for replacement; full list of serial numbers included in the recall is available on their website.
10. Alex Toys Infant Building Play Sets: Building sets with small, plastic pieces that are meant to snap together and be pulled apart, sold under the Alex Jr. Baby Builder, First Snaps and First Pops brands, have small end pieces that have disconnected, posing a choking hazard. A full list of product numbers involved in the recall is available on the website. Consumers affected by the recall should take the toys away from children immediately and contact the company for a prepaid shipping envelope to return the sets for a full refund.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a faulty or recalled product, it is important to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney . At Harris Law , we pride ourselves on fighting for the rights of the injured when manufacturers drop the ball. Call us today at 231.347.4444 or fill out the free consultation form in the sidebar to schedule your personal consultation.