Approximately 45,000 pacifiers have been recalled due to choking fears. Antonio Flores recalled its Karino pacifiers due to concerns that they didn’t meet federal safety standards. There are several problems with these pacifiers: the mouth guard isn’t large enough, it doesn’t have any ventilation holes, the handle is too long, and the nipple can easily separate from the base. All these problems can lead to the pacifiers being a choking hazard. Although no injuries have been reported, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wanted these items recalled before there was an incident.
The 25 cent pacifiers were made in Mexico and are clearly labeled “Karino.” If you shopped at independent grocery stores in California and Texas between October 2009 and March 2010 and bought these pacifiers, you can get a refund or exchange. Call Antonio Flores at 619-395-4535 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for more information.
Also being recalled this week are 1.3 million window shades. Smith+Noble has recalled 1.3 million of its window shades, based on the advice of the CPSC.
There are two types of window shades involved in the recall – Roman and roller shades. The Roman shades are being recalled because strangulation could happen if a child placed his or her neck between the inner cord and fabric on the backside or if the child is able to pull the cord out and get it wrapped round his or her neck. The roller shade too could cause strangulation if the continuous loop were not attached to either the floor or wall by the tension device that was provided. A five year old boy was tangled in the continuous loop of the roller shade, but did not require any medical treatment.
The Roman shades recalled include the brand names Christopher Lowell by Smith+Noble, Jessit Gold, Shop Blinds, Smith+Noble, and Window Elements. Roller shades without the tension device on the continuous loop cord are being recalled. The shades were all sold online at Smith+Noble or through its catalog for between $100 and $1,600 from 1998 until April 2010.
Repair kits can be obtained by calling the Window Covering Safety Council at 800-506-4636. If you didn’t attach the tension device and no longer have it, you can also receive a free replacement by calling the number above. For more information, call Smith+Noble at 877-228-7638.