Near Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEA

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: MELINA Roman Blinds

Units: About 120,000

Distributor: IKEA Home Furnishings, of Conshohocken, Pa.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. The Roman blind has a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a strangulation hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and IKEA received a report of a 2-year-old boy who suffered a near strangulation. His mother found him hanging from the looped bead chain.

Description: This recall includes all sizes/colors of MELINA Roman blinds. These blinds have a sewn-in label at the top edge of the blind with the IKEA logotype, article name (MELINA), 5-digit supplier number 19395, four digit date stamp (YYWW) and the words "Made in Taiwan". On the bottom edge of the blind there is a sewn-in orange/white safety warning label. The blinds are made from 100% polyester.

Sold at: IKEA stores nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $20 and $40.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Roman blinds and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.ikea-usa.com

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page