Serious Injuries Caused by Arm & Hammer Spinbrush

Photo: http://i.telegraph.co.uk 

Toothbrushes are designed to promote good oral hygiene. Dentist all over the world praise the benefits of using of electric toothbrushes for the most effective dental cleaning and plaque removal.  These mechanically-aided brushes help users get to all those hard to reach spots at the back of the jaw and at the gum lines. Battery-operated brushes for young children have become quite popular as well, allowing them to be more consistent in their brushing technique.

These power-brushes must be used under adult supervision, where an adult can both guide and encourage the youngster in their brushing habits. However, even under adult supervision, surprising safety concerns have come to light with the Arm & Hammer Spinbrush (called the Crest Spinbrush prior to 2009.)

The FDA has had reports of parts of the brush breaking off in use. Because the part is spinning at a high speed, the small parts have not only presented a choking hazard, but have also chipped teeth and created mouth, throat and eye injuries. Children have experienced cuts to lips, burns from the batteries, and even released bristles lodging in a youngster’s tonsils.

During a 2011 FDA inspection at the manufacturing plant of Church & Dwight Co. Inc., evidence was uncovered that the company had received several customer reports about the problems with the brushes. None of the complaints had been reported to the FDA as required.  In May 2011, Church & Dwight Co, Inc. was cited with reporting violations of serious injuries.

Since that time Church & Dwight Company, Inc. has issued public television and print safety notices, a safety warning on their website and company voice mail.  Structurally, the brush has been improved by adding bristles that change colors when the brush head is scheduled to be replaced, and improved labeling of replacement timeline.

The specific models involved in the Safety Alert are:

• Spinbrush ProClean
• Spinbrush ProClean Recharge
• Spinbrush Pro Whitening
• Spinbrush SONIC
• Spinbrush SONIC Recharge
• Spinbrush Swirl
• Spinbrush Classic Clean
• Spinbrush For Kids

In a press release issued today, the FDA is recommending following precautionary steps be taken by supervising adult before and during use of the brush. If ANY of the issues listed below are found DO NOT USE THE BRUSH.

• Adult must inspect the Spinbrush it for damage, cracks or loose bristles. If any defects are seen, don’t use the brush, and report the problem to Church & Dwight at 1-800-352-3384 or 1-800-561-0752.
• Make sure the head of the brush is tightly attached to the brush handle.
• Test the brush outside of your mouth before using. If the connection feels loose  do not use the brush. Use the number above to report it to Church & Dwight.
• Warn the child not to bite down on the brush head while brushing.  
• Always supervise children (and adults) who may need help when using the Spinbrush.
• Follow all instructions and replacement guidelines included with the Spinbrush.
• Injuries or problems should be reported to MedWatch—FDA's Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program using the Online Voluntary Reporting Form 3055

Contact FDA with questions or concerns by Fax at 800-FDA-0178  or by Phone at 800-332-1088.

Bumbleride Strollers recalled for fall hazard

In 2004, Bumbleride, Inc. was launched and a line of infant mobility products was born. Focused on ergonomic designs in strollers and on-the-go accessories for the active new family, Bumbleride has recently experienced a rather significant bump in the road.  In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,700 of their Indie and Indie Twin strollers are being recalled.

The company has received thirty-seven reports from consumers that the front wheel cracked or broke at the axle causing the stroller to tip over during use.  Minor injuries of the young passengers have been reported. Although these thirty-seven incidents represent only 0.1% of the strollers sold and in use, Bumbleride has worked with an independent engineering firm to increase the strength of the front wheel . The kit can be installed by customers.

The affected Bumbleride products were sold nationwide at retail and online baby stores from January 2009 through January 2012. Here’s what to look for:

• Indie Stroller Model numbers affected are I-107, I-110 and I-205
• Date of manufacture – on white sticker attached to side frame near the seat
• Sold in multiple colors

• Indie Twin Stroller Model numbers affected are IT-108, IT-111, and IT-305.
• Date of manufacture – on white sticker attached to underside of stroller handle
• Sold in multiple colors

Consumers who purchased the Indie or Indie Twin strollers with a manufacture date between January 2009 through August 2011 are asked to stop using the strollers and contact Bumbleride immediately for the retrofit kit and instructions for assembly.  They can be reached by phone at (800) 530-3930, or via email at support@bumbleride.com. Customers can also apply for the kit on line at this link.

For additional information and Health Canada alert, follow this link

Snaps on Weeplay Kids/Carter's infant garments pose choking hazard

Carter’s Watch the Wear and Sleep ‘n Play Garments have a problem.  Well, at least 128,000 of them do.  The manufacturer, Weeplay Kids LLC, has received thirty reports of the snaps pulling off the one-piece infant wear. If detached, the snap becomes a small part that poses a serious choking hazard to young children and particularly infants.  Although no injuries have been reported, Weeplay Kids is voluntarily recalling specific production runs of these products in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

As shown in the photos here, the recall covers sets sold in packs of two, three and five different pastel colored and printed design fabrics. The name Carter’s Watch the Wear appears on the front of the packaging and on the inner neckline of each piece.  The style number is printed on the back of the product packaging.

The following style numbers, made in Bangladesh, are involved in the recall:   

Watch the Wear Bodysuit

• N8963LB
• N8963LG
• N8963LN
• N8964B1
• N8964B2
• N8964G1
• N8964G2
• N8964LB
• N8964LG
• N8964LN
• N8964N1
• N8991LW

Five-pack Bodysuit

Watch the Wear Sleep ‘n Play

• N8965LB
• N8965LG
• N8965LN

The CPSC press release indicates that the following U.S. retail stores carried these sets from November 2010 and through August 2011.

• Big Lots
• Century 21
• Conway
• Cookies
• Cost Mart
• DD’s Discount
• Edison Childrenswear
• Gabriel Brothers
• Kiddy Time
• Kids Place
• Kidstown
• National Stores
• Pamida Stores
• Real Value
• Regine’s
• R.H. Reny
• Ross
• Shoppers World
• Valley Wholesale
• Variety Wholesalers
• Youngland 

Customers who identify their product as one involved in this recall should stop using the garment and contact Weeplay Kids directly for free replacements.

The company can be contacted by phone at (888) 226-2200 or by e-mail at info@weeplaykids.com