Tabletop propane heaters, toys subject to safety recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Brinkmann Corp. of Dallas, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 outdoor tabletop propane heaters. The heaters can emit high levels of carbon monoxide, which poses a risk of CO poisoning to consumers. Brinkmann received one report of a CO death involving the use of this outdoor heater inside a camper.

The recalled heaters are about 33 inches tall and operate with a disposable 1 pound propane tank, commonly sold in outdoor and camping stores. The base of the heater has a label reading “BRINKMANN OUTDOOR TABLETOP HEATER” and carries the model number 883-1000-0. The heater also has “mood lighting” around the base that is battery operated. These heaters were manufactured in China.

Retailers, including Wal-Mart, Menards, and Galyan’s, sold these heaters from September 2001 through May 2002 at a range of prices up to $100, depending on the retail location.

Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and call Brinkmann at (800) 675-5301 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a full refund.

The Little Tikes Co. of Hudson, Ohio, is recalling about 21,400 “Pop ‘n Scoot Ride-on toys.” Young children who lean forward can fall forward over the handlebars, causing facial injuries.

Little Tikes has received 10 reports of children falling forward over the toy’s handlebars. Seven injuries to children include damaged teeth, stitches to the chin, cuts and scratches to the mouth and face.

The Pop ‘n Scoot Ride-on toy is made of molded plastic with a clear dome filled with colorful beads attached to the handlebars. The toys have a yellow body, a red seat and red handlebars with blue hand grips. The identification number 32922XX 1 is molded on the underside of the ride-on body. The model number 1568-01 and “Made In U.S.A.” is molded on the bottom of the storage area below the red seat. The product was sold for children age 9 months to 36 months old. Toy stores nationwide sold the riding toys from March 2001 through May 13, 2002, for about $20.

Consumers should stop using the toys immediately and contact Little Tikes at www.littletikes.com or call (866) 765-6729 anytime to receive a Little Tykes replacement product.

Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Elverson, Pa., is recalling about 152,000 toy tracks attached to children’s activity centers. The toy track can break, presenting a cut or pinch hazard, and exposed small parts pose a choking hazard to young children. Graco has received 11 reports of the toy tracks breaking. Four children received minor scratches and one child’s finger was pinched.

The recalled activity centers include the Tot Wheels V, models 4511 and 4521, and the Convertible Entertainer, models 4652 and 35225. The model numbers and the words, “made in U.S.A.” are printed on a label on the underside of the tray on the activity centers. The green wavy toy track sits on the tray of the activity center. Five objects spin and slide along the toy track.

Discount, department and juvenile product stores sold the activity centers nationwide from November 2001 through May 2002 for between $30 and $70.

Consumers should stop using these activity centers with toy tracks immediately, and contact Graco to receive a free replacement track. For more information, consumers can contact Graco at (800) 673-0392 anytime or visit the firm’s web site at www.gracobaby.com.

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