CPSC Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Graco Strollers and Travel Systems
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Graco Children's Products Inc., of Georgia is announcing a voluntary recall of certain Graco strollers and travel systems due to fingertip amputation and laceration hazards.
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Recall Involves 1.5 Million Units of 3 Types of Strollers/Travel Systems
The recall involves about 1.5 million units of Graco Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and travel systems manufactured by Graco in China. The product was sold nationwide at AAFES, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies "R" Us, Toys "R" Us, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other retailers from October 2004 to December 2009.
Only Units with Specific Hinge Mechanisms Subject to Recall
Graco manufactured two different styles of hinge mechanisms for these stroller models. Only strollers or travel systems with a plastic, jointed hinge mechanism that has indented canopy positioning notches (see photo in press release) are included in this recall. The model number and manufacture date are located on the lower inside portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels. (See press release for specific model numbers and hinge mechanisms.)
Reports of Fingertip Amputations & Lacerations
The hinges on the stroller's canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy. Graco has received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller's canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip lacerations.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.
Recall Has Received Elevated Level of Publicity by CPSC
Most often, CPSC simply lists products subject to recalls on its Website. However, CPSC sometimes provides more significant coverage of specific recalls, such as it did in this case.
CPSC sources explain that the following factors go into the agency's decision to more intensely publicize a recall: (i)the level of risk and whether the product has been linked to actual injury or death or just the possibility of injury and death; (ii) the number of units affected; (iii) the product type, with children's products generally receiving more emphasis.
CPSC press release (Release 10-115, dated 01/20/10) available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10115.html