Target Corporation Step Stool Recall Widened

On August 4, 2011 Target Corporation announced a recall of 206,000 Circo and Do Your Room (DYR) Stepstools with Storage due to a fall hazard. At that time only eight UPC codes had been identified as being problematic. On August 19^th that recall was expanded to include four additional UPC codes representing 135,000 more step stools, for a total of 341,000 units.

Target received twenty-seven customer complaints that the wooden steps of the stool broke apart during use. Involved in the incidents were fourteen children, eight adults, and the other five of unknown age.  Unfortunately there have been several injuries, including broken wrists, a fractured hip and pelvis, and several bruises and scratches.

The stools were sold for $25-$30 all across the USA in Target’s retail stores and their online marketplace, Target.com.  The chart below, from the CPSC recall notice, shows the specific UPC codes and date ranges affected.

Circo Step Stool with Storage / Photo: CPSC

DYR Step Stool with Storage / Photo: CPSC

The stools come in a variety of different colors, but both stools measure 13” high x 13-5/8” wide x 14-1/8” deep.  Both also have one step that opens upward for storage inside.  The Circo style’s storage is under the bottom step, while the DYR’s storage is under the top step.   Look for the Circo or DYR name and UPC codes imprinted on the bottoms of the stools.

Anyone who purchased the stools listed below should stop using them and return them to your local target store for a refund.

Step Stools With Storage
Brand Name	Style Description	UPC Number	Selling Period
Circo	White step stool w/storage	490970403046 or 180970208597	June 2009-Feb 2010 Feb. 2010-Oct 2010
Circo	Natural step stool w/storage	490970403053 or 180970208610	June 2009-Feb 2010 Feb. 2010-Oct 2010
Circo	Natural & red step stool w/storage	490970403060 or 180970208665	June 2009-Feb 2010 Feb. 2010-Oct 2010
Do Your Room (DYR)	Natural step stool w/storage	097168014338	Jan. 2007-Aug. 2009
Do Your Room (DYR)	Honey step stool w/storage	390970402622	Jan. 2007-Aug. 2009
Do Your Room (DYR)	White	859090000076 or 490970401394	Jan. 2007-Aug. 2009
Do Your Room (DYR)	Pink	801116004445	Jan. 2007-Aug. 2009
Do Your Room (DYR)	Blue	801116004438	Jan. 2007-Aug. 2009

Chart above from CPSC recall notice issued 8-23-11

Target customer service is available to answer questions during the weekdays at (800)

440-0680; or via their website at www.target.com .

Cute Clothing Creates a Choking Concern

Don’t count on buyers always thinking about safety when selecting clothing for infants. You, as a smart consumer, must always be diligent. As we have talked about often on this blog, simple clothing without accessories that can pull off, are always the safest choice.

Photo: CPSC

Once again cute clothing creates a choking hazard, as Target stores and Target.com announced a recall today for about 51, 700 white infant girls sandals.  Although no injuries have been reported, some consumers reported that the small white plastic flowers that decorate the shoe can be detached, resulting in a small part.  Small Parts are a serious choking hazard concern with children under three years of age.

The white Circo Aloma sandals have the Circo name embossed into the tread design of the sole of the footwear.  The Circa line is excusive to Target and these particular sandals were sold in their stores nationwide and online from January thru May 2011.  The sandals sold in infant sizes 2 -5 for $10 a pair.

If your precious little girl has a pair of these sandals, stop using them immediately and return them to any Target store for a refund.  Target Guest Relations can be contacted Monday through Friday at (800) 440-0680 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

Photos of the sandals are available here.