Products are recalled when the product in question has a safety or quality concern related to a manufacturing or design defect that could harm consumers. Consumer goods like toys or electronics can be recalled. Drugs, food, and cosmetics can also be recalled if they pose a danger to public health. Recalls for food and drugs are handled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and consumer goods recalls are handled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Recalls for CPSC related items can either be self-reported by the company that makes the product or the CPSC is notified by reports from consumers. Once a recall is initiated, the company who manufactured the product has a duty to inform consumers about the recall, provide guidance on what to do with the product, and offer a remedy to make everything better. Below are three products that were recalled in September of 2021.
- Ivena Shower Benches
On September 9, 2021, Ivena International recalled 70,000 units of its teak shower benches due to a fall hazard. The bench can collapse during use, which could lead to a consumer falling and injuring themselves. The recalled benches are 20 inches and made of light brown teak with padding on the feet. The benches were sold at Costco stores nationwide and on Costco.com from October 2018 through June 2021. Consumers should immediately cease use of this product and return them to Costco for a full refund. Costco is contacting all known purchasers directly. To date, 81 reports of the benches collapsing, breaking during use, or falling apart have been received. Of the 81 reports, some reports of injuries include a fractured tailbone, persistent head and body aches, and bruising have been received.
- Top Paw Dog Bowls
On September 1, 2021, PetSmart recalled 100,300 units of its Top Paw Double Diner Dog Bowls due to a laceration hazard. The gasket on the base of the bowls can come off, leaving an unfinished edge that could result in a laceration. The recalled bowls are a set of two metal dog food bowls elevated off the ground in a metal base surrounded by a plastic gasket and have a dog paw print on the front and back. They were sold at PetSmart stores nationwide and on PetSmart.com from October 2017 through June 2021. Consumers should stop using the bowls immediately and return them to any PetSmart store for a full refund. To date, PetSmart has received three reports of lacerations to consumer’s hands.
- Step2 Learning Towers
On September 2, 2021, The Step2 Company recalled 1,570 units of its StepUp Sidekick Learning Towers due to a fall hazard. The storage tray with cup holders and steps can come loose from the tower, which could result in a child falling. The tower has a white exterior with a gray tray and includes two cup holders, a seat, and a step. The towers were sold online at Step2.com and Amazon.com during May 2021. Consumers should immediately stop using the towers and contact Step2 for a full refund or credit. To date, Step2 has received 20 reports of storage trays or steps coming loose from the tower, including one report of a child suffering minor injuries after falling from the tower.
If you or someone you know was injured by a product, you need to contact a product defect lawyer, like one from Eglet Adams, for more information on whether you may have a case.